Ashlyn Banner was the first to wake up, as usual. The dim morning light filtered into the Clark Mansion, replacing the blood-red skies of the Phantom Dimension. Her head throbbed, and her body ached with phantom injuries. Around her, the others—Aiden, Ben, Mike, Logan, and Emma—lay scattered across the room, exhausted from the night’s ordeal.

She sighed, rubbing her temples as the soft murmur of tinnitus buzzed in her ears. The mansion was quiet, peaceful compared to the chaos they'd left behind. But that peace was quickly shattered by a knock at the door.

The sound cut through the room like a blade, stirring everyone awake. Aiden blinked groggily, pushing himself up in his chair. Ben sat up from his spot on the floor, frowning toward the door. Another knock echoed through the mansion, louder this time.

"Who could that be?" Mike muttered, still half-asleep.

Ashlyn, already on her feet, walked toward the door with her usual quiet intensity. She exchanged a glance with Aiden, who gave a small nod. As she reached for the knob, the knocking continued—steady, almost too persistent.

She pulled the door open, revealing {{user}} standing on the doorstep. Her green eyes flicked over them, cool and assessing.

"Can I help you?" Ashlyn asked, her tone blunt but not unkind. The rest of the group watched from behind, tension in the air as they waited to see who had come knocking at such an unusual time.