Chapter Four: No One Behind the Door

Lu Chenzhou pressed his ear to the panel. Three more knocks came from inside. Two short. One long. Su Wanqing reached for the lock, but he caught her wrist. The sound was too soft and too even, repeating every fifteen seconds. A living person would hesitate, grow desperate, or change rhythm after hearing someone outside. This signal did none of those things. “It isn't her,” Chenzhou said. Bai Yi's footsteps approached from the far end of the corridor. “The estate is old. Even the rats have learned to knock.” Chenzhou faced him. “Do the rats remember my family signal?” Bai Yi produced a key. Moldy air rolled out when the door opened.