“That room has broken stronger people than you,” Mrs. Gordon whispered.

Maya glanced up the staircase toward the forbidden floor. “Maybe they just tried to enter it alone.”

Mrs. Gordon’s eyes softened, just for a moment.

Arthur appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing no suit jacket—only a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms—and in his hand was the silver key.

He didn’t greet them. He walked to the end of the hallway, Maya following. Mrs. Gordon stayed several steps behind, one hand pressed to her chest.

At the locked door, Arthur stopped and simply stared for a long time. Maya heard his breathing change as he braced himself.