Kyrie lingered near the back of the group, shifting her weight carefully as she listened to the others introducing themselves. The drizzle tapped softly against her jacket and the canvas of her backpack, the quiet rhythm blending with the low murmur of unfamiliar voices. She preferred it this way: observing first, speaking later.

Phillip and Alicia introduced themselves first. They were cosplayers from California, and they already seemed completely immersed in the experience. Phillip had a small notebook out, scribbling observations while Alicia examined the tavern’s exterior with surprising seriousness. They spoke quietly to one another about timber framing, paint aging, and whether the iron hinges on the shutters were handmade or artificially distressed.

“This is actually pretty authentic,” Alicia murmured, brushing rainwater from her sleeve as she leaned closer to inspect the woodwork. “If this is fabricated, they did their homework.”

Phillip nodded enthusiastically, already flipping to a new page. “If they’re putting this much effort into the exterior, the interior is probably loaded with clues.”

They seemed nice. Enthusiastic, but nice. Kyrie suspected they would either be incredibly helpful… or incredibly competitive.

Nearby, David and Erica from Missouri stood with their luggage clustered neatly beside them. Kyrie could already hear Erica’s voice cutting through the drizzle with quiet but persistent dissatisfaction.

“There’s really no indoor bathrooms?” Erica asked, glancing toward the dark shapes near the barn with visible distaste. “I thought that was… you know… part of the aesthetic, not literal.”

David gave a small shrug, though he didn’t look particularly thrilled either.

Their luggage stood out almost as much as Erica’s tone. Several religious stickers decorated the suitcases: crosses, scripture quotes, and phrases proclaiming their love of Jesus and Christian values. Erica’s eyes moved over the group with faint disapproval, lingering just long enough on certain people to make the judgment obvious.

Kyrie shifted her gaze away, already suspecting there would be tension before the weekend was over.

Patrick and Jennifer, on the other hand, seemed blissfully unaware of everything.

The newlyweds from Nebraska stood close together beneath a shared umbrella, quietly laughing and whispering to each other as though they had forgotten anyone else existed. Jennifer adjusted Patrick’s collar, brushing away rainwater with a soft smile, and he leaned down to murmur something that made her laugh again.

They really were almost painfully adorable; the kind of young romance that made the world seem softer just by existing nearby. Kyrie found herself smiling faintly despite herself.

Amanda and Casey stood a little apart, though not alone; they stood with the quiet confidence of people comfortable in their own space. The two women exchanged subtle glances every time Erica’s disapproving gaze drifted their way, their expressions carrying just enough amusement to make it clear they noticed… and were enjoying it.

They introduced themselves as being from New York, and their demeanor felt refreshingly grounded. They weren’t overly excited like Phillip and Alicia, nor withdrawn like some of the others. Instead, they watched the surroundings carefully, already scanning for details and clues.

Casey nudged Amanda lightly. “You see that? The barn looks like something out of a horror novel.”

Amanda smirked. “Or a fantasy novel. Depends what’s waiting inside.”

Kyrie found herself thinking she’d probably get along with them just fine. Her attention shifted when someone approached the tavern door.

Posted there, mounted at eye level, was a wooden plaque bearing a printed set of rules, styled like an official proclamation. The parchment-colored paper looked intentionally aged, the ink written in a decorative script that leaned heavily into the fantasy theme.

“Welcome, Adventurers.

You have three days to solve the mystery of the tavern and discover the story hidden within the location and objects on this property.

Objects may be moved and examined, but take care not to damage anything. There is nothing that will require destroying or breaking items to uncover secrets. Any damages will be taken from your deposit.

Food is provided and is more than adequate for the duration of your stay.

In case of medical emergency: There is a land-line phone located in the shed. This phone should be used for no other reason than to call for help.”

The drizzle continued to fall softly as the group read.

The mention of a land-line phone, specifically in the shed, made Kyrie glance instinctively toward the barn again. The structure seemed even more distant in the gray rain, its outline faint and indistinct against the trees. Something about that detail felt… deliberate.

She adjusted her backpack again, shifting her stance as the weight threatened to pull her backward once more. The others continued talking, introductions flowing into speculation about clues, rooms, and hidden puzzles.

Kyrie remained quiet, listening, watching. Trying to get a sense of the people she would be spending the next three days with.

Trying to ignore the faint, growing feeling that this weekend might turn out to be far more immersive than anyone had expected.