The hallway beyond their apartment was silent.
Too silent.
Together, they crossed the short distance to the neighboring penthouse.
Harold stared at the electronic lock.
"...Shouldn't we knock?"
Vanya shook her head.
"Astrid."
A familiar presence stirred within her consciousness.
Online.
"Can you access the smart lock?"
A brief pause followed.
Accessing local network.
Vanya remained perfectly still.
A few seconds later, Astrid responded.
Access granted.
The access code is 0427.
Vanya entered the numbers.
The lock clicked.
Harold's eyes widened.
"How did you do that?"
Vanya opened the door.
"The world ended," she replied calmly. "I don't think passwords matter anymore."
Harold blinked.
That wasn't an answer.
Not that he intended to argue.
The penthouse was quiet.
Unnaturally quiet.
"Hello?" Harold called out.
No one answered.
Vanya quickly checked the living room.
Empty.
The dining room.
Empty.
The kitchen.
Also empty.
