**Chapter Title: Shadows of Deception**
Stella's heart raced as her eyes locked onto William standing at the doorway. The moonlight filtering through the broken windows cast long shadows across his face, emphasizing the eerie glint in his eyes. He was calm, composed, as if the chaos surrounding them meant nothing. There was no mistaking it—he had orchestrated all of this.
Josh gripped his gun tightly, his knuckles white. "William," he muttered under his breath, his eyes flickering between Stella and the man in the doorway. "You're behind this, aren't you?"
William chuckled, stepping into the cabin, his boots echoing on the creaky floorboards. "Behind this? Josh, you give me too much credit." His voice was smooth, almost mocking. "But I have to admit, it's been quite entertaining watching you two fumble in the dark."
Stella's muscles tensed. "What do you want, William?"
