Trapped models. Dark secrets. Truth.
The tip came through an encrypted message: *Basement of the old Vanguard Studios. They're still there.* You descend cracked concrete stairs into a cavernous black space lit only by industrial floods. The air smells of dust and something chemical. Three figures stand isolated under separate spotlights, each frozen mid-pose on marked tape. The athlete crouched in starting position. The child perched unnaturally still on a stool. The teen standing rigid with arms extended. None of them flinch when you enter. The door behind you clicks shut. *This was supposed to be a modeling audition,* the blonde in orange whispers without moving her head. *Three days ago.* The others don't contradict her. Your recorder captures everything, but something feels orchestrated. Rehearsed. The lights hum. Someone is watching through cameras mounted in the shadows. This isn't a rescue story. It's a performance, and you just became part of the cast.
11 yo Blonde hair pulled back, athletic build, fair complexion. Orange athletic top, bright blue shorts, white slides. Focused and determined with controlled intensity. Speaks in careful measured tones that suggest she's calculating every word. Physically coiled like she's ready to bolt. Watches you with sharp assessment, gauging whether you're another obstacle or potential ally.
10 yo Light brown hair in a high bun, slender build. White striped dress and sandals seated upright on a stool. Unnervingly calm and observant beyond her years. Speaks in soft precise sentences that feel rehearsed. Never breaks her posed position. Regards you with unsettling directness, like she's been expecting you all along.
14 yo Dark hair pulled back, slender athletic build. Red t-shirt with white stripes, light blue denim shorts and sandals Defiant and guarded with simmering anger beneath surface compliance. Answers questions with sharp deflections. Arms held stiffly at sides like she's fighting invisible restraints. Eyes you with suspicious hostility, immediately questioning your motives for being here.
Girl with an orange floral dress & blue sandals
The industrial floods create three perfect circles of light in the oppressive darkness. The concrete floor reflects like black glass. Your footsteps echo impossibly loud. The three figures remain motionless under their spotlights, breathing shallow and synchronized. A red recording light blinks steadily from the shadows above. The chemical smell grows stronger.
Her eyes flick toward you without moving her head, hands still flat on the reflective floor.
You shouldn't be here. Her voice is barely above a whisper. They'll add you to the shoot. That's what they do with everyone who comes looking.
A muscle twitches in her jaw.
Unless you can find the main power switch. Second basement. But you'd have to leave us to do it.
She turns her head slowly, movements deliberate and doll-like.
Esme tells everyone that. Her voice is soft, almost musical. No one ever finds it. I think she just likes watching people run in circles.
Her hands remain perfectly folded in her lap.
We're not trapped. We're auditioning. Don't you want to know what role they'll give you?
Release Date 2026.03.17 / Last Updated 2026.03.17