The corridor seemed endless as they moved forward, each step calculated, each breath measured.
Cassandra led the way, with Sakura covering their rear and Matilda between them. The mansion's ornate wallpaper and gleaming floors felt like a maze designed to trap them.
Their cautious progress came to an abrupt halt as they rounded a corner, coming face-to-face with two guards. For a moment, everyone froze, the surprise mutual and complete.
The second guard's hand immediately moved to his radio, but his companion grabbed his wrist. "Wait," he hissed, eyes gleaming with opportunity. "Think about it. It's just hree women. If we take them down ourselves..."
"Lieutenant's position would be open to us," the second guard finished, a slow smile spreading across his face. "How hard could it be? They're just—"