Story 439: Labyrinth of the Abyss

The spiral staircase narrowed as the team descended further, its worn steps slick with an otherworldly sheen. The faint glow of wall sconces from above had vanished, leaving the soldiers to rely on their headlamps. The light barely penetrated the oppressive darkness, illuminating only a few feet ahead. The silence was suffocating, broken only by the faint hum of energy vibrating through the walls.

“I’m starting to think this staircase might not have an end,” Ghost muttered, his voice low but tense.

“It’ll end,” Rook replied. His tone was clipped, but there was an undertone of unease even he couldn’t mask. “And when it does, we’ll need to be ready.”

Viper’s grip on the tome tightened as she struggled to keep her balance on the uneven steps. The book’s glow had dimmed, but its pulse was stronger than ever, resonating like a heartbeat. “There’s something ahead. I can feel it.”

Shadow, walking just behind, glanced over her shoulder. “Define ‘something.’”