Story 396: The Core’s Shadow

Zara moved swiftly through the forest, the moon casting faint silver light across the trees. Her mind lingered on the map she’d found at the Reapers’ camp. The Core. Whatever it was, it had to be the key to their operation.

As dawn broke, she reached the edge of the treeline and found herself staring down at a fortified compound. Built into the ruins of an ancient cathedral, its spires loomed against the gray sky. Guards patrolled its perimeter, their weapons reflecting the sunlight. Zara pulled the binoculars from her belt, studying their movements.

Two sentries on each watchtower. Eight more near the gate.

“Subtle as ever,” she muttered. The Reapers never built anything without teeth.

Zara’s pulse quickened, but her focus sharpened. She had one goal: infiltrate the compound and learn what the Core truly was.