Story 405: The Silent Quarter

The team stepped cautiously through the ancient archway, their boots echoing faintly against the cobblestones. The warm glow of the hanging lanterns contrasted sharply with the oppressive silence that enveloped the crumbling stone alleys. Overgrown vines crept along the walls, reclaiming the abandoned structures of what might have once been a bustling district. Now, it felt like the city itself was holding its breath.

“This place…” Shadow’s voice broke through the comms, uneasy. “It’s like a ghost town, but… alive.”

Rook scanned the area, his rifle sweeping methodically. He couldn’t shake the sensation of being watched. “Stay sharp. Ghost, keep an eye on the rooftops. Viper, see if you can find any recent signs of movement.”

Viper knelt beside a small puddle shimmering in the dim light, running a finger through the damp earth. “Footprints,” he muttered, pointing at faint indentations leading deeper into the alleyway. “Human-sized. Maybe a few hours old.”