The Circle soldiers entered the stone corridor cautiously.
Even in the dim red glow of the emergency lights, they could see the difference immediately.
The architecture had changed.
The polished wood and marble of the upper mansion had been replaced by rough stone walls and thick support columns. The floor was reinforced concrete instead of polished tile.
And the hallway itself was narrow.
Too narrow for a full tactical formation.
Vanessa stood behind one of the stone pillars with her pistol raised, watching the first three soldiers advance into the corridor.
They moved carefully.
Professional.
Weapons raised.
Flashlights cutting through the dim light.
Marco leaned against the opposite wall with his rifle.
"Three in front," he whispered.
Vanessa nodded slightly.
"And more behind them."
Marco exhaled slowly.
"Of course."
The lead Circle soldier raised his hand, signaling his team to slow down.
He was cautious.
Vanessa appreciated that.
