The mansion had never been this quiet.
Not peaceful quiet.
Hunting quiet.
Vanessa moved through the dark hallway with measured steps, the beam from the tactical light under her pistol cutting through the darkness in short, controlled arcs.
Marco walked a few steps behind her, his night-vision goggles glowing faint green.
Above them, footsteps echoed again on the upper landing.
Circle soldiers.
More of them.
Vanessa stopped at the base of the staircase and raised two fingers slightly.
Marco froze instantly.
They both listened.
Boots.
Slow.
Careful.
Not rushing anymore.
Marco whispered under his breath.
"They learned."
Vanessa nodded.
"Yes."
The Circle soldiers had finally adapted.
Instead of charging blindly into the mansion, they were clearing the floors slowly now.
Room by room.
Hallway by hallway.
Marco adjusted his rifle.
"Well."
Vanessa glanced toward the stairwell.
"Three."
Marco blinked.
"You counted already?"
Vanessa nodded.
