Julian did not realize how quiet the building had become until they stepped back into the hallway.
A few minutes earlier there had been shouting, running footsteps, doors opening and closing. Now the entire place felt strangely still, as if whatever had been living inside it had suddenly stopped moving.
Lucian walked ahead of him.
He did not look hurried.
He did not look angry either.
Julian followed two steps behind, watching the way Lucian moved through the corridor. The bodies on the floor were not something Julian wanted to look at for long, but they were impossible to ignore.
Lucian passed them without hesitation.
Julian tried to keep his attention on the path ahead.
They reached the end of the hallway where a staircase led down.
Lucian stopped.
Julian nearly walked into him.
Lucian raised one hand slightly, a quiet signal to remain where he was.
Julian did, then footsteps were coming up the stairs. Two people, Lucian waited. Then the door opened.
