"They're already inside."
Julian's voice had barely settled when Lucian moved.
"Stay close," Lucian said, already turning, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Do not separate."
Julian didn't respond verbally, but he followed without hesitation. Rebecca moved at the same time, not behind Lucian, not ahead of him, but aligned with the direction he had already chosen. The man who had entered earlier shifted position and fell into place, his attention fixed outward now rather than on the room they had left behind.
They did not rush blindly, instead moving with clear intent, and Julian noticed it immediately, recognizing that Lucian was not reacting to the situation but adjusting to it, which meant this was not unexpected.
The corridor ahead remained quiet, but it didn't feel empty. There was a difference now, something subtle but unmistakable, like pressure that had already settled into place rather than something still approaching.
