Sil— using the invisibility ability— moved unseen with great speed. Making his way over gravel and obsidian sand, crumbling bits of pumice, maneuvering around larger obstructions like massive boulders of dark, shiny, volcanic stone. He moved slowly and steadily, closing the gap between his hiding place and the double doors carefully.
Approaching them with caution, he nearly fell over when the massive metallic doors suddenly hissed as they fluidly slid open. Sil fortunately was able to maintain his upright stance, and quickly recovered, maintaining his balance. Wasting no time at all he instantly shifted his position to move himself out of the way, and not a moment too soon.
He had a sudden flashback of the very recent moment when they encountered Morvidk. He froze, holding his breath. Again, thankful that he was conditioned to stand still for great lengths of time.
Another foot soldier burst forth from the open portal, his polished boots crunching rhythmically against the gritty surface. He was clad identically to the two previous guards, uniform immaculate and stiff, a crisp symbol of disciplined conformity. His strides were confident, carrying him swiftly across the uneven terrain as he sought to catch up with his companions.
Vorden and Raten remained crouched behind the looming boulder, their breathing measured and shallow, muscles taut with the tension of silence. Suddenly, a faint scraping noise echoed, the unmistakable shift of loose gravel too close for comfort. The soldier halted abruptly, head jerking sharply to the side. His eyes narrowed into a keen, predatory gaze as he zeroed in precisely on their concealed location.
Every muscle in the soldier's form contracted visibly, readiness etched deeply into his stance. He took a cautious, deliberate step forward, his gaze unwavering. Hidden and watching closely, Sil's pulse thundered painfully in his ears. His thoughts raced frantically, as a blur of potential solutions mingled with mounting dread. The air itself seemed to thicken, pressing heavily upon him, laden with a fear that was nearly suffocating.
Sil's eyes darted desperately across the alien landscape around him, urgently searching for any distraction, any potential salvation. He cursed silently, feeling the sharp pang of panic edging closer. Then, through sheer luck or fate's twisted sense of humor, his attention landed upon a small, motionless form nestled innocently against a nearby rock. It was an indigenous creature—a lizard-like animal whose mottled scales blended masterfully into the stone beneath, a living phantom of camouflage.
Acting swiftly, with precision born of that desperation, Sil reached out telepathically. He gingerly lifted the unsuspecting creature from its rest, guiding it unseen into the soldier's path. The reptile settled gently upon the ground, directly between the soldier and the brothers' hiding spot, unnoticed amidst the cover of jutting stones.
Oblivious to the silent manipulation, the soldier advanced with more cautious yet deliberate movements, peering sharply around each rock formation. With a sudden jerk, he stopped mid-stride, his boot hovering precariously in the air just inches above the startled lizard. The soldier hesitated, gaze locked onto the creature with suspicion and curiosity. Sil held his breath, tension winding painfully in his chest, sending quiet pleas into the void.
After a few agonizing heartbeats, the soldier's face transformed subtly. The previously hard lines around his eyes softened; a low, guttural chuckle escaped him, revealing an oddly endearing amusement. The soldier shook his head slightly, as if chastising himself for paranoia, and carefully stepped around the harmless creature. With a relaxed roll of his shoulders, he turned and resumed his jog, swiftly disappearing into the distance to reunite with his squad.
The air escaped Sil's lungs in a shuddering sigh, his body trembling subtly from relief and residual adrenaline. He glanced back to the boulder where his brothers still lay concealed, nodding slightly to reassure himself of their continued safety. Time pressed heavily upon him, urgency reclaiming dominance over his thoughts.
Quickly refocusing, Sil sprang forward with nimble steps, reaching the imposing doors mere moments before they would seal shut with a resonant hiss. The corridor within was empty, bathed in dim, artificial lighting that cast harsh shadows across sterile metallic walls. Sil quickly tapped his wrist communicator, a gentle beep signaling Vorden and Raten.
The brothers shared an unspoken glance filled with determination and mutual trust. In synchronized movements, they emerged from their hiding place, their forms blurred momentarily as they sped across the open space. They appeared next to Sil with quiet efficiency, their expressions steeled with resolve as they slipped swiftly through the threshold, the doors sealing shut behind them, enveloping them fully within the heart of their perilous mission.
Inside the fortress, the air was thick and humid, carrying a slightly metallic tang, as if infused with the remnants of alien machinery and other unknown energies. The corridor before them stretched out, illuminated dimly by strips of glowing white light embedded along the edges where the floor met the wall. The walls were smooth, polished, and curiously devoid of any doors or windows, a seamless expanse designed to disorient outsiders.
Sil let his invisibility fade, flickering back into view like a ghost solidifying from mist. His brothers nodded in silent acknowledgment. Raten moved forward instinctively, eyes narrowed, every muscle coiled tightly beneath his skin, ready to spring at a moment's notice.
"Easy, tiger," Vorden whispered, catching his brother by the elbow. "We need stealth, not slaughter."
Raten scowled, a feral gleam flashing briefly in his gaze. "It always comes to slaughter eventually. I'd rather not delay the inevitable."
Sil raised a hand, silencing them both. His senses were heightened, tuned sharply to their surroundings. The oppressive quiet was unsettling, making each footfall seem thunderous despite their practiced caution.
Vorden, Sil, and Raten exchanged determined gazes, with Sil in the lead the field in line close to one wall, trying to not create too large of a presence, just in case. Like that, slowly, and cautiously, careful to make as little noise as possible, they made their way along the hall, pushing forward. Their breaths came shallow and controlled, each exhalation measured, each heartbeat a subtle drumbeat marking the passage of their infiltration.
Senses heightened, and eyes peeled, the Blades remained vigilant as they continued on their quest. After a few moments of measured steps, eyes scanning their surroundings constantly, Sil paused. He looked over his shoulder at his brothers. "Get ready."