The corridor was too quiet.
Emily slowed her steps.
“…This doesn’t feel right.”
Kael glanced around, hand hovering near her side.
“…You said that five times already.”
Emily didn’t respond.
Because this time—
it was different.
The air wasn’t just quiet.
It was empty.
No residual energy.
No movement.
No presence.
Like something had wiped the space clean.
Theodore stepped forward slightly, his expression sharpening.
“…We’ve entered a neutral zone.”
Kael frowned.
“…Neutral? As in safe?”
Theodore shook his head.
“…No.”
A pause.
“…As in controlled.”
Emily’s eyes narrowed.
“…Controlled by what?”
No answer.
But they all felt it.
A faint hum beneath the silence.
Almost imperceptible.
Almost.
Emily stopped walking.
“…There.”
Kael followed her gaze.
“…I don’t see anyth
