As they stepped out of the vehicle, Charles and the others were abruptly blinded by a brilliant light that seemed to come from all directions. Charles raised a hand to shield his eyes, trying to squint through the intense glare to get a glimpse of the people surrounding them. But it was no use - the light was too overpowering.
Just as suddenly as it had begun, the light dimmed and all but one of the sources were extinguished. The remaining light, now a single beam shining down on them, allowed Charles to see their surroundings with chilling clarity.
They were encircled by a group of masked men clad in military uniforms, their guns and sophisticated weaponry trained menacingly on Charles and his companions. The air was thick with tension as the masked men stood frozen, their eyes glinting
