Night fell with a silence different from usual. Not because of exhaustion, nor from the biting cold against their skin—but from the fear that blanketed every corner of the abandoned building they were holed up in. The dim light of portable lamps did little to dispel the weight pressing down on them all.
Sofia sat cross-legged near a foldable tent in one of the rooms. Altair leaned against the wall, his eyes fixed on the surveillance monitor in his hands. From the upper floor, several team members stood guard, while most of the military personnel sat silently on the opposite side of the room, restless.
Whispers began to rise. Some of the soldiers—those from the central military—no longer hid their frustration and fear.
"I'm telling you, we should just head back! We're not going to survive here if we stay!"
"He's right! The reinforcements got annihilated! They've abandoned us! Why should we hold out?!"
