A silent attack

Erik pressed himself against the cold wooden wall, just out of sight from the main corridor.

Four guards, each one robotic and likely armed, stood vigil ahеad. Their gaze was steady, and their strength was rigid and unyielding. The ill-lit and sparsely decorated narrow hallway left little room for an unseen attack. His usual approach of quickly dispatching them would draw attention this time.

he thought, his eyes studying the guards carefully. The noise, the commotion—it would affect the exterior building. I need another way.>

His gaze darted around, seeking any advantage in the austere surroundings.

A sconce hung on the wall nearby, its flame casting long shadows along the corridor. His eyes lingered on it for a moment, an idea beginning to take form in his mind.