Story 518: The Wraith Swarm

A dull, eerie glow bathed the skeletal trees as the ZETU team stepped deeper into the fog-covered landscape. The branches stretched out like the claws of an unseen predator, silhouetted against the dim light of an unseen source. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the faint sound of their own breathing and the crunch of brittle leaves underfoot.

Captain Marcus “Iron Will” Kane signaled for the team to halt. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon, but the dense fog obscured everything. “Eyes open,” he muttered. “This place feels wrong.”

“I hate this,” Sergeant Jenna “Blaze” Hart whispered, gripping her flamethrower. The faint light reflected off her weapon, her nerves evident in her tight grip. “Feels like we’re being watched.”