Story 658: Echoes of Blood

The air inside the fortress was thick with the scent of damp stone and burning torches. General Viktor "Bloodfang" Kruger stood alone, his massive arms folded across his chest, his eyes narrowed in deep thought. The dim light flickered across his scarred face, emphasizing the hardened lines that spoke of war, death, and the burden of power.

Tonight, something felt different.

A quiet knock echoed through the chamber. Kruger didn’t move.

"Enter," he commanded.

The heavy door creaked open, revealing Eva "Black Widow" Morales. Dressed in her sleek combat gear, her twin blades strapped to her hips, she stepped forward, eyes sharp with intent.

"We've located the resistance's stronghold," she reported. "They're holed up in the old catacombs beneath the ruined city. Reinforced defenses, snipers positioned along the upper walkways, and—" she hesitated.

Kruger’s eyes flicked toward her. "And?"