Chapter 41: The Crossroads

The corridor stretched before them, dark and narrow, with walls that seemed to close in tighter with every step. 

Emily's heart thundered as the faint sound of voices grew louder, echoing through the labyrinthine passageways like a warning bell. 

The group stopped just short of a sharp corner, their breathing shallow as they huddled together.

"What do you hear?" Damien whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Voices," Emily replied, her tone tense. "At least three, maybe more. Armed."

Grant gritted his teeth, his hand gripping his weapon. "We can't afford a fight right now. Not here."

Emily scanned the passage ahead, searching for an alternative. 

The dim glow of flickering lights overhead painted the walls with an eerie, shifting hue, making every shadow seem like an enemy lurking in wait.

"Damien," she said, turning to him, "are you absolutely certain about this contact of yours? Because if we get caught—"