From Silence, Steel

This gripping excerpt plunges readers into a tense and atmospheric setting right from the first line. The imagery is vivid—dark corridors, black chains, and a sliver of light from fifty feet above set a foreboding tone that instantly sparks curiosity. The pacing is deliberate, guiding us step by step through the prisoner’s ominous journey. The central mystery is masterfully introduced with the name “Claus,” which sends a ripple of unease through the soldier. The internal conflict of the guard, juxtaposed with his rigid adherence to duty, adds a compelling layer of tension. Why is a man of such high alert status among common prisoners? The unanswered question lingers, gripping the reader and pulling them deeper into the narrative. The final touch—General Baldwin’s appearance—hints at larger forces at play, suggesting that this is only the beginning of a larger, intricate plot. This snippet reads like the opening of a thrilling dystopian or military mystery, and it leaves the reader wanting more...