The cold, metallic scent of the enemy stronghold hit Ava's senses as she crouched behind a stack of crates, her heart pounding in her chest. Liam, his eyes scanning the corridor ahead, motioned for the team to move. The rescue mission had begun in earnest, each second ticking away precious time. The dimly lit labyrinthine interior of the enemy base loomed around them, every shadow a potential threat.
Ava tightened her grip on her weapon, her knuckles white with tension. She could feel the weight of the mission pressing down on her—balancing speed with stealth was crucial. They couldn't afford to be detected.
"Remember," Liam whispered, his voice barely audible, "we move as one. No unnecessary noise."
The team nodded, their expressions a mix of determination and fear. Ava's eyes met Liam's briefly, and she saw the same resolve mirrored in his gaze. They had come too far to fail now.
