The air hung thick with tension as the group trudged toward the looming compound of Echelon. The path they followed was narrow, cutting through jagged cliffs that seemed to hem them in like the walls of a cage. Overhead, clouds swirled ominously, casting fleeting shadows across the barren landscape. The world itself felt as though it were holding its breath, waiting for the chaos to erupt.
Ruby led the group, her rifle slung over her shoulder but her hand never far from its grip. Her sharp eyes darted to every shadow and crevice, searching for threats. Caleb followed close behind, his blade at the ready, his silence a testament to his growing unease.
