The hum of the ruin deepened, reverberating through the walls like a drumbeat growing faster.
Tobi's mark pulsed in sync with the sound, sending waves of heat through his chest.
The creatures, sleek and ominous, circled them with a measured calm that was somehow more unnerving than a direct attack.
Moritaka's blade gleamed in the dim light, his stance unwavering. "We don't have time to play games. Tobi, can you stop whatever you just started?"
Tobi hesitated, his gaze locked on the pulsating control panel. "I didn't start it… it was already alive. I just woke it up."
Hannah cursed under her breath. "Great. How do we put it back to sleep before those things decide we're breakfast?"
"I'm thinking," Neon said, raising his weapon.
One of the creatures stepped closer, its luminous eyes narrowing. It didn't growl or screech but instead emitted a low, guttural vibration.
