They followed Cassius's instructions and went further down through the narrow tunnel, the air growing heavier and colder as they burrowed further down.
Each time he stopped, they listened. Each time he tilted his head, they waited. Then came his low murmur.
"Closer." He said. "The sounds are getting closer. Just a little bit more."
No one questioned him. They could all feel it too—that odd hum echoing through the soil, something alive beneath the layers of stone.
Even Aisha, who normally would have filled the silence with a dozen sharp comments, kept quiet. Cassius's expression was too firm, too focused.
They continued until Cassius suddenly raised a hand.
"Right here."
Everyone stopped at once.
He turned to Skadi, his tone calm but commanding.
"Bust a hole through this spot." He pointed at the stone wall directly ahead.
