[Samael Ashwood's POV]
The cold dungeon air seemed to grow heavier as we ventured further into its depths, thick with a foreboding that clung to my skin. The faint sounds of my teammates' breaths and footsteps echoed around us. They were exhausted, but pushing forward, trusting in my lead. I could feel their weight of reliance on me, a burden that felt both strengthening and dangerous.
But something else was gnawing at the edge of my awareness, something that didn't belong to the dungeon's inherent danger. A sensation that someone—no, a group—was drawing closer, pursuing us. I halted abruptly, holding up a hand for silence, and in the stillness, my suspicions took form.
"Stay alert," I warned, keeping my voice low. "We're not alone."
Lily stepped closer, her face betraying a hint of unease. "More enemies?"
"Maybe," I replied, scanning the dimly lit stone walls. "But not the mindless type."
Raven gripped her staff tighter, her gaze sharpened. "Do you know who?"
