Victor's eyes flashed, and he quickly cut him off with a sharp glare. "Shhh! Don't talk about them." His tone was low but urgent, as if even speaking of them might invite disaster. He leaned closer, lowering his voice further. "We've been ordered to keep our mouths shut about those masked ones. Don't ask questions, don't spread rumors, and don't even think about prying into who they are. If you value your life, you'll never mention them again."
Both Darius and Gareth fell silent instantly, but the fear in their eyes spoke volumes.
The masked individuals had become the unspoken shadow among the ranks—figures draped in black hoods that seemed to devour the light, their faces hidden behind expressionless masks carved with faint, ominous runes.
