{"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid."}
FLORA'S POV
We moved like shadows down the lower spine of the mountain, silent, sharp, and fast. The deeper we went, the colder the air grew, thick with damp stone and the scent of blood long dried into the rock. The kind of place built for secrets. Rita walked just behind me, her steps perfectly in sync with mine, our breathing steady and light. Rolan led us with quiet purpose, while Qadira moved like smoke, agile, deadly, always watching.
"We're close," Rolan whispered, halting behind a twisted column of red crystal veined into the rock. "That's the guard's antechamber just beyond this arch. Two are on patrol. Maybe more inside."
Qadira flashed a grin. "Good. I could use a warm-up."
I motioned with two fingers, then drew my twin blades, silent metal gleaming in the low light. Rita's claws flexed once before she pulled her daggers. Rolan unslung his staff, and Qadira simply vanished into the shadows.