The moment they stepped past the concrete frame, the air thickened so abruptly that it felt like walking into deep water and within seconds the Ether density kept rising until each breath demanded conscious effort.
Their lungs expanded against an invisible resistance that pressed from all directions.
Myles felt it first in his chest and shoulders, then along his spine as if something heavy had settled on him, and when he glanced at the others he saw the same reaction.
Victor's jaw tightened, Samantha's brows drew together, George exhaled slowly through his nose as though testing the weight of the atmosphere. Ethan, Kade, and Clara also showed the same signs.
No one complained, but their expressions hardened. The Ether no longer drifted around them, it saturated the space, clung to their skin, and seeped into their pore.
Even standing still consumed more stamina than before.
They advanced carefully. Their eyes scan every rooftop and window.
