The corridors of the station were eerily silent, save for the faint hum of flickering emergency lights. Dust particles floated weightlessly in the stale air, undisturbed for what seemed like years. The walls were lined with old bloodstains and scorch marks—evidence of a battle long since lost.

  Vera led the way, rifle raised, her breath slow and steady. Ash walked beside her, scanning the area with her enhanced vision. Kael followed closely behind, his expression unreadable. Eryx took the rear, his presence a quiet reassurance.

  "Something doesn't feel right," Ash muttered.

  "You're not wrong," Kael said. "This place was abandoned in a hurry."

  Vera halted, raising a clenched fist. The team stopped instantly. Up ahead, a corridor split into two paths. The walls were lined with tattered banners, their insignias barely recognizable.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Then, the whisper came.

  A hollow, static-laced voice echoed through the comms.

  "Help me..."

  Ash cursed under her breath. "That's not creepy at all."

  Vera glanced at Kael, who gave a small nod. "Let's move. Carefully."

  They pressed forward, the voice growing stronger with every step. It led them to what had once been the station's command center. The doors were partially open, revealing a dimly lit room filled with inactive consoles and shattered glass.

  In the center of the room stood a holo-terminal, still flickering with faint energy. A distorted figure appeared, its face a blur of static.

  "If you are hearing this... it is already too late."

  Vera stiffened. "What the hell does that mean?"

  The figure continued. "The Architect is coming. Run."

  Then, from the corridor behind them, a guttural growl rumbled through the station.