Echoes of Red [BINI AU]

Chapter 36

Third Person's Point Of View

The forest was dense and dark, the trees towering overhead like silent sentinels. The group moved carefully, every step calculated, the crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot the only sound breaking the oppressive silence.

Colet led the way, her movements swift and sure, guided by muscle memory and instinct.

The secret door was well-hidden, a small, unassuming panel embedded in the thick roots of a massive oak tree. Colet knelt down, her fingers deftly working to unlock the mechanism.

The door creaked open, revealing a narrow passageway that descended into the earth, the air inside cool and musty.

The group moved silently, Colet leading the way with swift, confident steps. Her every movement was guided by a deep sense of purpose. The secret door was concealed within the massive roots of an ancient oak tree, and Colet's fingers worked deftly to unlock the hidden mechanism.

The door creaked open, revealing a narrow passageway that descended into the earth, the air inside cool and musty.

One by one, they entered the passage, darkness enveloping them as they moved single file through the cramped tunnel. The rough, damp walls brushed against their hands, and the only sounds were the soft echoes of their footsteps and the occasional drip of water from above.

Colet's heart raced as she led the group through the twisting passage. The weight of their trust pressed on her shoulders, but she pushed aside any thoughts of failure. Focus was her only option.

At last, they reached the end of the tunnel. Colet raised a hand, signaling the others to stop as she pressed against the hidden door.

Taking a deep breath, she whispered, "We're inside the facility. We're in the lower levels. We need to move quickly and quietly. No unnecessary risks."

Mikha nodded, feeling the adrenaline surge through her veins, her senses sharpening as she steeled herself for what lay ahead.

The door slid open, revealing a dimly lit corridor with walls lined with pipes and wires. The air was cold, sterile, and thick with the scent of metal and antiseptic. A stark contrast to the warmth and life of the forest above.

The group moved silently, their footsteps muffled by the thick concrete floor.

Colet led the way, her eyes scanning every shadow, every corner, for any sign of danger. The facility was eerily quiet, and the silence only heightened their tension.

As they rounded a corner, Colet suddenly halted, raising her hand for silence. She heard voices approaching from the other end of the corridor.

"Guards," she whispered urgently. "Tago!"

The group scattered, pressing themselves into the shadows, but Aiah wasn't quick enough. Panic flashed in her eyes as the footsteps grew louder, closing in on them.

Without thinking, Colet grabbed Aiah's arm and yanked her into a small closet nearby, the door closing with a soft click behind them. The space was tight, forcing them to stand inches apart. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and unshed emotions.

Colet's breath hitched as she realized how close they were. Aiah's presence was overwhelming, her scent filling the small space, her warmth seeping through the narrow gap between them.

Colet could feel Aiah's heart pounding, or perhaps it was her own, the rhythm a frantic reminder of the danger just outside.

For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. All Colet could focus on was the rise and fall of Aiah's chest, the slight tremble in her breath, and the way their eyes met in the dim light.

Time seemed to stretch, each second heavy with the weight of everything left unsaid.

Aiah swallowed hard, her eyes flickering with something that made Colet's stomach twist. The tension was unbearable, the silence deafening. She had to say something to break this spell.

"I think we should keep going," Colet whispered, her voice hoarse, barely above a breath.

Aiah nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on Colet for just a moment longer before she looked away. "Yeah... let's go," she agreed, her voice tight.

They waited a few more seconds, ensuring the guards had passed, before cautiously stepping out of the closet. The cool air of the corridor was a stark contrast to the oppressive heat inside, and Colet took a moment to steady her racing heart.

The guards' footsteps echoed down the corridor, their low voices discussing patrol routes. Mikha's heart pounded as she flattened herself against the cold wall, holding her breath. If they were caught now, everything would be lost.

The guards passed by, unaware of the group hiding mere feet away. Colet waited until the echoes of their footsteps faded, then motioned for the group to move. They continued down the corridor, each step a calculated risk.

Finally, they reached a heavy metal door. Colet approached cautiously, her fingers brushing over the cold surface as she located the access panel.

"This is it," she whispered, her voice tight with anticipation. "Sheena's on the other side."

Mikha's breath caught in her throat. Her hands trembled, a mix of fear and determination coursing through her. This was the moment everything had led to.

Colet inputs a series of codes into the panel, the door sliding open with a soft hiss. The sight inside was both a relief and a heartbreak. Sheena was huddled in the corner, her small frame trembling. Her clothes were torn, and her hair was tangled, but thank god she's alive.

Mikha rushed to her side, emotion overwhelming her. Sheena looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief and relief.

"Ate Mikhs..." she whispered, her voice breaking.

Mikha knelt and pulled Sheena into her arms. "I'm here, Sheena. I'm here."

The rest of the group gathered around, their expressions a mix of relief and determination. They had found Sheena, but their mission wasn't over. They still had to escape.

Colet stood there, seeing that Mikha was the ate figure to Sheena when she wasn't around. Colet's grateful for that. Colet then placed a hand on Mikha's shoulder, her voice gentle but firm. "We need to move, Mikha. We're not safe yet."

Mikha nodded, her resolve hardening. "Let's get out of here."

Mikha then slowly held Sheena, asking Sheena, "Can you walk?" Sheena shook her head in response. This just made Mikha carry Sheena.

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