Mark ascended the spiral staircase to the third floor of the pagoda.
His boots made faint taps against the smooth obsidian steps, the stillness of the inner sanctum amplifying every movement.
He expected silence and a sulking beast chained in the center of the prison chamber.
What he didn't expect… was company.
As soon as the heavy door creaked open, Mark slowed to a halt. "What the…" His eyes widened.
Standing inside were Lan Xia and, right behind her, the remaining three of his team. They were gathered in a loose circle near the far wall, casually standing nearby the Snow Wolf King, whose colossal form seemed like it is in sleep.
Lan Xia turned to him with a smile the moment he stepped in. "Gege… You are here." Her emotionless, pale face suddenly glowed, and a smile grew on her lips. The three of them bowed slightly in greeting. "Commander."
Mark blinked. "Why are you here?" he asked. "Didn't I just send you all out like hours ago?"
