Lilith, Vanessa, and Kelly stopped just a few steps before the guards and the solid door Ann had gone through. The hallway here was quiet, dimly lit, and dead serious. Only the faint beat of music reached this part of the building. It felt like the place was intentionally sectioned off.
Four men stood at the door, all of them armed, all of them looking rough around the edges. Security, but not in any professional sense. These guys were bouncers with criminal records and itchy tempers. They didn't wear uniforms. No radios. Just hoods, mean faces, and guns holstered at their waists.
The moment the girls stopped, all four guards tensed slightly. Their eyes narrowed. The way the three women carried themselves didn't sit right. Something felt off. Too calm.
One of the guards stepped forward. His eyes were locked on Lilith. He didn't reach for his weapon, but his hand slid toward it casually, fingers resting just above the grip. He was already on alert.
