The passage sealed behind them with a thunderous boom that reverberated through their bones.
Dust swirled around the squad like a ghostly mist, settling on shoulder plates and hair, clinging to the edges of the archaeologists' notebooks.
For a long moment, silence reigned as stale air pressed close, thick with the scent of stone, oil, and something ancient that had lain undisturbed for centuries.
"Front wedge," Arthur instructed in a low, steady voice. "Two up, two back. Archaeologists in the middle. Helmets on blackout until I say so. Torches high."
Gunner echoed the command with a gruff bark, and boots shuffled into formation. Stone took his position on the left flank while Holt moved to the right.
Marek and Rask advanced ahead, weapons raised and lights fixed to their muzzles. Lyra fell in closely behind them with Vos at her side, scanning the ceiling seams for any signs of danger.
