The Gauntlet

The tremors began subtly, a low thrumming beneath the soles of their boots that vibrated up through their bones. Aris Thorne, his gaze fixed on the jagged peaks of the Obsidian Spires that clawed at the bruised twilight sky, felt it first. A prickle of unease, sharp and familiar, like the phantom ache of old wounds. Beside him, Lena Petrova, ever the scientist, was already consulting her handheld scanner, her brow furrowed in concentration. Jian Li, his usual placid expression replaced by a flicker of apprehension, scanned their surroundings with an almost predatory stillness.

"Seismic activity?" Aris asked, his voice a low rumble that barely cut through the growing vibration.

Lena shook her head, her eyes wide as she stared at the readings. "Not geological, Aris. It's… patterned. Rhythmic. Like a massive engine powering up."