Chapter 97: Chapter 97: The House of Shadows

The mountains loomed ahead, their jagged peaks cutting through the early morning mist like the teeth of a great beast. The team drove in silence, the tension in the air palpable as they neared their destination. Xiuhe was still a few miles away, but already the roads had narrowed, twisting and turning through dense forests that seemed to swallow the light.

Ethan gripped the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the winding path ahead. In the back seat, Alex and Lang were reviewing their equipment, ensuring everything was in order. Zoe sat beside Ethan, her laptop balanced on her knees, scanning for any electronic signatures that might indicate surveillance or traps.

"We're almost there," Ethan said, breaking the silence.