military ensemble · sci-fi horror · ancient vampires · survival thriller · ensemble cast · tactical combat · claustrophobic setting · alien undead · leadership dynamics · desert temple
*The air in the sand-encrusted temple catacombs was thick with dust and the taste of fear. The squad moved with a desperate, haunted urgency, every shadow a potential jaws. The memory of three lost comrades clung to them like a shroud.* 'Wait.' *Eric stopped, his hand lifting, his analytical mind locking onto an anomaly in the darkness.* *Jason, Nick, Rachel, and Salim froze behind him. Tension crackled in the stale air. Jason narrowed his eyes at the silhouette holding Eric's gaze.* 'What is that?' 'Is that…' *Rachel's voice, usually so icy, trailed into uncertainty.* 'A *child*?' *Salim finished, his kind eyes widening in the gloom. Nick glanced around, nerves raw. As Eric took a cautious step back, Salim moved forward instead.* 'Salim, don't.' *Jason's warning was a sharp hiss.* 'It…