[from here]

No one here yet. That was promising as far as them reaching their intended destination before anyone else did, but not so promising in that it meant any number of things could be waiting for them just around the next corner. Brooklyn felt for the weapons at his side, though it wasn't necessary. He could tell they were there from the weight they added to his coat.

"Stick close," he advised. That wasn't necessary either. He knew Nate would do so regardless. At the very least it made him feel as though he had some control over things.

[From here]

The stairwell was as quiet as the previous hall had been, which was fortunate. As had been the case the previous night, Near wanted to be the first to certain areas, and the silence seemed to indicate that they would be. Flashlight in one hand, Near abandoned twirling his hair, letting a lock spring free, and gripped the rail instead. At his current pace, Near would likely have to take a break the following night, judging from the reactions of his body. Tonight, however, there was much to be done, and not enough subordinates to trust with the tasks.

So upward they went.

[from here]

Brooklyn reached the top of the stairs first, taking another careful look around to make certain nothing was there waiting for him. When it looked safe enough as far as where they needed to go, he motioned for Nate to join him.

Though the gargoyle was well used to traveling in the dark without any or much of a light source, these hallways still gave him the creeps - especially now that he was in this weaker human form. A good many of the monsters in this place would be nothing compared to a full-grown member of his race.