The world changed in a heartbeat. One moment, Johan was surrounded by the reflective splendor of the crystal chamber; the next, a chilling embrace enveloped him. He felt the pressure as the water rapidly closed in, the liquid's icy fingers dragging him down, down into a realm where light was a mere memory.
'No warning?' Johan chastised himself, floundering momentarily. 'This is the eleventh floor. Unpredictability shouldn't surprise me by now.' Each bubble that escaped his lips seemed to take with it a part of the warmth he held, leaving behind a cold void.
Ahead, faint glimmers of light danced teasingly. As they drew closer, Johan realized they were not the comforting glow of an exit or torch, but small, floating organisms, their bioluminescence painting ghostly strokes against the oppressive darkness. They drifted like lost souls, illuminating only enough to make the surrounding blackness feel even more profound.
