Darkness cascaded from the sky.
It infected the brightly lit basement.
The darkness took form and greedily surged towards them like a monster drooling for light and hope, revealing its fangs and claws in anticipation of conquering the unoccupied territories.
Shadows oozed like burning black liquid through the gaps of the trapdoor, continually flowing downwards along the steps, rolling upwards like a creeping multilimbed creature.
Inez pulled the door shut.
The darkness disappeared.
Just as spots of light naturally choose to leave places they don't belong, the dark retreated once it was cut off from its source.
But this time, light and shadow were inverted.
Inez turned to Nellie and said:
"Do you still want to come with me? I have no idea what we're about to face, but at least I can sense its strangeness and abnormality.
"I can't guarantee your safety."
Nellie replied:
"I don't need anyone's protection."
Rowan chimed in on the side:
