As the key turned in the lock, a soft click echoed through the room. Samantha and Marcus exchanged a meaningful glance before pulling the small door open. To Samantha's surprise, a set of stairs descended into darkness.
"A secret basement?" Samantha whispered, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Marcus nodded, his expression a mixture of anticipation and concern. "After you," he said softly, gesturing towards the stairs.
Samantha took a deep breath and began her descent. As she reached the third step, lights flickered to life, illuminating the space below. The staircase wasn't long, but each step felt momentous, as if she were walking into the depths of her own forgotten past.
Marcus followed behind her, his presence both reassuring and electric. A quiet sizzle of static filled the space between them, intensifying with each step they took. Samantha could feel his gaze on her back, watching her every move, gauging her reactions.
