The underground reservoir was an unexpected expanse of water in the otherwise claustrophobic tunnel system. The faint sound of dripping echoed around them, and the glimmer of bioluminescent fungi clinging to the cavern walls provided a dim, eerie light. The air smelled damp and metallic, heavy with the weight of still water.
Xavier paused at the edge, scanning the area with careful precision. He motioned for Clara and Elizabeth to stop as he crouched, dipping his hand into the cold water. It rippled outward, a gentle disturbance in the otherwise glassy surface.
"What now?" Clara asked, clutching her tablet to her chest as if it were a lifeline.
Xavier stood and turned to them. "The good news is, we're far enough from the house that they'll need time to catch up. The bad news—" He glanced around, his jaw tightening. "—we're not out of danger yet. There's an exit on the other side of this reservoir, but it's a swim."
Elizabeth's stomach dropped. "A swim?"
