The darkness swallowed them whole.
Simon blinked, but it made no difference; the light from the train platform was gone, leaving only the faint pulse of the glowing glyphs on the walls ahead. They seemed alive, their faint bluish-green light rippling as if responding to his presence. The air was heavier here, colder, and every sound seemed to echo endlessly. Behind him, Kayla muttered under her breath, her boots crunching softly on the damp stone floor, while Daniel adjusted his glasses, squinting at the patterns around them.
"Well," Kayla said, her voice breaking the silence, "welcome to hell."
"Not quite yet," Daniel murmured, running his fingers along the glyphs. "I think this is more of a… preview."
Simon tightened his grip on the worn leather straps of his bag. He'd packed it with whatever he could scrounge: a flashlight, a knife he wasn't sure he'd ever use, and a few energy bars. As far as survival kits went, it wasn't much. But then again, he doubted anything could truly prepare them for what lay ahead.
The door behind them sealed with a grinding hiss, and the pulse of the glyphs brightened slightly. A low, vibrating hum filled the space, resonating through their chests like a heartbeat.
Daniel turned toward Simon, his brow furrowed. "I think it's waiting for us."
"What is?" Simon asked, his voice quieter than he intended.
"The dungeon."