The Man Beneath the Village
Beyond the long passageway, they arrived at its conclusion together.
A wide space opened up where the narrow rock passage ended, hollowed out under the peak. Light jumped across jagged surfaces as flames twitched in their mounts. Shadows stretched like reaching fingers, shifting with every breath of wind. Chills ran through the stillness, mixed with wet soil... plus a hint of what couldn't be named.
Something rotten.
Something ancient.
Footsteps softened when Victor left the tunnel. Behind him came Lane, then Clara, both of them already looking around. Their gazes moved fast across the room without thinking.
Victor was right all along
Folks from the village stood nearby. Quiet they stayed, watching without words.
Dozens of them.
