Water dripped steadily from the ceiling, each drop striking the flooded stone with a hollow plink that echoed through the chamber. The violent scent of salt was fading now, replaced by rich earth, damp moss, and the faint sweetness of fresh mushrooms sprouting from cracks in the rock. The air itself felt different. Warmer. Alive.
The mycelium pulsed beneath Kaelen's palms.
Not with urgency.
With contentment.
Its glow spread through the cave in slow waves, washing over the stone like moonlight flowing across water. Every pulse carried a gentle vibration through the floor, subtle enough to be felt more than heard. It reminded him of a sleeping giant's heartbeat.
Kaelen finally let out the breath he had been holding.
The moment he released the network, exhaustion struck him like a hammer.
His shoulders sagged.
