Chapter 11: Secrets in the Dark

The chamber loomed around them, massive and cold, every surface covered in ancient stone that seemed to absorb the light from the torches. Alex's heart pounded in their chest as they took a tentative step toward the slumped figure in the corner, dread pooling in their stomach. Jim's breath hitched beside them, and they exchanged a look—an unspoken understanding that whatever was about to happen would change everything.

"Shadow?" Alex whispered again, their voice barely more than a tremor in the air.

The figure shifted slightly, a low groan escaping its lips. For a moment, Alex could hardly breathe. Was it really him? They rushed forward, leaving Jim to limp behind, his face still pale from the ordeal they'd just survived.