The moment they crossed deeper into Gloomfang Hollow, the atmosphere changed.
It wasn't something easily explained with words. Rowan noticed it first as a subtle pressure in the air, a faint heaviness that seemed to press against his skin and lungs with every breath he took. It was not unpleasant, but it was different from the outside world.
The cave tunnel stretched ahead of them, winding gently downward through layers of rough stone that had been carved slowly by water and time. Patches of faintly glowing moss clung to the damp walls, providing just enough pale green light to keep the darkness from completely swallowing the passage.
Water dripped occasionally from the ceiling.
Each drop echoed softly against the cavern floor.
