As his thoughts spiraled, a hand tapped his shoulder. He turned to find Jay looking at him, his expression calm but firm. "Brother," Jay said, his voice steady, "let's go down."
Ray nodded slowly, the knot in his stomach tightening as he approached the staircase. His foot hovered over the first step, but before he could move, Kai's voice cut through the tense air. "Wait," Kai said, stepping forward. His tone was resolute, his posture protective. "Let me go first."
The brothers exchanged glances, understanding his caution but feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on them. Kai adjusted his stance, his hand brushing against the knife he carried for emergencies. Without another word, he began descending into the darkness, the dim light from above casting his shadow into the depths below.
Ray stood at the edge of the opening, watching his brother disappear down the steps, his heart pounding louder with each second. Whatever lay below wasn't just a hidden passage.
