Davis stood, gently helped Illumina to her feet, then lifted her into a princess carry. Together they made their way toward the exit of the underground chamber.
The path leading outward was narrow at first.
Soft residual spiritual light still clung to the stone walls, casting a faint silver glow that slowly faded as they walked. The air grew cooler and cleaner with every step, carrying the distant scent of damp earth and fresh water. Tiny patches of luminous moss dotted the ceiling and walls, giving off a gentle blue-green radiance that made the passage feel quiet and peaceful. Their footsteps echoed softly against the stone, the only sound besides the faint whisper of a breeze beginning to reach them from ahead.
The tunnel gradually widened, and natural light began filtering in through distant openings, and the heavy stillness of the underground gave way to a fresher, more open atmosphere. Soon the sound of gently flowing water drifted toward them.
