CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY SIX - AN UNLIKELY ALLY

Rebecca peered into the inky blackness, a shiver running down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. The thought of climbing down into that abyss, with Xavi in tow, made her heart race. But the sound of distant voices, growing ever closer, steeled her resolve. "I'll go first," Luca said, already moving towards the opening. "Test the ladders, make sure they're safe. Xavi, you'll come next with your mother. Rebecca, you and Vincenzo bring up the rear." As Luca disappeared into the darkness, Rebecca found herself holding her breath. The seconds ticked by agonizingly slowly until finally, his voice floated up from below. "It's clear! Send Xavi down!" What happened next seemed to unfold in slow motion. Xavi, with a bravery that brought tears to Rebecca's eyes, began his descent. His mother followed close behind, murmuring words of encouragement. Rebecca moved to the edge, preparing to help Vincenzo down before making her own descent. The air grew thick with tension as Xavi bega