Chapter 54: Beneath the Surface

The tunnel's darkness swallowed them whole, and the only light came from their flashlights, casting erratic beams against the damp stone walls. The air was thick and musty, and dripping water echoed around them. Ava could feel the cold seeping into her bones, but the adrenaline coursing through her veins kept her focused. Lucas was just ahead of her, his flashlight sweeping back and forth. “Keep moving,” he urged, his voice tight with tension. “We need to find a way out before they figure out where we went.” Behind them, Lydia and Callum brought up the rear, both on high alert. “These tunnels could lead anywhere,” Lydia muttered, glancing nervously over her shoulder. “If Leon leads us into a trap, we might not see daylight again.” Ava heard the concern in Lydia’s voice, but she couldn’t afford to dwell on it. “Jess, can you still hear us?” she whispered into her comms. Jess’s voice came through, faint but clear. “I’m here, but the signal is weak. The deeper you go, the harder it wi