The staircase continued downward.
John stood at its entrance, staring into the golden light below.
Behind him, the cavern was still shaking.
The ancient dragon and the creature beneath the mountain were fighting somewhere beyond the darkness. Every collision sent another vibration through the stone.
But the staircase itself remained completely stable.
That bothered John.
Everything around them was falling apart.
Yet this path had appeared only moments ago.
Almost as if it had been waiting for him.
Lythriel looked down the stairs.
"So..."
She took a slow breath.
"That's where we're supposed to go."
John nodded.
"Apparently."
Darius raised his lantern and examined the first few steps.
"There aren't any visible traps."
John glanced at him.
"That's encouraging."
"Don't get too excited."
Darius pointed farther down.
"We can't see the bottom."
John smiled.
"Of course."
The injured explorer looked toward the staircase.
"You shouldn't go."
John turned.
"Why?"
