The tunnel stretched on and on, winding deeper into the darkness until Alina began to lose her sense of time altogether. Every few steps she felt Boo's tiny glow brighten near her cheek, his soft tail brushing her arm as if silently reassuring her that he was still there.
How long is this cave…? she wondered anxiously, her heartbeat echoing with each step she took. The cold deepened with every passing moment, settling heavily into her bones until her teeth almost chattered.
Finally, the narrow path widened into a larger chamber.
Alina froze.
The walls were no longer raw stone; they had transformed into something breathtaking and eerie. Smooth surfaces lined with rows of shining sea treasures glowed faintly. Pearls, shells, and pretty stones were arranged in strange, intricate spirals that looked almost like ancient symbols. Beautiful sea plants draped from the ceiling like underwater lanterns, their gentle light filling the chamber with a soft, greenish glow.
