Iris:
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something behind him.
Tentacles, or perhaps fleshy vines, rushed toward us, reaching out with thin, finger-like tendrils.
One brushed the tip of my nose, and my eyes widened in terror.
But before it could grab me, Luca had dashed out of the cave.
We landed hard on the ground, but he kept me shielded as we looked back.
Inside, the cave that had seemed empty and dark was now glowing red.
The vines, or tentacles, were alive, writhing and moving as if the cave itself had become a living, breathing creature.
"Did you see that?" I asked Luca, my gaze fixed on the cave's mouth.
"As a matter of fact, I did," he answered, his voice jittery.
"Are you feeling alright now?" he pressed, leaning closer, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from the vines.
The moment I noticed them shrinking back, panic crawled up my spine.
"They're retreating," I whispered with difficulty, pointing toward the cave as I tried to rise.
