Chapter 13 - The Confrontation
A sudden, freezing wind swept through the corridor, extinguishing Arthur's flashlight. A massive, towering figure emerged from the black fog, blocking their path to the exit. It had no distinct features, just a shifting mass of jagged darkness and glowing white eyes. The creature spoke in a chorus of stolen voices, mocking their pathetic attempt to escape. It lunged forward, swiping a massive shadow-claw at Arthur's chest. Arthur pushed Mason behind him and threw a large handful of rock salt directly at the monster. The salt burned the creature like acid, forcing it to stagger backward with a deafening shriek. Arthur grabbed Mason's hand, sprinting blindly toward the direction of the exit rope. The creature recovered quickly, giving chase with terrifying speed. The ground began to shake violently, making it nearly impossible to maintain their balance. The darkness was closing in, trying to swallow them whole.
