The moment Clyde and Mina stepped fully into the molten nest, the outside world disappeared behind them.
The air inside was thick and hot. Heat lingered in their every breath, not enough to burn them, but it was enough to make their body tense and sweaty.
They were not sure if this place was safer than outside. But at least they would not face another human being. Maybe.
The walls curved inward like a living structure formed from layers of hardened molten rock. Faint red light pulsed through the cracks as if something beneath the surface was alive.
Clyde slowed his steps. He could feel it.
There was an aura here. Something existed deeper inside this place. Not just heat or leftover energy but a presence of life. It was quiet, but heavy enough to press against his senses.
Mina felt it too.
"There's something here," she said quietly, her grip tightening around her daggers.
Clyde nodded. "Yeah."
They moved forward carefully.
