Murat lowered himself slowly. One step. Then another. The stone was rough beneath his hands, cold against his skin as he pressed himself closer to the wall for balance. “Slowly!” a voice called from below. Murat nodded, focusing on his footing. Step. Step.
The shaft narrowed slightly, forcing him to adjust as he moved down. The flickering light below grew stronger with every step. And then— He felt it. Warmth. At first, it was faint. Easy to ignore. But as he went lower, it became clearer. Stronger. Murat paused, pressing himself against the wall.
“It’s getting hot—what is that?” he called out. “It’s our fire!” someone answered from below. Murat’s grip tightened. “Put it out!” he shouted. “I can’t climb through that!” There was a brief pause. Voices. Movement. The light flickered wildly then dimmed. Leaving only the illumination from Murat’s flashlight. That would have to make do now.
“Come down! It’s fine now!” a voice called back. Murat exhaled slowly. Then continued down.