Ethan's heart pounded in his chest as he led his friends through the dark and twisted tunnels of the abandoned mine. The air was thick with dampness, and the walls glistened with a slick layer of moisture that seemed to seep into their bones. Despite the oppressive darkness, Ethan felt an overwhelming sense of dread that they were not alone.
"Stay close, everyone," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the sound of dripping water. His eyes strained to adjust to the murky shadows, but all he could make out were hazy outlines of his friends' forms as they clung to each other in trepidation.
Tyler, his childhood friend, and now protector, followed closely behind him, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps. "Ethan," he said hesitantly, "do you really think this is the only way?"
"Trust me, Tyler. We need to get through this if we want to uncover the truth about Winston."