The wall behind them opened, revealing the staircase that had disappeared earlier.
This time, it led upwards.
A faint breeze carried the scent of grass and flowers.
They began climbing.
Jude kept the wooden key in his pocket and the little wooden bird in his hand.
Sol walked beside him, unusually quiet.
Serena helped Sophie, whose shoulder was still hurting. Scarlet kept looking back towards the darkness.
Nobody spoke much during the climb.
After several turns, they reached the familiar chamber with the circular hole.
The hole had closed.
The platform was gone.
The stone floor was smooth again.
But the room was not empty.
Someone had placed a small basket beside the entrance.
Inside were fresh vegetables, a folded blanket and a clay bowl.
Jude stopped.
"Who brought these?"
Scarlet approached the basket.
"They're from the village."
Sophie examined the clay bowl.
"This is mine."
Jude looked at her.
"You made it?"
She nodded.
"It was the one I made yesterday."
