“What is down there?” Han asked, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with trepidation.

The officer shook his head, speaking softly. “Old houses can have strange features, but this… I’ve never seen anything like it. We’ll need to investigate further.”

Ink, however, seemed to understand more than any of them. His ears perked up, and his eyes were locked on the darkened void, growls still rumbling from his chest. This was no ordinary discovery; he sensed an ancient presence that sent shivers along his spine.

As the officers prepared to explore further, Son and Han stood back, the enormity of the situation sinking in. The baby stirred in Son’s arms, a small whimper escaping her lips. Ink immediately turned his attention to her, moving closer, his body rigid and protective.

Descending into the revealed passage, the officers’ footsteps echoed hollowly. The light from their flashlights cut through the darkness, revealing stone walls slick with moisture, roots snaking through the crevices. The tunnel twisted and turned, an underground labyrinth that seemed to stretch endlessly.