Page 75 of Immersed
Finally.Levi’s shoulders sagged with relief as the oppressive weight of the structure’s attention seemed to lift.
It was stocked with basic supplies at some point: cases of bottled water, energy bars, and basic first aid materials. A single bare bulb provided steady light, fed by wiring that seemed separate from the main electrical system.
This feels real,Levi thought, touching one of the water cases.Not like another trap.
“This is it,”Jasper said, sealing the hidden door behind them.“We haven’t heard a single automated sound since I found it.”
“How long have you been separated from the group?”Levi asked.
“Since the place sealed itself,”Maddie said, settling onto a crate with obvious relief.“It feels like forever, but probably only a few hours.”
How is she so calm?Levi wondered, studying her face for signs of the terror he felt constantly gnawing at his chest.Does she not understand what’s happening, or is she just better at handling it than I am?
“Water first,”she said, tossing bottles to Asher and Levi.“Then we figure out what the hell is happening here.”
Asher accepted the water while remaining near the door, his posture alert despite the apparent safety. Bloodhaddriedon his face from Levi’s punch, giving him a feral appearance.
He still looks pleased with himself,Levi noted, watching Asher’s subtle expression.Like getting punchedwasa fucking reward.
Levi drank gratefully, the cool water washing away the taste of fear and adrenaline.
“What happened to you two?”he asked.“After the place sealed itself?”
“We got separated from Zoe almost immediately,”Jasper explained, pulling out what looked like energy bars from his pocket.“The walls started moving, passages rearranging themselves. Zoe went down one way, we went down another, and when we tried to follow her...”
“The passage is gone,” Maddie finished. “Like it had never existed.”
“We’ve been mapping the changes,”Jasper continued, settling cross-legged on the floor.“This place is moving around us. Nothing stays the same for long.”
“How did you end up in our area?”Levi asked.
“Following the screaming,”Maddie said matter-of-factly.“We heard someone in distress.”
“We found Zoe first,”Jasper’s voice grew quieter.“Or whatwasleftof her. She triggered some kind of trap—metal spikes from the ceiling.”
Levi’schest tightened. Another death, another failure to protect someone.I should have insisted we stay together. Should have known the structure would try to separate us.
“I’m sorry,”he said, the words feeling inadequate.
“Not your fault, man,”Jasper said gently.“This place is designed to kill people. We’re just trying not to be next.”
Isn’t it my fault, though?Levi thought bitterly.I’m the one who knows what’s happening. I’m the one who could have warned them.
“What about Tyler and Owen?”Levi asked.“Have you seen them?”
Maddie and Jasper exchanged a look.“No visual contact,”Jasper said.“But I heard Tyler screaming earlier. Somewhere deeper in the structure.”
“Screaming how?” Asher asked.
“Like hewasbeing hurt,”Jasper replied.“Not just scared—hurt. It went on for a while, then stopped.”
Tyler’s probably dead, too.That left only the five of them, assuming Owen was even still alive.
We’re dropping like flies. At this rate, it’ll just be me and Asher left. Which is exactly what he wants.
“We need to find a way out,”Levi said, trying to focus on actionable goals rather than mounting casualties.
“Agreed,”Maddie said.“First, let’s figure out what we’re dealing with.”
