It moved slowly, thick enough to cling to the stone instead of running freely. “Nora,” he said again. “Don’t move.” She glanced down, then followed his gaze. “What… is that?” Ethan swallowed. He brushed a fingertip close without touching it. The fluid continued to creep downward, gathering in small droplets along natural grooves in the rock.
“Water?” he said, though it sounded like a question. “Maybe mixing with some mineral? There are iron deposits around here, but—” He frowned. “I’ve never seen anything turn it that color.” “And if it’s water,” Nora said quietly, “that means there’s more coming.” The thought landed heavily between them.