James’s voice was calm and reassuring as he guided her with steady instructions on handling the rope. Tina tightened her grip, her nerves a quiet hum in the back of her mind. She focused, reminding herself that the only way forward was to trust both him—and her own abilities.
James rapidly disappeared into the darkness below. Tina watched, her heart pounding faster with every inch he dropped. The well was deep and shadowy, and all she could hear was the echo of James’s careful movements and mysterious cries. Her hands were sweaty, clutching the rope that connected her to James down in the blackness.