The passage leading away from the stomach was a nightmare of pulsing walls and shifting anatomy. Grim pressed himself against the fleshy tunnel as they climbed upward, the creature's awakening causing the entire structure to shift and contract around them. The red bioluminescent veins embedded in the walls provided just enough light to navigate, but the constant motion made every step treacherous.
"This way," Lin called, her ice barrier flickering as she fought to maintain it against the acidic environment. "The passage opens up ahead."
They emerged into a vast chamber. Unlike the organic curves of the stomach, this space was clearly artificial—the walls were carved and even what appeared to be crude furniture scattered throughout. But most shocking of all were the figures moving in the shadows.
"Prisoners," Suanni breathed, his flames casting shadows as the prisoners began to look at them.
