Gemotions

The antique doorknob, cold and heavy beneath Elias's trembling fingers, finally turned. He hadn't expected to find anything behind the bookshelf. Just a solid wall, he'd thought. Now, the door swung inward, revealing a flight of steep, shadowy stairs descending into darkness. His breath hitched in his chest. A prickle of cold travelled down his spine, despite the warmth of the afternoon sun streaming through the nearby window. He considered slamming the door shut, returning to the sunlit living room, pretending he hadn't seen. But curiosity, a dangerous and unwelcome companion, held him captive. He took a hesitant step forward, the floorboards groaning in protest.