Gemotions

Rain hammered against the new house's windows, mirroring the dull ache in Daniel's temples. He sprawled on the living room sofa, the remote control a dead weight in his hand. The endless cycle of channel surfing did little to alleviate the feeling of leadenness that had settled over him. Even the thought of ordering pizza, his usual comfort food, felt exhausting.

"Maybe… later," he mumbled to himself, the words barely audible. A faint clicking sound, almost imperceptible, echoed from behind the fireplace.

He finally heaved himself to his feet. Approaching the hearth, the air grew noticeably cooler. He ran his hand along the brickwork. A section felt subtly different. A slight pressure, and a section of the wall swung inward, revealing a spiral staircase descending into shadow.