Crown of Thorns: The Hidden City of Mice

The tunnel sloped downward in a gentle spiral, roots weaving themselves into perfect stairs that seemed grown rather than carved—twisted with care, as if the earth itself had anticipated their coming. Lanterns of captured glow-worms hung in tiny glass jars along the walls, their soft green-gold light dancing like underwater sunbeams. The air grew warmer with each step, filled with the murmur of distant voices and the faint tinkling of chimes.