#Chapter 107: Hidden Underground

Abby “Oh my god, Abby… could it be?” Karl’s eyes widen next to me. I crouch down to get a closer look at the dark mushrooms nestled in the dirt at our feet. “Yes,” I breathe, reaching out to run my finger along their tops. “This is it. Black truffles.” This is exactly what we've been searching for, but something feels off, discordant in a way that pricks at my senses. Karl crouches down beside me, his fingers gently touching the truffles. “They look genuine. But how is this even possible? All these truffles growing this far from sunlight? I knew they needed low light, but this…” His words are mirroring my thoughts exactly. “I don’t think they’re growing naturally,” I murmur, my eyes scanning the cave, landing on something that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I point upwards, my finger shaking slightly. “Look.” Karl’s eyes follow my finger to the ceiling of the cave. Artificial lights hang overhead. They’re turned off right now, likel