Fumble around in the dark

Maybe it was the pale phosphorescence, maybe she hadn't waited long enough, but whatever the reason Jane was having a difficult time adjusting her eyes to the darkness. She didn't dare make her own light for fear of alerting her prey. If that happened, Jane herself could become prey all too quickly.

The young woman could make out faint outlines in the dim light. It wasn't much, but it was enough to know she wasn't heading toward a wall. She reached out carefully with her feet and felt the ground in front of her through the soft leather shoes. Something on the cold stones squished under Jane's feet. In the darkness she couldn't tell if it was moss, monster slime, or something else. Given that she was in an old sewer, Jane hoped that it was not the last option.

The novice hunter peered deeply into the darkness, eyes wide, searching for any hint of movement. She stepped carefully to avoid any sudden drops. Knowing that she would likely only get an instant of warning, Jane pulled her short wakizashi blade from its sheath at her side.

Strange sounds echoed through the catacombs. Dripping water. Something that might have been a rat scurrying across the ground. Other, more alien sounds. All set against a quiet stillness. It was beginning to get unsettling. She listened intently for anything that might warn of an impending attack. Nothing that she heard seemed to be near her.

Suddenly, something brushed against Jane's outstretched foot. The girl jumped and let out a startled yelp. She swiped quickly with her sword. The sharp blade cut cleanly through whatever was in front of her with no resistance. But there was no reaction. No monstrous scream. No curses in ancient alien languages. Not even the squeak of an injured mouse. Maybe Jane had imagined that something brushing against her foot.