The grey did not arrive gradually .
It was simply present — the moment they crossed the threshold , the Cruentus boundary's first light cutting off behind them as completely as if it had never existed . The acoustic honesty of the Temple's interior confirmed itself in the same instant . No displacement . No phantom replay from a position it was not spoken from . The Mimic Moss — which had been their constant acoustic companion gone .
Only what was actually there .
Which was this .
