Cautiously, she ventured closer, peering around the stairwell's corner to discern a figure.

With an emphatic stomp, the light was illuminated.

Before Sierra stood a young woman, her countenance pallid, her eyes tinged with red, a manifestation of the gloom veiling her disposition.

"You gave me quite a start," Sierra exhaled with relief.

The woman retorted, "I believe you were peering in my direction."