Jane descended the stairs and stepped into the basement

[alpacinou]

Is this correct and natural?

Jane descended the stairs and stepped into the basement, feeling the musty air trapped there for a long time. Hazy light seeped through the holes of a vent, lending the basement a ghostly quality.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Is this correct and natural?

Jane went down the stairs and stepped into the basement, feeling the musty trapped air. Hazy light seeped through [STRIKE][/STRIKE] a vent, lending the basement a ghostly quality.

Or: Ghostly light seeped through a vent.
If Jane didn't pose for Marcel Duchamp, use "went down": Duchamp

 

[emsr2d2]

How does one feel musty air?

 

[alpacinou]

How does one feel musty air?

Can I use smell?

Jane went down the stairs and stepped into the basement, smelling the musty trapped air. Hazy light seeped through a vent, lending the basement a ghostly quality.

Do I have a better option?

 

[emsr2d2]

I don't see the need for a verb at all. All the information you need is contained in these seven words:

Jane went down into the musty basement.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Here's a habit to cultivate:

First, write. Then go back and shorten. Then do it again. Then do it again.

Shorten at least three times. It works wonders.