The phrase “swallowing the soft glow of lanterns like a restless tide” suggests a sense of movement and consumption, which creates an image of the fog enveloping the lanterns in a captivating yet unsettling manner. This imagery enhances the eerie and mysterious qualities of the setting, making the fog seem alive and consuming. Therefore, the correct answer is:
B. It emphasizes the eerie and mysterious setting, making the fog seem alive and consuming.