The ascent from the First Chamber is a grueling, agonizing crawl.
The ancient stone stairs, carved by the Moon Goddess’s hands millennia ago, are fractured and slick with the receding golden water of the ley-lines. The air in the stairwell is thin, choked with pulverized rock dust and the sharp, metallic tang of ozone. Every breath burns my lungs. Every step sends a jolt of agonizing feedback through my frayed magical core.
Kade is in front of me, his massive frame hunched against the low, crumbling ceiling. He is carrying Elara in his left arm, her small head resting against his shoulder, her breathing shallow and ragged. Behind me, Asher is walking on his own, his small hand gripping the rough stone wall for support, his mismatched eyes dull and exhausted. Kieran and Lilith bring up th
