You act like you haven’t eaten in days

As we climbed out of the pit, the tension was palpable. I clung tightly to Thalindra's back, my arms wrapped around her shoulders as her black flames illuminated the rough, damp walls.

The eerie sounds from below faded as we neared the surface, but my nerves were still shot. Every shadow felt like a threat, every sound like the approach of something malevolent.

Finally, with one last push, Thalindra hoisted us over the edge and onto solid ground. I scrambled off her back, wincing as my ankle protested.

"Thanks," I muttered, brushing off dirt and moss from my clothes.

Thalindra rolled her shoulders and turned to me, her expression unreadable. "You're welcome. Try not to fall into any more holes."

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," I retorted, glancing around. The forest was quiet now, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. I squinted into the shadows, half-expecting another disaster to be lurking just out of sight.