Falling into the Unknown

The ground gave way beneath Mikhailis's feet before he could even curse. One moment, he was standing in that ancient chamber, trying to decide if he should snatch the Mist Sovereign's fragment or bail. The next, the entire floor lurched, cracking with a deafening roar. Everything tilted. Dust, stone, and swirling echoes of old magic consumed his vision. It felt like the catacombs themselves had come alive, determined to tear them all down into the darkness below.

Rhea's voice rang out somewhere on his right. He couldn't catch what she said—just a startled cry as the floor vanished under them. He saw her arm outstretched, frantic and protective. Lira was on his left, twisting with uncanny grace that would've been beautiful under calmer circumstances. But none of it mattered, because the world dropped beneath their feet, and they fell.