Crawling Out The Abyss

"I'll go first," she whispered, voice raw from the dust. "If it's blocked, I'll come back."

Mikhailis nodded, resting a moment. Rhea's breathing was labored, her face pale from pain, but she hadn't complained once. He admired her grit.

"Go," he told Lira, voice hushed.

The elegant maid braced herself, then slipped into the opening with cat-like agility. Her legs disappeared into the darkness, leaving Mikhailis and Rhea alone on the ledge, the catacombs' groans reverberating around them.

A flicker of worry twisted in his gut. If Lira found a path, great; if not, they'd have to find another route while the place was caving in.

Rhea closed her eyes for a moment, exhaling shakily.

"I hate this," she said, voice tight.

He offered a gentle squeeze of her arm.

"I know."

She was never one for grand emotional displays, but the fear and tension etched on her face told him enough.