The cavern quaked as the liquid light of the Eternal Ember pulsed in Lira's hand.
The molten veins along the walls began to glow brighter, casting long, flickering shadows that danced across the jagged stone. Dust fell from the ceiling. Rocks tumbled from above.
"Move!" Serelyth shouted, wings unfurled, heat radiating in a protective aura.
Thalanir leapt ahead, checking ledges and preparing ropes to anchor their way.
Renkai froze. His legs trembled. His palms sweated. The abyss below yawned like a hungry mouth.
"I… I can't—" he whispered.
Lira reached for his arm. "Renkai, please… we need to move now!"
"No," he said suddenly, stepping directly in front of her. His chest heaved. "I… I don't like this, Lira. But you… you're going first. If something comes… I won't let it—touch—you!"
Lira's eyes widened. "Renkai—"
