The Descent Into White
The southern passage stretched endlessly before them, a narrow corridor carved from ancient stone that seemed to swallow their footsteps. Naia's breath came in visible puffs as she walked beside Mika, the cold seeping through their armor despite their steady pace. The silence between them was broken only by the echo of their boots against the weathered stone floor.
"How long have we been walking?" Naia asked, her voice echoing softly off the weathered walls.
Mika's earth-blade remained ready in her grip, her eyes scanning every shadow and alcove they passed. "Long enough to know we're being led somewhere specific," she replied, her tone clipped with concentration.
Naia glanced back the way they had come, thinking of the split in the courtyard. "I hope Ester and Soren have found something on their path. Viva needs her sisters right now."
