"We did it!" Ethan declared, sprinting with whatever energy remained. The white caves receded behind them as they ran into the rolling hills. Panting, the group collapsed behind a cluster of boulders, hidden from view under the starlit sky.
A light breeze carried the scent of pine and earth as the distant rumble of Orc shouts faded into echoes. They were finally safe.
Ethan leaned against a rock, catching his breath. "You two came back. After everything. I thought you hated me."
Beatrix wiped sweat from her brow and dusted her gothic little dress. She slumped next to him. Her silver hair was matted and wild, but she looked more beautiful than ever.
"Oh, that crap again? Gods, you're dense. We couldn't just leave you to burn like that. You're an idiot, a massive pain in the ass, but... you're our idiot now. Lady Velma would skin us alive if we let her precious son die out here."
