But in the silence, the weight of what they had just accomplished pulsed in their chests. They passed through the Forest of Regrets alive, with their limbs complete. No poison in their systems, or serious injuries. It was a miracle.
"I doubt anyone comes down here anymore," Abuchi said quietly, looking around at the dust covered crates and shattered tiles. "We could stay here for the night."
"Let's not risk moving further tonight," Nnenna agreed, rubbing her eyes. "We're all drained. We need to rest and start fresh."
No one argued. The others nodded slowly, exhaustion sinking deep into their bones. For the first time in nearly a month, the ground beneath their feet wasn't shifting, alive, or threatening to swallow them whole.
They spread out across the cold floor of the basement, taking up corners, leaning against walls, unrolling thin blankets where they could. There was no comfort, ⁷only quiet survival.
But they had made it this far.
