Stone fragments pelted down like hail as the alcove ceiling buckled under the mountain's weight.
"The horses!" Rui gasped, watching Moonbeam and Stardust's spectral forms flicker like dying candles.
The ethereal steeds reared in terror, their translucent bodies wavering between solid and mist as panic consumed them.
"Easy, my beauties," Rui called out, her voice cutting through the chaos with surprising steadiness.
"I need you both—we're getting out of here together."
She stretched her hand toward Moonbeam's flickering muzzle, her tone firm but gentle.
"Moonbeam, remember the ice bridge? You trusted me then. Trust me now."
The spectral mare's form solidified slightly, her glowing eyes fixing on Rui's face.
"And you, Stardust—brave girl. We practiced this. Follow my voice, follow my lead."
Both horses steadied, their forms growing more solid as Rui's calm confidence reached them through their terror.
A massive crack split the alcove's roof from end to end.
