It was too quiet, the roar outside muffled to a distant thunder, the shelter pressing in like a coffin.
Azareel finally broke it, his voice hoarse but steady. "…Is everyone okay?"
No one answered at first, the amber light flickering across their faces.
Then Nyxsha grunted, her golden eyes scanning the shadows. "Peachy."
Virelya hissed under her breath, her coils shifting restlessly. "We shouldn't stay long. The Abyss doesn't stop."
"I know," Azareel said, his silver eyes wide but calm. "But just a few minutes. Just… a breath."
Sylvara looked at him, her amber eyes unblinking. "Even the breath can betray you here," she whispered, her flowering hair drooping slightly.
Azareel smiled softly, despite the weight pressing on his chest. "Then I'll hold mine for now."
Virelya stared at him, her golden eyes narrowing behind her mask. "…You're not afraid, are you?" she asked, her voice a breathy murmur.
He nodded faintly. "I am."
