The forest canopy broke into twisted arches, light bleeding through in broken shafts as they trudged along the path. Some remaining bits of beetle husks crunched underfoot, the stink of ichor clinging to their armor. Kalrek dragged his feet dramatically, looking miserable.
"Are we there yet?" he whined, dragging one foot with theatrical limp. "Because if we're not, my legs are going to sue for abuse."
Veyra didn't even glance up. "If they do, I'll represent them in court. And win."
Kalrek sniffed loudly, as if wounded, then clutched his chest. "Betrayed by my own legal counsel."
Ash snorted, the sound half growl, half laugh, and even Tholn's lips twitched before his face hardened again.
They trudged deeper into the forest. The air grew stiller, the canopy crowding overhead until even the sunlight fractured into narrow, dusty beams.
