---
Her wings trembled in mid glide as they rose through the final stretch of the pressure zone. The air was thick like syrup made from fear. The world felt warped, light bending unnaturally around the pulsing red mist. A single heartbeat thumped through the sky like a war drum.
Kai turned to Lirien, who sat behind him, arms braced tightly against his waist. "You alright?"
Her jaw clenched. "This… this is not normal. This is something like a nightmare. Something older."
Azhara groaned. "I think I peed a little. I'm either terrified or turned on."
"Both," Sha deadpanned.
Vel reached for her, throwing needles like weapons. "I can't even throw one without it falling like a pebble."
Kai gritted his teeth and focused. "Hold on. We're almost out."
