Destro and Signa moved at the head of the retreating column. Their formation held steady, shields forming the outer shell while the casters and archers kept tight in the middle. Front and rear watchers checked every corner with weapons angled low for quick reaction.
There were no wasted words, only short instructions and hand signs, just as they had practiced so many times.
Their steps echoed in careful rhythm as they retreated through the corridor they had bled to secure.
A few dozen seconds later, the familiar silhouette of the dungeon's entry point came into view. A swirling doorway of distorted space, marking the link back to Planet Earth.
The sight pulled something loose inside Signa. She hadn't realized how rigid her spine had felt until it softened.
She let out a long breath.
"It's over…"
She took one more step…
Then the world vibrated.
A voice rolled through the cavern. It was deep, masculine, and thoroughly ominous.
