"Alright, peeps," Erin's voice rang out across the cave, light-hearted and careless too carefree for the situation at hand. "We've made it through Round One. Congrats to the lucky fifteen. But now… we're getting to the real reason we're here."
Devin gave a small, reassuring smile. "You're not a burden, Lolicia. You survived what most didn't. That already makes you stronger than you think."
She blinked, surprised by his words, and then nodded more firmly.
"Thanks," she murmured. "Let's go."
---
Together, they moved deeper into the cave, falling in line just behind Daelan, who walked with heavy, deliberate steps, his greatsword resting on one shoulder and his face set in a grim scowl.
Devin noticed the tension still clinging to Daelan's shoulders the aftershock of his earlier clash with Erin. That wound, though unseen, hadn't closed.
But now wasn't the time to pick at it.
They had entered the belly of the dungeon.
