They found their sanctuary in a high, narrow cavern accessible only through a vertical shaft. It was a tight fit for Adam's massive bulk, but that made it defensible. The floor was littered with soft, dry moss and the air was still and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos they had just left behind.
"Alice," Adam said, his voice echoing softly in the enclosed space. "Stand guard at the entrance. Do not let anything disturb us. Ignis, Lilith, you both are on the cusp as well. Prepare yourselves. We do this one at a time, starting with me. Alice will keep us safe."
«Understood,» Alice replied, her tone serious for once. She took up a position at the mouth of the shaft, a silent sentinel of void and shadow. She would allow nothing to pass.
Ignis curled up on a bed of moss, her body already shimmering with pent-up heat. Lilith found a secluded corner and began to spin a delicate, silken cocoon around herself, a soft hum of psychic energy emanating from within.
