The passage sloped downward, the stone beneath their feet smoother than the chamber they'd left behind.
Ryn walked in silence for a few steps before stopping near the wall. He slid down into a crouch, back resting against the cold stone, and reached into his pouch.
Jay slowed, then turned. "…You okay?"
"I've been better," Ryn said.
He pulled out a roll of bandages, already stiff from the cold. With practiced efficiency, he peeled back the torn fabric on his side.
The claw marks were ugly, angry red lines that tore into his skin. At least they were shallow.
Ryn wrapped the bandages tight, teeth clenched as he cinched them down. The sting flared briefly, then dulled into a steady ache.
He pulled on it once more, just to make sure it held.
Good enough.
Jay glanced back the way they'd come, toward the sealed chamber.
"So, wanna talk about what just happened?"
