The courtyard was quiet, except for the sound of water gently lapping against the stone.
The battle was over, but the group moved with a sluggish weariness that came only after true exhaustion.
Since they'd entered the maze, they'd had to fight sharks, a soul squid, and the bone takers without much rest. And since they were not immortal, they needed the rest.
Ren knelt beside Thorn, who was still conscious but now slumped against Elias, his face pale from blood loss.
The cauterized stump where his hand had once been was already dark and roughened, but it was no longer bleeding.
"Let me take it from here." Ren said softly, placing a hand on Elias' shoulder.
Elias nodded and stepped back, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked exhausted, but alert. His eyes flicked toward the opening, watching them for any signs of danger.
Ren reached into his spatial pouch and brought out a small black kit sealed tight with wax string.
