As they climbed away from Ao Qin's damaged stronghold, following Captain Zhen through winding paths carved into the mountainside. The Steam vents hissed from cracks in the rock, releasing superheated vapor that could cook flesh in seconds if it touched someone's skin.
"Stay close," Captain Zhen warned. "The ground here can give way without warning, and falling into a thermal pocket is not a pleasant way to die."
Grim adjusted the heat-resistant gear Shen Yue had provided, grateful for the protection it provided. The armor was crafted from some kind of treated coral that asrobed some of the heat, but it couldn't completely shield him from the oppressive temperature that surrounded them on all sides.
Lin moved beside him. Since learning the truth about Shen Lao being her real father, she had spoken little, her ice magic flickering unpredictably around her hands as her emotions warred beneath the surface.
