We are going to die
The darkness of the fortress pressed in around us, thick and suffocating, as we moved deeper into its labyrinthine halls. The initial assault had gone smoother than anticipated too smooth, perhaps but as we advanced, the air grew colder, heavier, each breath a struggle against the oppressive atmosphere that seemed to pulse with malevolence.
Nathaniel walked beside me, his sword at the ready, his presence a constant, reassuring force in the midst of the encroaching darkness. But even his unwavering resolve couldn't chase away the unease gnawing at the edges of my mind.
My side throbbed with every step, a sharp, persistent pain that refused to be ignored. The wound from our previous battle had been aggravated by the constant movement, and though I tried to push it to the back of my mind, it was becoming harder to pretend that it wasn't affecting me.