AMAT (4)

The soft, fine sand under their feet suddenly morphed into a thick, muddy mess, with pits forming one after another.

At the bottom of each pit, huge gaping mouths waited, ready to devour anything that fell into them.

The moment Adela shouted her warning, Lyra was already in action. She quickly distanced herself from the danger.

After making sure there were no pits forming under her own feet, Lyra turned back and tossed out a light band, managing to pull the rest of the team to safety.

Everyone made it out — except one.

"Help..." Milo's voice was cut off as a beast lunged from the pit below and swallowed him whole.

The group froze, stunned by the sight. Kolan, who had been arguing with Milo moments earlier, felt a wave of guilt hit him hard.

The sting of the wind and sand snapped Kolan out of his daze. Wiping his face, he asked quietly, "Is he… dead?"