Round 66 Transcript

The tension in The ash-choked road outside the ruined city of Gravehill tightens for a beat as the interruption refuses to go away. Everyone is forced to stay quiet and choose their next move carefully.

Breath catches as the pull jerks me off-balance into the alleyway between buildings. Renn! My voice cracks with effort and concern—he's just a frightened civilian caught in this mess. We're not leaving you! The brick wall scrapes my shoulder blades raw through fabric as I dig heels in, fighting whatever's got its claws in him. The grip is cold as death and strong enough to drag an ox cart—I can feel it dragging us both back into the shadows between buildings. My free hand finds the hilt of my mace while my other arm locks around Gravedigger Renn, keeping him close.

I snap over my shoulder toward the road where I hope Jeane and Silra are still visible through the rain-slick darkness. We're okay! It's a lie but it might buy us seconds. Renn needs help talking—I can't let them take him! My legs burn with effort as I plant wider, using every muscle to resist being pulled between buildings.