They stumbled over one another desperately, each faltering step bringing them closer to the archway. Their feet trembled beneath them, muscles burning with exhaustion as the chittering horde approached from behind, a moving wall of corrupted carapaces that blocked out the horizon. The sound of countless termite legs scraping against stone created a horrifying symphony that seemed to grow louder with each labored breath they took.
Arthur's lungs burned as he dragged Aziel's increasingly limp form alongside him. Sweat trickled down his face, stinging his eyes and leaving glistening trails through the grime that coated his skin. His companion's weight grew heavier with each passing moment, Aziel's consciousness wavering as blood continued to seep from his mangled foot, leaving crimson smears across the ancient stone path.
'Come on, we're so close... come on!'
