"Aether?" Nightfire called out, her voice edged with fear as she frowned, noticing him staring at her with disbelieving eyes. "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"How…?" Aether muttered, his voice barely audible, his face frozen in shock.
"What how?" Nightfire snapped, her frown deepening. "Stop acting weird and focus. We don't have time for this!"
Aether shook his head as if clearing away intrusive thoughts. "Anyway," he said, regaining his composure, "let's search again. You cover the base, and I'll take the upper floors." He turned sharply on his heel, ready to leave, his movements hurried and almost frantic.
But before he could take another step, Nightfire grabbed his shirt sleeve. Her hand trembled slightly, and her usual fiery confidence seemed to waver. Her lips pressed together before she finally spoke, her voice low and unsteady. "A-Are we really going to get away from this place? Or are we just fooling ourselves?"
