Marcus approached Xiao Yue, dragging his three unconscious captives across the cavern floor. "Are you leaving or not?" he asked, expecting her to follow.
Xiao Yue's expression filled with gentle resignation as she met his gaze. "Sorry to waste your efforts, but I can't leave this place," she said softly.
"And why is that?" Marcus's brow furrowed in confusion.
Instead of answering immediately, Xiao Yue turned her head aside, her fox ears drooping slightly. "I was only alive because I had merged with the dungeon," she explained, her voice heavy with acceptance. "Since you've cut the chains, I can feel my connection to the dungeon fading. I'm guessing I won't have much time left when it fades completely." She lifted her hand, revealing fingers that had already begun turning translucent, like delicate glass catching the dim light.
