ALTHEA
After what felt like far longer than two hours, the sound of different water reached us. This one was clearer, brighter, the kind of sound that promised relief.
"Check your amulets," Thorne commanded, his voice cutting through the relative quiet. "Make sure they're latched tight."
The Gammas obeyed immediately, hands going to the cords around their necks. I did the same, feeling for the familiar weight against my sternum, ensuring the clasp was secure.
"The nightmares can break your resolve if you're not careful," Thorne continued, his tone grave. "They'll whisper things that sound true. They'll offer you things you want. And if your amulet comes loose, if you lose that protection even for a moment, they can make you join them. You'll be lost in the mist and its madness forever."
A heavy silence followed his words. One of the younger Gammas swallowed hard enough that I heard it.
