The first awakened prisoner reached the tank on one working knee.
Jade caught its chain before the hook entered the pressure hose. The prisoner kept crawling, dragging her across the wet floor until Yun-Jin pinned the chain with an arrow.
"She wants the pulse moving through the hose, not the woman inside."
Palla pulled herself along the western wall while three more bodies climbed from the return shaft. Her damaged fingers left narrow streaks across the stone.
"Everything buried here wakes hungry for the strongest living rhythm."
The Reaper rose behind them with bodies hanging from its robe. Its scythe cut through the arms holding it and struck Ty across the ribs.
Ty hit the doorway beside Zunoder. The old body caught him before his skull met the wall, then shoved him back toward the fight.
"You can resent my hands after they keep you standing."
"I have enough resentment to survive one useful catch."
