We stayed like that for what felt like hours before I finally pulled back. My chest still burned, and tears stung my eyes like acid, but I pushed it all down, focusing on each breath.

When I felt as steady as I could manage, I released Clover and looked away. Under other circumstances, I’d feel embarrassed by my breakdown. But today was no ordinary day.

Exhaustion clawed at me, a hollow ache sinking into my chest, and an unshakeable fatigue settled over me like a lead blanket.

I didn't have the spare energy to care that she'd seen me like that. I'd already abred my rage and nearly died to a Giant Spider–what was a little grief between friends?

Clover shifted, leaning sideways until she caught my line of sight. When I still wouldn't meet her eyes, she sighed and tucked a finger under my chin. Knowing a losing battle when I saw one, I let her tilt my face towards her. Her gaze softened, worry shadowing her features, and whatever she saw in my eyes only deepened her concern.

She took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Frederick, this isn't something to be ashamed of. Grief is ugly, and it hurts. I'd never judge you for a few tears. Spirits above, I'd do worse in your place.” Her eyes warmed, and a wry smile curled her lips. “And if anyone gives you grief about it, send them to me. They'll walk away with fewer limbs and a fresh appreciation for minding their own business.”

A rough laugh slipped out, and I managed a nod. “I'll remember that.” I took a deep breath and straightened, shoving my emotions down to deal with later. We had a dungeon to clear and an herb to find. Grief would have to wait.

Feeling somewhat steadier, I let go of her hand and glanced toward Gregory's body. “We need to keep moving. After we bring the herb to Starkfell, I'll come back and lay him to rest properly. He doesn't deserve to rot in this pit.”

Clover nodded, giving my arm a light nudge. “If you want, I'll help you. It'll be a big task, even for a ‘big, tough paladin knight.’” She winked, coaxing a faint, but genuine smile from me.

“I'd like that.” Then, forcing myself not to look back at the bodies, I led us out. Clover stayed by my side, a steady presence anchoring me through the turmoil. I made a mental note to thank her for the silent support later.

As we passed the scorpion's corpse, the sight felt different. Before, it had been just another monster to kill; now, with Sara's fate in mind, it was something darker.

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Hate soldered in my gut, flaring like coals I dared not feel. I turned away before the rage could consume me again.

Clover stepped closer, drawing my focus as she gestured to the next room. “Stay sharp. That scorpion probably ate all the other monsters on this level, but we shouldn't drop our guard just yet.”

I nodded, forcing myself back into the moment as we entered the next chamber. There were no threats, not even a stray Deep Rat. After scanning the area for traps, Clover moved forward, circling the room in silent assessment before finally nodding.

“All clear. I can see the staircase leading down, too–”

She froze, eyes locked on something in the corner. I followed her gaze, and my stomach knotted.

There, among scraps of fabric and a skull, lay a pendant glinting in the light from our weapons–Dawncrest's emblem. Sara's pendant.

In a daze, I walked over and picked it up, the small metal sun familiar in my hand. Gregory had given it to her when she'd first become a cleric.

Grief struck fresh, venom seeping through my veins with every heartbeat. I forced myself to breathe through the sting.

“I'll be right back,” I said, my voice hollow as I turned toward the way we'd come. Clover kept pace with me, one eyebrow raised.

“What are you doing?” she asked, her words as laced with concern as her eyes.

I looked straight ahead, ignoring the scorpion's corpse, and made my way back to where Gregory lay.

“He died trying to get to her. There's no body to bring him, so this is the next best thing.”

She didn't argue.

Once we stood before him, I knelt and gently placed the pendant in his palm. “Wherever you two are, I hope you're together again.” They both deserved a peaceful rest.

Leaving Sara's pendant felt like such a small gesture, but until I could come back to bury them, it was all I could do. I let the silence linger before standing.

“I'm ready whenever you are,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended. Clover didn't mention it, just followed me to the next floor.

When we reached the staircase, one foot poised to descend, I hesitated, glancing back at her.

“I know we usually sleep on the level we cleared, but I…” I don't want to sleep here.

Images of Gregory chained and Sara’s screams were already etched into my mind. They would haunt me no matter where we camped, but I needed distance from this place.

Clover didn't need me to explain. She nodded with an understanding spark behind her gaze.

“We can head back to the previous floor. Normally, I'd say we could push on, but we've both burned a lot of mana. Without knowing what's waiting on floor four, it wouldn't be wise to skip sleeping.”

As long as we didn't sleep here, I didn't care.

Relief swept through me, and I turned back the way we'd come. “Thank you. I'll cook. Could use something to do with my hands anyway.”

At least for now, I wouldn't have to worry about trying to sleep. That was a problem for Future Frederick.