The moment they were clear, Julius, Aika, and I collapsed entirely, scattering like broken dolls around the limp bodies of Celeste and Evelyn.
All of us were struggling to catch our breaths, and for a long moment, the only sound was the harsh, ragged wheezing of five exhausted people and the faint, unsettling rush of air from the chasm where the bridge had been moments before.
Julius was the first to speak, his voice breathless. "That... that was close. Too close." He then struggled to turn toward Evelyn, who was lying sprawled and looking pale and almost lifeless.
"Are you okay, my lady?"
Evelyn slowly turned her head to him and nodded once tiredly.
Meanwhile, I struggled to sit up. Even though I was in a world of throbbing pain, I forced myself to focus on ensuring we were not in any immediate danger.
