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Rose gave an agonised yelp as the Nox clung to her wounded arm, twisting it, pinning her to the ground. The creature that had weighed no more than an insect a moment ago now threatened to crush her. With her other hand, she grasped blindly about in the growing darkness, her fingers meeting only debris-littered floorboards.

Through the crash of plaster, an all too familiar voice piped up, bringing a surge of both relief and irritation.

[i][color=B6C6AB]*Finally, you feel like responding. You sound like you're about to ask for help. Remember you're the one who went off on your own.*[/color][/i]

Rose could barely speak for the coughs racking through her body. Smoke caught in her throat and chest, that stench of burning flesh making her want to retch. [color=ff4f61]"For fuck's sake,"[/color] she spluttered. [color=ff4f61]"If-If you're not gonna help me, at least help the others here! There are people, trapped, in danger... Just be careful!"[/color] Her good eye stung with tears, not just from the fumes, but the thought of what must be happening to the souls held captive. Screams echoed all around.

Over those screams came another voice she recognised. 

[color=C2EC2C]"Close your eyes."[/color]

The incident with Cedar and the other Nox fresh in her mind, Rose braced herself. This time, there was no impact, just a wave of light she saw through the redness of closed eyelids. The attacker's weight gone, she sat up and stared around, checking right away for the motor skates in her bag. [color=ff4f61]"Whew... You alright Jay?"[/color] 

She stretched out and flexed her arm, wincing. It didn't feel broken, but she'd likely have some severe bruising and stiffness for a while. Still, it could have been a lot worse. [color=ff4f61]"Thanks,"[/color] she rasped, with a trembling laugh as she looked up. [color=ff4f61]"Now if it's not too late, we've gotta help the others..."[/color]

That momentary joy evaporated at the sight of Archer's face - or rather, the writhing mass of shadow obscuring it. Realisation weighed heavier on Rose than the Nox had. [i]This was her fault.[/i] Fluke's words replayed through her mind, about going off alone. He was right. She'd been reckless, and now Archer had paid the price.

[color=ff4f61]"Shit, no..."[/color] Crawling back, she yelled into the earpiece. [color=ff4f61]"I screwed up. Archer, she's... They've got Archer!"[/color]