Chapter 17: Walls of Ice and Fire
"Marcus is leading them here," Elara gasped, her vision clearing. "He’s working with the queen!"
The temple walls shook again, harder this time. Dust and small stones showered from the ceiling.
"We need to move," Tobias urged. "There’s another exit through the north passage."
"They’ll be watching all the exits," Darian said, his calm voice belying the tension in his shoulders. "We need a distraction."
Kael’s face hardened into the mask of leadership Elara knew too well. "I’ll lead them away from the north tunnel. The rest of you escape while I buy time."
"No!" Ronan grabbed his brother’s arm. "We stick together!"
"There’s no time to argue," Kael snapped. "Protect Elara. That’s what matters now."
Before anyone could stop him, Kael grabbed a knife and ran toward the east passage.
"Kael, wait!" Elara called, but he disappeared into the darkness.
Tobias glanced anxiously at the ceiling as more dirt fell. "We need to go. Now!"
"I’m going after him," Elara decided, surprising herself with her own determination.