The tunnel curved so sharply it nearly threw me sideways. Nathan’s hand stayed clamped around mine, pulling me forward every time my legs shook or stumbled. The air was thick with dust from the collapsing stone behind us, sharp in my lungs. Ember cried softly against Lira’s shoulder with every jarring step. Felix cursed loudly every time his boot hit a loose rock.
And behind all of us, the corrupted guardian roared again.
The sound tore down the tunnel in a blast of heat and sick red light, shaking dust from the ceiling.
“We need to move,” Riven snapped, pushing Felix ahead of him.
“I am moving,” Felix shot back, stumbling over a chunk of fallen stone. “I am moving with a terrible attitude and blistered feet, but I am moving.”
The tunnel widened briefly, giving us space to regroup. Th
