Rylan and Lyra moved through its endless corridors, the flickering light of the torches casting long, distorted shadows that seemed to stretch out towards them. Lyra's heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in shallow, nervous gasps as she tried to keep up with Rylan's brisk pace.
She had no idea where he was taking her, and the uncertainty gnawed at her like a living thing, making every step feel heavier than the last.
Rylan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, noticing the way her hands trembled slightly and how her eyes darted nervously around the darkened hallway. She was scared, and though he didn't want to admit it, the sight of her fear tugged at something deep within him.
He had seen fear before—countless times—but this was different. It was personal, and it made him want to protect her, even if he couldn't fully explain why.
