As they passed through the narrow layne, another tremor shook the ground, making the fine grains of sand above rain down on their shoulders and hair.
Esme and Cora kept moving, and each step seemed like an eternity until they finally made it to the second door.
Unfortunately, it was barred from within, so they opted for the iron, manhole cover above.
With a forceful push, Cora heaved the heavy lid aside and quickly climbed up, with Esme following close behind, and once they were out, she covered the hole as quietly as she could. Both of them emerged from the narrow opening, only to find themselves on the fortress's ground floor.
The howling of wolves, faint but chilling, echoed from somewhere outside, along with voices barking orders. It stirred Esme's instinct, but she was brought back to her senses when Cora gestured that they needed to keep moving.
