The clash of steel echoed through the stone halls, accompanied by the shouts of soldiers and the desperate cries of the wounded. The fortress that had stood unyielding for decades now trembled under the weight of the rebellion's assault.
Elyra paced her cell, every muscle in her body tensed like a coiled spring. The hidden blade burned against her palm as she clutched it, her mind racing with possibilities.
Then she heard it—a guttural scream just outside her cell door. Her heart leaped into her throat as the metallic scent of blood wafted in through the cracks.
Kael.
The thought struck her before she could stop it, and she hated the way it twisted her stomach. She pressed her ear to the door, straining to hear more.
"Hold the line!" someone barked, their voice muffled by the thick stone walls.
The unmistakable sound of Kael's voice.
Elyra's pulse quickened. She couldn't sit here and wait, not when the rebellion was risking everything to save her—and not when she knew Kael was out there, putting himself between her and the chaos.
She slid the blade into her sleeve and backed away from the door, her mind made up. With a deep breath, she ran toward the door at full speed, slamming her shoulder into it.
The hinges groaned but didn't give. She tried again, her frustration mounting. The third strike sent the door flying open, and Elyra stumbled into the corridor, the cool air hitting her like a slap.
The scene before her was pure chaos. Rebels and royal soldiers clashed in the narrow hallway, blades flashing and blood pooling on the stone floor. The bodies of the fallen littered the ground, their lifeless eyes staring into nothingness.
Elyra didn't hesitate. She darted forward, grabbing a sword from the hand of a fallen soldier. The weight of it was familiar, comforting, as if it had always belonged in her grip.
A royal soldier turned, his eyes narrowing when he saw her. He lunged, but Elyra was faster, sidestepping his attack and slashing her blade across his chest. He fell with a gurgled cry, and Elyra pressed on, her gaze darting around for any sign of Kael—or a way out.
"Elyra!"
Her name cut through the noise, and she turned to see a familiar face—Mara, her second-in-command, fighting her way toward her. Mara's auburn hair was streaked with blood, her movements precise as she cut down a soldier in her path.
"You're alive," Mara gasped when she reached her, her eyes scanning Elyra for injuries.
"Barely," Elyra said, gripping her sword tightly. "Where's the rest of the squad?"
"Scattered," Mara said, her expression grim. "We didn't expect the fortress to be this heavily fortified. We need to move—now."
Elyra nodded, adrenaline surging through her veins. But before they could take another step, a shout rang out.
"Stop them!"
A group of royal soldiers charged down the corridor, their weapons gleaming in the dim light. Elyra and Mara exchanged a look, their unspoken understanding clear.
"Go," Mara said, stepping in front of Elyra. "I'll hold them off."
"No," Elyra said firmly. "We fight together."
Mara opened her mouth to argue, but there was no time. The soldiers were upon them.
The battle was brutal. Elyra moved like a shadow, her blade finding its mark again and again. But the royal soldiers were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless.
Just as Elyra's arm began to tire, a familiar figure appeared at the end of the corridor.
Kael.
He moved like a force of nature, his sword an extension of his body as he cut through the soldiers with terrifying precision. His gray eyes locked onto Elyra's, and for a moment, the chaos around them seemed to fade.
"What are you doing out of your cell?" he demanded, his voice sharp as he reached her.
"Saving myself," Elyra shot back, her breath ragged.
Kael's lips twitched, but there was no time for banter. More soldiers flooded the corridor, and the three of them—Kael, Elyra, and Mara—formed a makeshift circle, their backs to one another as they fought to stay alive.
"You brought friends," Kael said, his tone dry as he parried a blow.
"They're here for me," Elyra said, her voice tight.
Kael grunted, deflecting another strike. "Good. Let's hope they're better at getting out than they are at getting in."
Elyra glared at him, but before she could retort, a deafening explosion rocked the fortress. The walls trembled, dust and debris raining down from the ceiling.
"What was that?" Mara shouted, her eyes wide.
"Your rebels," Kael said grimly, his gaze scanning the corridor. "They've breached the armory."
The realization hit Elyra like a blow. The rebellion wasn't just here for her—they were here to destroy the fortress entirely.
"We need to leave," Kael said, his voice urgent.
"And go where?" Mara demanded.
Kael's gaze locked onto Elyra's. "There's a hidden passage. I can get you out of here, but you have to trust me."
Mara bristled, her hand tightening on her sword. "You expect us to follow him? He's the enemy."
Elyra hesitated, her mind racing. She looked at Kael, his face splattered with blood and soot, and for a moment, she saw not the enemy, but the man who had saved her life.
"We don't have a choice," she said finally, her voice steady.
Mara looked like she wanted to argue, but the sound of approaching soldiers silenced her.
"Fine," Mara said, her tone grudging. "But if he tries anything—"
"He won't," Elyra said, cutting her off.
Kael nodded, his expression grim. "Follow me."
With that, they moved, weaving through the chaos as Kael led them deeper into the fortress. The sounds of battle faded as they descended a hidden staircase, the air growing colder and damp.
The passage was narrow, the walls slick with moisture. Kael led the way, his sword drawn, while Elyra and Mara followed close behind.
"Where does this lead?" Elyra asked, her voice low.
"To the river," Kael said. "From there, you're on your own."
Elyra's heart twisted at his words, though she didn't understand why.
As they neared the end of the passage, the distant sound of rushing water reached their ears. Kael pushed open a hidden door, revealing the riverbank outside.
"This is it," he said, stepping aside to let them pass.
Mara didn't hesitate, darting out into the open air. But Elyra lingered, her gaze locked on Kael.
"Come with us," she said, the words surprising even herself.
Kael hesitated, his expression conflicted. "I can't."
"Yes, you can," Elyra said, her voice firm.
For a moment, it looked like he might argue. But then he shook his head, stepping back into the shadows.
"Go," he said. "Before it's too late."
Elyra's chest tightened, but she nodded, turning to follow Mara. As she stepped into the cool night air, she glanced back one last time.
Kael was already gone.