The night was thick with tension as Cassandra staggered through the dim, winding streets of Liconermo, Rainne's body heavy in her arms. The grand chaos of Alastair Clemonte's estate, with its shattered windows and the beast's roars, seemed miles away now, but the terror of the night clung to Cassandra like a second skin. Rainne's breathing was shallow, each breath a ragged, fragile thing.
"Rainne," Cassandra whispered urgently, her voice hoarse with fear. "Stay with me. Just hold on a little longer."
Rainne, usually so full of life and fire, was barely responsive. Her blonde hair, streaked with blood, clung to her pale face, and her once-vibrant green eyes were half-closed, unfocused. The beast's claws had torn deep into her side, the blood soaking through Cassandra's gown and staining her hands.
"Cass…" Rainne murmured weakly, her lips barely moving. "It… hurts."
"I know, I know," Cassandra said, her voice cracking as she tightened her grip around Rainne's waist, practically carrying her. "We're almost there. I'm not losing you."
They rounded a corner, the familiar entrance to the underground catacombs of the guild looming ahead. Cassandra's heart pounded harder at the sight. If she could just get them inside, to Eryx and the healers, Rainne would have a chance. But every second felt like an eternity, and she could feel Rainne slipping, her body growing colder.
The streets were empty, the city asleep and oblivious to the nightmare that had unfolded at the ball. Cassandra's thoughts raced, replaying the horror over and over—the beast crashing through the windows, its claws ripping into Rainne, and the desperate struggle to save her. She pushed the memories aside, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.
At last, they reached the hidden entrance. With trembling hands, Cassandra shifted Rainne's weight, freeing one hand to press the concealed stone that opened the passageway. The door slid open with a soft groan, revealing the dark, winding stairs that led down to the catacombs.
"Just a bit more," Cassandra whispered, her voice as much a plea as it was a promise. She carefully guided Rainne down the steps, her legs burning with exhaustion, her own strength waning. But she refused to let go. Not now. Not when they were so close.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, the familiar scent of damp stone and the flickering light of torches greeted them. The sound of footsteps echoed from deeper within the catacombs, and Cassandra's heart surged with hope.
"Help!" she called out, her voice desperate and raw. "Someone, help us!"
Within moments, several figures emerged from the shadows—fellow assassins, their faces masked in concern. One of them rushed forward, taking Rainne's limp form from Cassandra's arms, while another placed a hand on Cassandra's shoulder.
"Take her to the healers, now," Cassandra commanded, her voice trembling as she watched Rainne being carried away. Rainne's head lolled back, her face ghostly pale, her breaths shallow and labored. Cassandra felt her chest tighten painfully.
"Cassandra," a deep voice cut through the din, and she turned to see Eryx Vansemos, the guild master, striding toward her. His usually calm, unreadable face was etched with worry as he took in the blood, the torn gown, and Cassandra's frantic expression.
"What happened?" he demanded, his voice sharp but not unkind.
Cassandra swallowed hard, her throat tight. "The ball… a beast, it attacked. It—it nearly killed Rainne," she managed, her voice breaking. "There were others, too. Nobles… they knew something. They were talking about the creatures. Clemonte had files, something important. But the beast—"
Eryx's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "The creatures are coming closer."
"Rainne—" Cassandra started, her voice rising with panic.
"She's in good hands," Eryx said, but his voice carried the weight of the unknown. "You did well to bring her back, but we'll need more information."
"I couldn't save her in time," Cassandra whispered, guilt eating at her. "I should've been faster, stronger. It's my fault she—"
Eryx cut her off, his gaze hardening. "No, Cassandra. You fought off a creature that would've killed both of you. Don't let guilt cloud your mind. Focus."
Cassandra nodded, though her chest ached with every beat of her heart. She wanted to believe him, wanted to think she had done enough. But Rainne's pale, lifeless face haunted her.
A sharp cry from deeper in the catacombs froze her blood. It was Rainne.
Without a second thought, Cassandra bolted toward the sound, her heart hammering in her chest. She burst into the healer's chamber, where Rainne lay on a stone table, surrounded by guild healers. Their hands moved swiftly, their faces set in grim concentration. Rainne's breathing was ragged, her body limp, her skin slick with sweat.
"Rainne!" Cassandra rushed to her side, her knees buckling as she reached for her hand. Rainne's skin was cold, clammy, her pulse weak. "Please, you have to stay with me," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You promised."
The healers worked quickly, applying salves to the deep wounds, their hands glowing faintly with magic. Cassandra could do nothing but watch, her heart in her throat, every second stretching into an eternity. Rainne's breaths grew fainter, her body still.
"Is she going to make it?" Cassandra asked, her voice barely above a whisper, but no one answered.
The room was suffocating with silence, until, finally, one of the healers spoke.
"She's stable… but she's not out of danger yet."
Cassandra exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, tears burning at the edges of her eyes. She knelt beside Rainne, gripping her hand tightly.
"You're too stubborn to die on me now, Rainne," she whispered fiercely, her voice trembling. "I won't let you."
After what felt like hours, Rainne's breathing evened out, though her face was still pale, her body still weak. But she was alive. She had made it.
Cassandra rested her head against the stone table, exhaustion flooding her body. Relief, bitter and sweet, washed over her in waves.
Eryx appeared at the doorway, his eyes softening as he saw Rainne's steady breath. "She's strong," he said quietly. "And so are you."
Cassandra nodded, her voice too thick with emotion to speak. Rainne had survived the night, but they had only just begun to face the darkness that was creeping ever closer to their world.