Nymera's POV
The tunnel felt like it was closing in around me.
Astra's footsteps slowed, savoring the moment.
I braced myself.
She stepped into view, dagger gleaming, eyes wild.
"Still fighting?" she mocked. "You're pathetic."
I didn't answer.
I waited until she was three steps away—
—then struck.
I feinted left. She lunged.
I spun low, slashing upward.
The dagger grazed her ribs. She screamed and staggered back.
I pounced, shoving her against the wall.
"Why?" I snarled, pressing the blade to her throat. "Why do all this? We were friends."
Her laughter was ugly.
"Friends? You were nothing but a stepping stone. Kaelith was meant for me. Always was."
Her eyes glinted.
"And now Dain will die. Just like your father did."
The words hit like a slap.
"Shut up!" I snapped.
Her smile widened. "You think you're chosen? You're a mistake. A glitch. You were never meant to exist."
Rage blinded me.
I pressed the blade harder—
—and she headbutted me.
Pain exploded behind my eyes. I stumbled back.
Astra drove her fist into my stomach, knocking the wind from me.
I dropped the dagger.
She kicked it aside, laughing.
"You'll die screaming," she promised.
She raised her hand—magic flaring in her palm.
I closed my eyes.
Bracing.
A shout split the air.
Kaelith.
He crashed into Astra, knocking her sideways.
The magic blast went wild, blowing a hole in the wall.
I gasped for breath.
Kaelith pinned Astra down, snarling.
"You're done," he growled.
She thrashed under him, spitting curses.
Kaelith's eyes met mine.
"Run," he ordered. "Get Dain out. I'll handle her."
I hesitated.
"Go!" he barked.
I didn't waste another second.
I ran back to Dain, hauling him up with everything I had left.
His weight dragged me down—but I refused to let go.
Stone rained from the ceiling.
The whole tunnel was collapsing.
Astra screamed behind us—an inhuman, rage-filled sound.
I didn't look back.
We stumbled out into the night just as the tunnel caved in behind us.
The moonlight hit my face.
The cold air seared my lungs.
We were alive.
For now.
I sagged to my knees, Dain cradled against me.
Kaelith stumbled out after us, blood streaming from a gash on his forehead.
He dropped beside us, panting.
"She's trapped," he said grimly. "For now."
I nodded numbly.
But the night wasn't safe.
Not yet.
A howl rose in the distance—sharp, mournful.
Enemies gathering.
The council wasn't finished with us.
And neither was Astra.
I tightened my grip on Dain's hand.
"This isn't over," I whispered.
Above us, the moon bled red