The sanctuary was a small cavern — hidden behind a waterfall of underground stream.
Kael had known it was here — one of the few places he'd used as a child, running from his father.
They stumbled in — Miko half-carrying Kael.
The chamber was dry — moss glowing softly, a small pool of clear water in the center.
Miko lowered Kael against the wall.
He slid down — breathing shallow.
She knelt — examining the wounds.
Shoulder — deep slice.
Side — long gash.
Arm — multiple cuts.
Blood everywhere.
Miko tore more cloth — pressed it to the worst ones.
Kael watched her — eyes half-lidded.
"You're shaking."
Miko didn't look up.
"Shut up."
She worked — tying makeshift bandages.
The seal pulsed — once, soft.
Almost… concerned.
Miko ignored it.
Kael spoke — quiet.
"You didn't hesitate back there."
Miko tied the last knot.
"I had to."
Kael looked at her.
"You saved me."
Miko met his eyes.
"You'd do the same."
Kael's lips twitched — almost a smile.
"Maybe."
Silence.
Then Miko spoke.
"How bad?"
Kael exhaled — slow.
"I'll live.
But I can't fight like this."
Miko sat back.
"We need to rest.
Regroup."
Kael nodded.
"We will."
He closed his eyes.
Miko watched him — breathing steadying.
The seal pulsed — gentle.
She pressed her hand over it.
Rest.
She blinked.
The seal had never said that before.
She looked at Kael — asleep now.
Then at the glowing moss.
She lay down — back against the wall.
Closed her eyes.
Sleep came — fitful.
Dreams — crimson shadows, silver threads, blood on stone.
She woke to Kael's hand on her shoulder.
"Time to move."
He was pale — but standing.
Miko stood.
"How do you feel?"
"Like I got stabbed six times."
Miko almost smiled.
"Accurate."
They gathered what little they had — water from the pool, rations.
Kael looked at her.
"We can't stay in the caves forever.
They'll find us."
Miko nodded.
"Where to?"
Kael's voice was quiet.
"The outer rift zone.
Beyond the academy's reach."
Miko stared.
"That's suicide."
Kael met her eyes.
"So is staying."
Miko exhaled.
"Then let's go."
They left the sanctuary — back into the tunnels.
The seal pulsed — once, almost approving.
To be continued…