The escape tunnel was narrow — walls rough, ceiling low.
Miko and Kael crawled — single file, Kael in front, shadows lighting the way.
The air was stale — dust, stone, old magic.
Miko's head pounded — the seal's voice still echoing faintly.
Delay. Only delay.
She gritted her teeth.
Kael glanced back.
"You're breathing hard."
Miko forced a smile.
"Just… tired."
Kael stopped — turned as much as the tunnel allowed.
"You're not."
Miko sighed.
"The voices… they're back."
Kael's voice was low.
"What are they saying?"
Miko closed her eyes.
"'Delay.'
'Only delay.'
And… 'you can't win.'"
Kael's grip on her hand tightened.
"They're lying."
Miko opened her eyes.
"I know.
But they're louder when I'm tired."
Kael crawled back — close as the tunnel allowed.
"Then rest."
Miko shook her head.
"We can't."
Kael's voice was quiet.
"You can.
I'll watch."
Miko looked at him.
"You're hurt too."
Kael shrugged — wincing.
"I've had worse."
Miko reached out — touched his cheek.
"You keep saying that."
Kael's expression softened.
"Because it's true."
Miko leaned against the wall.
"I don't want to lose you."
Kael's voice was quiet.
"You won't."
Miko looked at him.
"How do you know?"
Kael took her hand.
"Because I'm not letting you."
Miko felt tears prick her eyes.
"I'm scared I will."
Kael pulled her close — awkward in the tunnel.
"Then we face it together."
Miko rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm trying."
Kael held her.
"That's enough."
The seal pulsed — once, almost gentle.
Together.
Miko smiled — small.
"Yeah."
They stayed like that — in the dark.
The voices quieted.
For now.