The tunnel filled with noise as the barrier broke.
Emergency lights suddenly turned on all along the ceiling. Boots echoed overhead as academy security teams poured into the arena. Someone was shouting commands through a megaphone. The chaos of the last hour was finally being met with organized response.
Holden helped the last of the freshmen to their feet.
"Form a line. Follow the light. Move slow and stay together."
The students obeyed without question. They were too shaken to do anything else. Bruised, dirty, and terrified, they filed up the tunnel stairs toward the open air.
Renna and Emric flanked the group, guiding stragglers and counting heads.
Maeve stayed with Lyra.
Holden walked behind everyone, eyes scanning the tunnel behind them. The ice wall at the entrance was already crumbling, but the beasts beyond had scattered when the barrier broke and fresh air flooded in.
They emerged into daylight.
