The hallways were eerily empty, save for the occasional dazed person staring blankly ahead–just as when I’d passed through earlier. It made following Henry easier. His cloak disappeared around a corner, and we followed, barely keeping pace as he barreled forward, checking every room he passed before rushing to the next.

At least he wasn’t shouting. That would’ve been the perfect cherry on this disaster of a cake.

His concern is understandable, Time said, his tone weighed with emotions I couldn’t place. Any parent worth their salt would react the same…Though a little tact would certainly not hurt.

I grunted, pushing through the burning in my lungs and the sharp pain pulsing in my jaw. Good lord, I knew I was out of shape, but this is ridiculous.

And yet you agreed to take on a role that would have you galavanting across Nexus? Time’s tone was devoid of judgement, which somehow made it worse.

I shrugged, assuming he could sense it. I figured I’d have time to exercise first. Maybe build up the muscles I need. I didn’t expect to get dropped into a dumpster fire right out the gate.

I’d hit the ground running though. I always did.

You have adjusted admirably well, all things considered. This situation is…not ideal. Time offered.

My snort came out as a wheeze. Story of my life.

When this is over, I will explain how stats function and how to improve them. You will need it.

Yeah, Karma gave me the basics, but a deeper dive would help. Also, don’t act like you’d fare any better. You’ll be in a human body soon enough. We’ll both go running, and you’ll be just as miserable as me.

A petty spark of satisfaction flared through me at the thought of him struggling with human limitations.

He snorted. We will see. Focus now–the man has stopped.

Jolting back to the present, I saw Henry standing at the top of a staircase. The air here was cooler, and the once-ornate decorations had given way to plain stone walls and floors. Torches lined the stairwell, their flickering light casting long, shifting shadows.

“This leads to the dungeon,” Dominicus muttered, his expression grim. “Be wary. There are likely guards still loyal to Silas down there.”

Henry tensed, preparing to charge, but Dominicus grabbed his arm, halting him. “Be careful. If we’re too hasty, we risk them using your daughter–or someone else–as a hostage.”

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The words landed. Henry took a deep breath, his hand steadying on the hilt of his sword. “They won’t harm her–or anyone else. I won’t allow it.” His voice carried a dangerous resolve, the promise rippling through the air.

I used the brief pause to catch my breath, but Henry’s sharp gaze turned on me. “Are you alright? Surely such a short run wouldn’t wind the one who took down the Dread King himself.”

Would everyone stop assuming I was some all powerful god?!

I snorted, giving him a withering glare. “I had the element of surprise, for your information. I’m a healer. Running until I puke isn’t exactly part of the job description.”

Was I snippy? Yes. Did I care? Not in the fucking slightest.

Henry raised his hands in surrender, clearly picking up on the tease me and die vibes I was putting out.

“Fair enough,” he said with a faint smile. “But maybe stay toward the back, If you’re not trained for combat, I’d rather not see you hurt in the chaos.”

Dominicus nodded in agreement. “He has a point. Do you have any spells you can use from a distance?” his lips quirked in a brief, sharp smile. “Preferably ones that won’t light us up along with the enemy, if you’d be so kind.”

Flipping through the spells at my disposal, I nodded. “I have one. It’ll immobilize them–and possibly poison them too.”

Dominicus’s grin flashed again, all sharp fangs and approval. “Perfect. Are we ready?”

Henry and I nodded, following the bat-beastfolk down the stairs. The dungeon was worse than I expected. Cells lined the walls, and the air was thick with the stench of urine, iron, and decay. Pained groans and terrified cries echoed off the stone, so loud it made my ears ring. Instinctively, I covered my nose and pressed the ears flat to my skull. Dominicus mirrored the gesture, his expression twisted in distaste.

Two guards were visible. One lounged in a chair, his head tilted back at an awkward angle, snores rumbling from his slack mouth. The other stood nearby, flipping a blade between his fingers with precision despite the boredom radiating off him.

Behind them, shadowy figures shifted in the dim light–at least half a dozen. My stomach sank. If the standing guard raised the alarm, things could spiral fast.

Dominicus must’ve reached the same conclusion. Drawing his sword, he nodded toward me. Taking a deep breath, I focused inward, picturing thorny vines erupting from the floor to ensnare our targets.

Magic surged, and with a sharp crack, the spell took hold. The alert guard barely managed a strangled shout before both men were entangled, wicked red thorns digging into their flesh.

“Good work,” Dominicus said, striding forward. “Now–”

“Adan!”

The cry froze me in place, its mix of terror and relief sending chills down my spine. I spun toward the source, my stomach dropping at the sight.

Inside one of the cells, a man held a knife to Maya’s throat. His eyes darted between us, wild and desperate.

“Maya!” Henry’s shout boomed through the dungeon, and the captor pressed the blade closer, glaring.

“Don’t move, or I’ll kill her!”

Henry froze, fury radiating off him like a storm. His hands clenched at his sides, but he didn’t take a single step.

Wide, frightened eyes locked on me, and I raised my hands slowly, palms out, trying to look as non-threatening as possible. My mind raced, cursing myself.

I hadn’t even considered that a guard might be hiding in the cells.

And now we had the worst-case scenario: a hostage situation.

Perfect.