53. A Loss is a Loss
A Loss is a Loss
Kaiden
“Cahiraaaa!” Fintan’s screams ricocheted off the walls.
His heartache shattered Kaiden’s already broken soul. Rocks piled around them, slicing against his skin. Walls cracked and the exit began to close.
“Run! We have to run Fintan!”
Kaiden didn’t know if he was screaming it or if he was slowly losing his mind like he had just lost his sister.
The entire palace would be reduced to rubble in mere seconds.
Decades of history, memories, and nightmares would be wiped away.
Kaiden carried Aradia in his arms and ran toward the exit.
He had never felt this weak in his entire life.
Every muscle ached. His bones felt as if they would grind to dust. Still, he held her steady.
Morana, please get us out of here.
He swallowed his cry — his plea.
Cahira was gone. Cahira. Was. Gone. His little flame vanished, along with his magic.
He gritted his teeth against the anguish coming in waves, blinding him. How many more would he lose?
Please, gods, please. He didn’t care if his pleas went unanswered. He would beg on his knees if it meant escaping Arkan alive.
A thunderous boom sounded beneath his feet as the ground began to break apart.
He ran faster. A glimpse of light shone through Ukoron’s darkness as they drew near the end of the tunnels.
Kaiden sagged with relief. His feet stumbled against the broken rocks and Aradia slipped from his arms. His knees hit the ground and rocks bit through his leathers and into his skin.
He caught Aradia’s head before it cracked on the ground.
Fintan’s hysteria reached ear-shrieking heights as the walls crumbled around them, burying them.
“Come on!” Kaiden screamed. Panic strained his vocal chords and he wiped the tears from his eyes. “We’re almost there.”