I could barely keep my breathing steady as Zion and I rushed down the winding corridors. The ancient stone walls seemed to close in on us, amplifying the urgency in my steps. My heart pounded in sync with Zion’s, each beat echoing the dread that had settled deep in my chest.

We burst into the infirmary, where Ralph and Orion stood by Knox’s bed. Knox was lying there, his normally robust form looking alarmingly frail. Ralph's face was etched with worry, while Orion’s expression ...