"Thank you," I replied, though gratitude sat uneasily with me considering our complex history. "Your help will not be forgotten."

"Nor my end of the bargain," he reminded, his eyes glinting with a hard edge. "Freedom from my bonds."

"Agreed," I said, sealing our uneasy alliance.

As we prepared to leave, a sudden tremor shook the ground beneath us, sending a cascade of dust from the ceiling. Instinctively, we huddled close, shields raised against any potential assault.

"An ambush!" Elara ...