Athena

The tunnel’s narrow walls pressed in on us as we ran, every step echoing like a heartbeat of desperation. Light and Liam clung to me, their breaths ragged, small hands gripping my arms as though they’d never let go. I dared not glance back—Gian’s presence lingered like a shadow behind us, a predator tracking its prey.

Beauty’s hand was firm on my shoulder, guiding us through the twists and turns of the underground path. “Keep moving!” she urged, her voice steady, but ...