Mira’s POV

The explosion hit before we reached the tunnel. Kael pulled the child to cover. Lyra shielded her. I signaled Kael. We ran. The corridor ahead was gone. Fire spread fast. The screams stayed behind. Only the exit mattered.

We moved through the archives. Two scouts followed. One fell under the beam; another never reached the stairs. The child said nothing. She ran beside Lyra without slowing. She didn’t look lost. She didn’t look afraid.

Kael broke the seal on the grate. Lyra ...