I hit the ground hard, landing in a crouch that sent pain shooting through my ribs. The journal had fallen with me, pages scattered across damp stone. Above, I heard Darius roaring my name and the sounds of fighting.

The trap floor had sealed itself. No way back up.

"Elara!" Darius's voice through the bond was frantic. "Where are you? I can't feel—"

The connection flickered. Weakened by stone and distance and whatever magic Gideon had woven into this place.

"I'm okay." I pushed to my ...