My ears burned to hear the familiar tremor of the earth when my roots wormed to the surface. But because I was in the Core, it might take time for them to get here. Time I didn't have. I pumped my legs harder, faster. Without the need for breath, I could go forever. But the stone trees might catch me first.

A faint tremble in the earth gave me a shot of hope, and if I could've smiled, I would have. I just hoped my roots were in crushing distance in three, two...

Now, ...