Acwulf stood at the threshold like a statue come to lifeblood soaking his legs, rage curling his lips. But he didn’t move. Didn’t chase me. He just watched, head tilted, like he already knew how this ended.

And somehow, that was worse.

I turned and sprinted down the next hallway, lungs burning. Every step shot fired up my legs, but I didn’t slow. I didn’t dare. I didn’t know this part of the fortress as well. There was no map or Acwulf's warriors to trick me. It was ...