Page 19 of First Ritual

The people in this room understood old-school, even if the younger generations were embarrassed to show it. I could lose months in this learning center. Something akin to glee filled me at the mere sight.

I inhaled deeply, then let the joy out. “I’ll be back, you beautiful bastard.”

Apothecary was in the west tunnels, so I’d ventured the opposite way as intended.

Out in the main tunnel again, I looked left and right. Theoretically, I could take either direction to get to divination on the opposite side.

Theoretically.

I headed right, continuing around the tunnel system. Now that Bedwyr had shown me the visual, I could sense the shape of the cave system as I walked, passing by proven rooms and the staircases connecting the top tunnel system to the one beneath. Narrow tunnels snaked inward to the novice rooms, and at each corner was a wide tunnel that would lead to the esteemed quarters.

I popped my head into the battle learning center. Practice mats and weapons. Dummies. Cool. The magus inside were meditating, so I continued on, and soon spotted a branching tunnel ahead for the next learning center.

I puffed a breath. “If this isn’t divination, I give up.”

Boom!

Dust and rock exploded in the tunnel before me, slicing against my cheek. I screamed and threw out a protective shield as more debris hurtled past.

Boom.

The cave was falling down!

Reeling back, I hit the ground hard as two men staggered into view up ahead. Fury laced their features, and their hands glowed. Both carried weapons.

I staggered to my feet. They were trying to kill each other!

A magic-infused spear met a magic-infused axe as they engaged again. Despite my shield, the outburst of power at the collision threw me back against the tunnel wall.

They’d bring the entire cave down. I had to get help. I wasn’t sure my reserve of magic could get me through a quarter mile of stone to the surface. I stumbled back, nearly tripping again. But still unseen by the men, I turned away to sprint for the battle affinity learning center.

Smack. My shield met a wall.

Oomph. My back slapped against the stone floor, and air whooshed from my lungs.

I groaned, wheezing for air as I clutched my head.

Strong hands wrapped around my upper arms and hauled me upright. My head thumped against a firm chest, and I dragged in an inhale as the person’s cooling magic soothed my head and lungs and the heavy weight in my chest.

“Thank you.” I looked up, then groaned.

Wild.

Dammit.

My eyes widened as I remembered my purpose. “There are two men fighting down the hall.” I spun back the way I’d come as another boom rocked the cave system. I grabbed Wild’s tunic sleeve. “They’re trying to kill each other. They’ll bring down the cave.”

I took a step in the direction of the fight but stopped short when Wild didn’t budge from his spot. I looked back. “What are you doing? Do we need more help?”

His dark gaze was riveted on my cheek.

I reached up and sent out magic feelers. It was only a small cut. What was wrong with him? “Are you not hearing me?”

Boom.

Dust trickled from the ceiling and Wild still didn’t budge. He had to be seeing and hearing this.

He blinked and drew in a shaking breath.

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