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“Wait here,” Zar’Ryn ordered. “I will return shortly.”

“Shortly” seemed like an endless weight, but finally he reappeared, the first group in tow. Suddenly, machinery roared to life above them. Ablaring voice shouted, “Stay where you are. Surrender. Stay where you are. Surrender.”

The alarms screeched, adiscordant howl that vibrated through the metal walls and into Elara’s bones. Her heart raced as she stumbled behind Zar’Ryn, his massive form moving with precision and purpose. Every corner they turned felt like stepping into the unknown—agamble between safety and capture. The other captives followed in frightened silence, their fear palpable, pressing against Elara like a suffocating weight.

“Keep up,” Zar’Ryn barked over his shoulder, his voice a low growl that cut through the chaos.

The glow from his bracelet, an eerie counterpart to her own, flickered with every movement, aconstant reminder of their forced connection. It wasn’t just a bond of proximity. It was something deeper, something she couldn’t quite understand but felt with every fiber of her being.

Elara’s breath hitched as they entered a narrow corridor. The lights above flickered erratically, casting jagged shadows along the walls. She reached out instinctively, her fingers brushing the cool metal. Her legs burned from the constantrunning, but stopping wasn’t an option. Not with the alarms blasting. No doubt more Marauders were coming afterthem.

Zar’Ryn slowed, raising a hand to signal a stop. The group skidded to a halt, their collective gasps and muffled sobs the only sounds besides the distant thudding of boots. He turned, his powerful gaze meeting hers. For a moment, the chaos seemed to fade, leaving only the intensity of his eyes and the weight of his presence.

“Stay here,” he ordered, his voice calm but firm. “I will check ahead.”

Elara adjusted her glasses, perspiration causing a faint fog to bleed over the surface. “What if it’s a trap?” Her voice came out sharper than she intended, the fear in her chest bubbling over. She clenched her fists, trying to steady herself.

Zar’Ryn’s expression softened for a fraction of a second, before his stoic mask returned. “Then I will deal with it.” Without another word, he moved forward, his steps silent despite the heavy boots hewore.

The moment he disappeared around the corner, the tension in the group exploded. One of the captives, ayoung woman with tear-streaked cheeks, grabbed Elara’s arm. “What are we going to do? If they catch us…”

“They won’t,” Elara said, though her voice trembled. “We have to trust him.”

Trust wasn’t something she gave easily, but Zar’Ryn’s actions so far spoke louder than words. He had risked everything to get them this far, and while his motives remained unclear, there was no denying the sense of safety she felt when he was near—asafety she hated herself for needing.

Moments later, Zar’Ryn returned, his expression grim. “The way is clear for now. Move quickly.”

As the group started forward, Elara found herself at his side, the proximity unavoidable in the cramped space. The heat radiating from him both unsettled and grounded her, and she couldn’t stop herself from stealing glances at his profile. His jaw was set, his gaze locked ahead, but tension radiated through his body, something she hadn’t noticed before.

“You’re worried,” she said softly, keeping her voice low so the others wouldn’thear.

“I am always worried,” he replied, not looking at her. “It is part of staying alive.”

“No, this is different,” she pressed. “It’s… heavier.”

He finally glanced at her, his brow furrowing. “The Marauders are not the only danger we face,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “There are larger forces at play, ones that will not hesitate to destroy anyone or anything in their way.”

The weight of his words settled over her like a shroud. She wanted to ask more, but the sharp edge in his tone warned her to let it drop. Fornow.

They reached the industrial loading bay, acavernous space filled with towering crates and harsh overhead lights. The air smelled of oil and burnt metal, and the vibration of machinery reverberated through the floor. Zar’Ryn motioned for the group to stay low as he scanned thearea.

Elara’s pulse quickened when she spotted a group of Marauders. They were stationed near the main exit, their weapons gleaming under the lights. Her throat tightened as she counted at least ten of them, each one heavily armed.

“We’ll never make it past them,” she whispered, panic rising in her chest.

Zar’Ryn turned to her, his expression unreadable. “We do not have a choice. Stay behind me, and do exactly as I say.”

Before she could protest, he stepped forward, his movements precise and deliberate. The Marauders spotted him instantly, their shouts echoing across the bay. Elara’s breath caught as Zar’Ryn charged, his sword slicing through the air with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly. Of course, it was otherworldly forher.

The fight was brutal and unrelenting. Zar’Ryn moved like a force of nature, his blade cutting through his enemies with lethal efficiency. Each strike came with deliberate calculation, leaving no room for error. Elara watched in awe and terror, her heart pounding as she felt his emotions through the bond—his anger, his focus, and something deeper she couldn’tname.

Her gaze darted to a partially shielded control console near the exit, its blinking lights and wires snaking from its base. An idea formed, reckless and desperate, but it was all shehad.

“Zar’Ryn!” she shouted, her voice breaking through the chaos. “The console! If we disable it, the doors will open!”

He glanced at her, his expression a mixture of frustration and surprise. “Stay where you are!”

But she didn’t listen. She darted toward the console, her heart hammering as she slid behind a crate for cover. The Marauders’ shouts grew louder, and she felt their weapons’ sights lock onto her. Panic surged, but she forced herself to focus. Her hands fumbled with the exposed wires, searching for the right connection.

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