The silence that followed was too heavy to be called silence. It was an emptiness—a space filled only by the muffled sound of the survivors' weak breaths. The kind of silence that accompanies true despair.
Kael took a deep breath, massaging his temple for a moment before turning completely to Amelia.
"Nine is enough to make it worthwhile," he said, without any trace of hesitation. "Open all the cells that can still be opened. I want everyone outside."
Sylphie touched one of the frozen bars. Green mana coursed through her veins to her fingertips, and roots sprouted gently, pushing against the corroded and weakened metal. The lock gave way with a dry snap.
A man too thin for his age staggered out, leaning against the red walls, his eyes vague and lost.
Irelia promptly grabbed his arm.
"Stand firm. You're safe now."
Safe.
The word echoed down the corridor as something almost… out of place in that environment. But none of them dared to question it.
