The shockwave from Ruth's burst of power rolled through the underground tunnels like thunder trapped inside stone.
Dust rained down from the ceiling. The dirty canal water jumped and slapped against the walls. The narrow passage, which had felt silent and suffocating moments ago, now felt like the mouth of a battlefield.
Far ahead, deep in the tunnels, answering roars rose.
"They felt that," Elliot said under his breath while tightening his grip on his sword.
Ruth did not turn back. His back stayed straight, and his blade rested over his shoulder.
"Good," he said calmly. "That was the point."
More vibrations came through the stone floor. Something heavy was moving. No, many things.
Kael glanced at Martina. She already held her blade, and her face was serious now, with no trace of teasing.
"Time to go," Kael said.
Ruth gave a short nod."
