Ethan tightened the strap of his cloak and slipped down the corridor toward the massive double
doors of the Knight Headquarters. The stone arches overhead loomed like the ribcage of some
ancient beast, shadows stretching and twisting under the torchlight.
He was mere steps away from freedom when a voice cut into his spine like a dagger.
"Ethan!"
Shit.
He froze, eyes shutting tight for half a second before he turned. Kael was striding toward him, his
cloak swirling like a dark wave behind him, eyes sharp and suspicious.
Ethan felt his chest sink in disappointment. Of all times for this idiot to show up…
Kael came to a stop barely an arm's length away. "Where the hell are you going?"
Ethan let out a long, irritated breath. "What?" His voice cracked like ice, sharp and dismissive.
"Mind your own business, Kael."
Kael didn't back down. His arms folded over his chest, muscles tense. "It is my business. We're in
