Kellen could hear Rhys' voice from behind him. Every step he took, he could hear Rhys crying out to him desperately to turn around, run to him, be with him.
It was heartbreaking, and Kellen had to remind himself with every step that Rhys was outside of the gate, outside of this hell, and he would never, ever ask Kellen to go away from the gate exit.
Because of his haunting voice, Kellen made sure to check in with Bree faster, letting her know that he was still in front of her, still making them move towards the exit. He had his compass tied to a thread around his neck now, allowing for easy access if the carved shapes on the trees got a little too wobbly, too wiggly.
