---
Akayoroi stepped beside him. "Then he won't be alone."
Kai frowned. "You're the Queen, go help your sister. I can handle it."
"No, And you are my husband," she said calmly. "I will stay with you, and fight beside you. No matter what happens we will face it together."
The others rallied.
Vel tied her dagger straps tighter. Azhara flipped closed her sketch scroll and muttered, "Guess I'll have to paint my masterpiece with blood this time."
Naaro held her breath and whispered a soft blessing to her belly, to the egg that was forming inside her.
Sha, tightened her boots and drew her hook blades. They all stood together. The laughter was gone. But something deeper pulsed between them now.
Unity. Rage. Loyalty.
The tunnel rumbled once more. Far below, something clicked against the stone. It was like sticky paws against hollow bone.
Kai clenched his fists and took one final breath.
