Her voice echoed through the collapsing cavern. Lucien's body trembled violently, his hand reaching toward her even as the crimson glow consumed him again. For a brief heartbeat, he broke free of Cedric's control—his eyes clear, his voice hoarse.
"Isadora…"
But before he could move, Cedric struck him across the chest with another spell, forcing the beast's essence back into dominance. Lucien collapsed to the floor, unconscious, the faint red veins on his skin pulsing faintly.
Adele tried to reach him, but Celeste pulled her back. "We have to leave—now! The whole place is going to fall apart!"
Reluctantly, they turned and ran, Marissa dragging Alaric by the arm as the walls began to crack. The cave roared like thunder, dust and fire raining from above. They barely escaped through the side tunnel before the entrance collapsed behind them.
Outside, the night air was cold, sharp against their lungs. Celeste collapsed to her knees, staring at the cave. "Isadora…"
