The dungeon air was colder than usual, the silence broken only by the faint echo of dripping water. Mia crept through the shadows, her heart pounding as her bare feet brushed against the cold, uneven stone. She glanced over her shoulder, her green eyes scanning the corridor for any sign of movement. The guards were quiet tonight—too quiet.
By the third wheel, Garrick was waiting, his massive frame blending into the darkness. His dark eyes met hers, and for a moment, she saw a flicker of something she hadn't seen in anyone else in this place: hope.
"You're late," he murmured, his voice low but steady.
"I had to wait for the guards to pass," Mia whispered back. "Is it ready?"
Garrick nodded and gestured to a shadowed corner of the chamber. Hidden behind a pile of broken crates was a rusted grate embedded in the wall. It was small, but just large enough for someone to squeeze through.
"This is it," he said. "The tunnel leads to an old storage room near the surface. From there, it's a straight shot to the outer gate. If we're fast, we can make it before the patrols catch on."
Mia crouched beside him, her fingers brushing the cold metal of the grate. Her heart raced as she glanced at Garrick. "You're sure about this?"
"It's the best shot we've got," he replied, his voice firm. "But we have to move now."
She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Let's do it."
Working together, they pried the grate loose, their hands trembling with urgency. The rusted bolts gave way with a loud groan, the sound making both of them freeze. They waited, holding their breath, but the guards' voices remained distant.
"You first," Garrick whispered, motioning toward the opening.
Mia hesitated. "No. You're bigger. It'll take you longer to get through. Go."
Garrick frowned, his jaw tightening. "I'm not leaving you behind."
"And I'm not arguing with you," Mia shot back, her voice sharp but quiet. "Go. I'll be right behind you."
For a moment, he looked like he might protest, but then he nodded. Without another word, he squeezed into the narrow tunnel, his broad shoulders scraping against the walls. Mia followed close behind, her heart pounding as the damp air clung to her skin.
The tunnel was cramped and dark, the faint sound of dripping water echoing around them. Mia's breath came in short gasps as she crawled forward, her hands and knees scraping against the rough stone.
After what felt like an eternity, the tunnel opened into a small, musty storage room. Moonlight streamed through a crack in the ceiling, illuminating the dust-covered crates and barrels scattered across the floor.
Garrick helped Mia climb out of the tunnel, his strong hands steadying her as she stumbled to her feet. For a moment, they stood in silence, their breaths mingling in the cold air.
"We're almost there," Garrick whispered, his voice steady but tense.
Mia nodded, her chest tight with a mixture of fear and hope. "Let's go."
They moved cautiously, their footsteps muffled by the thick layer of dust on the floor. Garrick led the way, his massive frame moving with surprising stealth as he pushed open a heavy wooden door.
Beyond the door was a narrow corridor that sloped upward, the faint light of the moon visible at the far end. Mia's breath hitched. They were so close.
But then, the sound of voices stopped them in their tracks.
"Did you hear that?" a guard's voice echoed, sharp and alert.
Mia's heart sank. She and Garrick exchanged a panicked glance before ducking into the shadows.
"Check the storage rooms," another guard ordered. "If someone's out of their cell, they won't get far."
The footsteps grew louder, the guards' torches casting flickering light against the walls.
"We have to move," Garrick whispered, his voice tight with urgency.
Mia shook her head. "If we run, they'll see us."
"They'll see us either way," he replied. "We have to try."
Before they could make a move, the door to the storage room creaked open. A guard stepped inside, his torch held high as his eyes swept the room.
Mia froze, her breath caught in her throat. The guard's gaze landed on the open tunnel, his expression hardening.
"Over here!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the corridor.
Panic surged through Mia as more guards poured into the room, their weapons drawn. Garrick grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the exit.
"Run!" he barked.
But as they bolted for the corridor, the guards closed in, their footsteps thundering behind them. Mia's mind raced as she realized they wouldn't both make it.
She skidded to a halt, yanking Garrick back with surprising strength. "You go!" she shouted, her voice sharp with urgency.
"What?" Garrick turned to her, his dark eyes wide. "No! I'm not leaving you!"
"You have to," Mia insisted, her voice trembling but firm. "You're faster. You can get out. If we both stay, we're done."
"No," Garrick growled, his jaw tightening. "I'm not running without you."
Mia grabbed his arm, her green eyes blazing. "Listen to me! If you stay, we both die. If you go, you can come back for me."
His expression wavered, the conflict clear in his eyes. "Mia—"
"Promise me," she interrupted, her voice breaking. "Promise me you'll come back."
Garrick stared at her, his jaw clenched. Then, slowly, he nodded. "I promise."
"Go," Mia said, shoving him toward the exit. "Now!"
Garrick hesitated for only a moment before he turned and ran, his massive frame disappearing into the moonlit corridor. Mia watched him go, her heart twisting painfully in her chest.
The guards were on her in seconds, their rough hands grabbing her arms and shoving her to the ground. She didn't fight. She didn't resist. Her mind was already somewhere else, imagining Garrick's escape, imagining the promise he had made.
As they dragged her back toward the dungeon, Mia kept her head high, her green eyes blazing with defiance. She had made her choice, and she didn't regret it.
Because Garrick was free.
And one day, she knew, he would come back for her.