The descent into the darkness felt endless.
The giant creature moved carefully through the ancient tunnels hidden beneath the Knight estate.
Each step echoed through the underground abyss.
Behind them, dozens of creatures followed silently.
Not as an army.
Not as monsters.
But as guardians.
Emily sat on the creature's broad back, her hand tightly intertwined with Alexander's.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither wanted to break the fragile peace that had settled between them.
Above them, alarms continued to echo faintly.
WARNING: FIVE MINUTES TO DETONATION.
The red emergency lights flickered throughout the tunnels.
The countdown was still running.
Time was running out.
Alexander glanced at Emily.
Her face was pale.
Exhausted.
Yet there was determination in her eyes.
The same determination that had carried her through every nightmare since the day she met him.
"You okay?"
Emily smiled weakly.
"No."
Alexander almost laughed.
"At least you're honest."
