Kaden's grip on Laila's hand tightened ๐ฎ. "We need to move. Now ๐ฅ." He pulled her through the shadows, avoiding hidden passageways only he knew ๐. The academy's infernos roared below, casting eerie silhouettes ๐ฎ. Laila stumbled, her breath catching as Kaden yanked her into a narrow alcove ๐ญ.
They paused, listening to the chaos outside ๐ฅ. Kaden's chest heaved, his eyes wild ๐ฎ. "This way." He dragged her into a hidden stairwell, the air thick with dust ๐ญ. Kaden's wings rustled as he scanned the darkness ๐ฅ. "This leads to the dungeons. From there, we can escape ๐."
Laila's heart pounded. Escape? ๐ What about the others? Kaden's expression turned grim ๐ฎ. "Can't risk it. You're my priority ๐ฅ." His eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire ๐ฎ.
As they descended, whispers echoed off the walls ๐ญ. "Kaden's betrayed... the prince is a traitor ๐." Laila's gut twisted. Was Kaden leading her into a trap? ๐ฎ She tried to pull free, but Kaden's grip was like iron ๐.
Suddenly, shadows coalesced into figures ๐ฅ. Demon guards blocked their path, eyes glowing ๐ฅ. Kaden pushed Laila behind him, wings spreading wide ๐ฎ. "Stand down. She's under my protection ๐."
The lead guard sneered ๐. "Orders are orders, prince. The king wants her ๐ฅ." Steel clashed as Kaden drew his sword ๐ฎ. Laila's pulse surged. Time to fight ๐. She reached for a dagger hidden in her sleeve ๐ฎ...