The tunnel beyond was narrower than the others, forcing us to move in a single file. Uncle Mateo led the way, followed by me, then Maison, with Luna Mara bringing up the rear. The passage sloped downward, the air growing cooler and damper as we descended.
"This leads to the old river caves," Maison explained in a hushed voice. "They run beneath most of the territory. Few know about them anymore."
I wanted to ask more about this "mate bond" he had mentioned, about why he seemed so alarmed by Star's temporary suppression, but the urgency of our flight kept the questions locked behind my teeth.
After what felt like hours but was probably only twenty minutes, the tunnel widened into a small cavern. The sound of rushing water echoed from somewhere nearby.
"We rest here briefly," Uncle Mateo
