Bang.
Another slam rattled the rotted wood, each strike louder than the last. Dust sprinkled down from the rafters, catching in the flicker of Crimora’s flame. Everyone held still, like prey hiding from the sound of a predator’s claws.
Carla’s jaw clenched. She shifted her grip on her dagger, sweat already slicking her palm. Lyra leaned lazily against the wall, or at least she tried to make it look lazy, though her golden eyes tracked every sound with a predator’s focus. Elias… poor bastard looked like his knees were about to give. His breath came too fast, too loud, like he’d choke on it if he didn’t shut up.
Kael didn’t move. He just stood there at the center, blade in hand, eyes on the door. Calm. Or maybe calm was the wrong word—he looked hungry.
Another slam. The boards split, on
