Bound by Shadows

Torin

The moment we leave the cell, I feel her weight sag against me. Aspin isn't herself—she's weak, her steps unsteady, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps. Her time in that damned cell has taken its toll, and it hits me like a punch to the gut.

Two days without food or water. Two days in a cold, dark prison with no one to help her. It's a miracle she's still standing, but I can see it won't last long.

My arm stays wrapped firmly around her waist as we climb the narrow staircase, Kaia leading the way ahead of us. Aspin leans into me heavily, her head occasionally dropping forward as if her body's trying to shut down.

"You're gonna be okay," I murmur, my voice low and steady. I don't even know if she hears me. "I've got you, Aspin. Just keep moving. You're with me now."

She doesn't reply, but I feel her fingers clutch weakly at my side, like she's trying to reassure herself I'm still there.

Kaia stops abruptly at the top of the stairs, her arm shooting out to block our path. My instincts flare, and my grip on Aspin tightens as I hear the unmistakable shuffle of footsteps ahead.

"Guard," Kaia hisses, barely audible.

Shit.

The guard rounds the corner, and there's no time to think. He spots us immediately, his hand moving for the blade at his hip.

"Stay behind me," I bark, stepping forward and shifting Aspin slightly behind my body. My dagger is out in an instant. The guard lunges, but I'm faster. I knock his weapon from his hand and bring the hilt of my dagger crashing into the side of his head. He drops like a stone, and I'm already turning back to Aspin, who's leaning heavily against the wall.

"You okay?" I ask, my voice sharp with worry.

She nods, but it's weak, and her hands are trembling.

"Come on," I say, sliding my arm around her again. "We're almost out of here."

Kaia leads us through the maze of hallways, her steps quick and sure. She might annoy the hell out of me, but I'll admit she's proving useful. I focus on keeping Aspin moving, whispering quiet reassurances as we go.

We finally make it to the outer wall, and for a second, relief washes over me. But then I hear it—the distant clanging of alarm bells.

"They know," Kaia mutters, glancing over her shoulder.

Guards are shouting somewhere behind us, their voices echoing through the night. There's no time to make it to a gate or any other exit.

"The wall," I say, pointing to the looming structure ahead of us.

Kaia stares at it, her expression doubtful. "You think she can climb that in her state?"

I don't have an answer. I just know we don't have a choice.

The base of the wall is rough stone, with plenty of footholds if you know what you're doing. I help Aspin to the first step, but it's immediately clear she's struggling. Her hands tremble as she tries to grip the stone, and her legs are shaking so badly I'm afraid they'll give out completely.

Her hands are raw, the skin reddened and blistered. My chest tightens at the sight. She must've tried to claw her way out of that cell.

"I can't," she whispers, her voice cracking.

"You can," I say firmly. "You're stronger than you think, Aspin. You can do this."

But she shakes her head, her whole body trembling now. "I—I can't. I'm sorry."

I don't hesitate. Without a word, I crouch down in front of her, grabbing her wrist to pull her closer.

"On my back," I say.

"What?" she protests weakly.

"You're not slowing us down," I snap, glancing over my shoulder at her. "This isn't up for discussion. Get on."

She hesitates for a moment, but another distant shout from the guards spurs her into action. She climbs onto my back, her arms wrapping weakly around my neck and her legs dangling loosely at my sides.

I adjust my grip, hooking my arms under her knees to hold her securely. "I've got you," I say again, my voice low and steady. "Just hold on."

She presses her face against my shoulder, and I can feel her shallow breaths against my neck.

Kaia gives me a look that's equal parts impressed and exasperated, but she doesn't say anything. Instead, she starts climbing, her movements quick and practiced.

I follow, every muscle in my body straining as I haul both myself and Aspin up the wall. The rough stone scrapes against my hands, but I ignore it, focusing only on getting us to the top.

"You're doing good," I tell her, glancing back briefly. "We're almost there."

Her grip around my neck tightens, and for a moment, I feel her nod against my shoulder.

The climb feels like it takes an eternity. My muscles burn, and my breath comes in harsh, uneven bursts, but I push through it. The sound of the guards is getting closer, but I don't let myself look back.

Finally, I reach the top, pulling myself over the edge with a grunt. Kaia is already there, crouched near the ledge, her face pale and drawn.

"We made it," I start to say, but the words die in my throat as I see her.

Kaia is sitting with her back against the wall, her head tilted down to look at the arrow protruding from her chest. Blood stains her shirt, dark and spreading quickly.

"Kaia," I breathe, horror clawing at my chest.

She looks up at me, her eyes wide and glassy. "Guess I'm not as sneaky as I thought," she says weakly, a faint, bitter smile tugging at her lips.