Page 383 of Hidden Depths

Storm stayed between Nathan and me.

I forced the guard ahead of me.

The farther we climbed, the narrower the passage became.

Salt air flowed down from above.

So did rain.

“We’re close,” Ben called.

A rectangle of gray moonlight appeared at the top of the stairs.

Then a shadow crossed it.

Ben froze.

A gun barrel entered the opening.

“Down!”

The shot exploded.

Ben dropped against the wall.

Storm screamed.

Nathan shoved Elanore behind him.

I fired toward the opening.

The shadow disappeared.

“Ben!”

He rolled onto his back.

Blood darkened his shirt near his shoulder.

“I’m fine.”

“You’re hit.”

“Still fine.”

Elanore crouched beside him.

“I need to see it.”

“We don’t have time.”

“You’re bleeding.”

“So is half the group.”

Even injured, Ben managed to sound annoyed.

Elanore opened his jacket.