Page 31 of Warrior’s Mate

"There are people suffocating."

"And sending you into a damaged tunnel without checking it helps them how?"

The old irritation flashed between them, but fear now ran beneath his words—fear for her.

Not because she was a registrar or because she was useful, but because his body had named her. Maelis lowered her voice.

"You get ten seconds."

"Fifteen."

"Twelve."

His mouth almost moved.

"Stay behind me."

"For twelve seconds."

He drew his sidearm and entered. The tunnel lights were dim but functional. No visible structural collapse. No hostile movement.

He advanced to the first junction, checked both branches, and turned.

"Clear."

Maelis was already moving. They reached the trapped shelter group within minutes.

A ventilation fan had failed after the power strike, and the basement heat had climbed dangerously. Two elderly civilians were barely conscious. Children pressed against their teachers, trying to be brave because adults had told them bravery was useful.

Maelis crouched beside a little girl clutching a carved wooden animal.

"What's his name?"

The girl's lower lip trembled. "Boro."

"Good name."

"He's scared."

"So am I."

The girl stared at her. Adults were not supposed to admit that. Maelis held out a hand.

"We're going through a tunnel. Boro can help you make sure I don't get lost."

The child took her hand. Around them, shelter marshals started organizing the line. Kaiven watched Maelis for one second too long. Then he turned away and took point.

They moved the group through the freight tunnel and into Grain Hall Two. By the time the last person crossed, distant weapons fire had begun to echo between the hills. Kaiven received a burst transmission. He listened, face darkening.

"What?"

"Sargan ground teams entered the eastern residential quarter."

"How many?"

"Unknown."

"Are they killing people?"