Chapter 26: Escape from Underground The cold air of the tunnel wrapped around Ava and Liam like a suffocating blanket. Each breath was a struggle, but was stronger than the creeping along the walls. The distant echoes of their pursuers’ resonated through labyrinth, a reminder of the danger behind them. “Which way?” Ava’s voice, though was tinged with urgency. Her eyes darted to the fork ahead, the dim her torch barely the darkness. Liam paused, the map they’d pilfered from in his trembling hands. “Left,” decided, his voice steady despite chaos. “We need to get to the main chamber. It’s our only shot. Without hesitation, Ava took off, her but swift, right on heels. The ground beneath them uneven, and often, they stumbled, catching themselves before the fall could them down. tunnels and turned, corner another path, each one as the last. Ava’s mind raced feet. The map hinted a vast network tunnels, a web by the enemy to trap who dared to infiltrate. Yet, she and Liam had managed to slip the cracks, relying on wit and willpower. Her flickered to the plan they had uncovered—a chilling to obliterate her family’s legacy. The weight of knowledge pressed down on her, but she shoved aside. Survival first. Suddenly, a low rumble echoed through the tunnels. The seemed to tremble, dust raining down from the ceiling. and Liam exchanged a glance, the question hanging between them: how much time did have before everything came crashing down? “Keep moving!” urged, his grip on her arm firm pushed forward. The tunnel widened, revealing a cavernous chamber that stretched the of their torches. columns, worn by time, stood like silent sentinels. In the center, a faint light flickered—an exit. “There,” Ava hope in her chest. But as sprinted toward it, a figure stepped into the light. heart dropped. Callahan, the very man who had orchestrated capture, stood there with by armed guards. “Well, Callahan drawled, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Look what the rats dragged in. Ava’s grip tightened on her torch, her mind for a way out. Liam stepped forward, placing himself slightly in front of her, a protective gesture that didn’t go unnoticed. “We know what you’re planning,” Liam said, his voice a low growl. “And we’re going to stop you. Callahan laughed, the sound off the walls, cold mocking. “You you can stop me? You’re too late. wheels are already in motion. Desperation at insides, but she forced herself stay calm. “Then why keep us alive?” she challenged, buying time. “Because, my dear,” Callahan said, taking a step closer, “watching you so much entertaining. instant, Liam lunged, catching one of the guards off guard. The was a blur—shouts, the clang metal, the a breaking. Ava fought beside Liam, her movements fueled by and fear. “Run, Liam’s voice through the locking onto hers. “I’ll hold them off!” “No!” she cried, but the resolve in gaze was unshakeable. “Go!” he commanded, and she had choice but obey. With heavy heart, she turned sprinted toward the her breath coming in ragged gasps. Behind her, the sounds grew fainter, but the image of Liam fighting alone burned in her mind. She burst into the open air, the cool breeze a stark contrast to the stifling tunnels. didn’t have time to process the relief before new realization hit her. Ahead, standing with a look of triumph, was someone never expected. to the end of the line, Ava,” a supposed ally had been with from beginning. The betrayal stung worse than any physical wound. Ava staggered back, mind reeling. “Why?” she demanded, her voice breaking. Cassandra’s smile was cruel. dear Ava, enemy of my is my friend. she a sharp pain exploded at back of her head, and darkness claimed her. The dank was cold, contrast the searing pain in Ava’s head. She groaned, forcing her eyes open. The memories flooded back—Liam, the Cassandra’s betrayal. “You’re awake,” Liam’s voice was a in darkness. She her head see him in the cell opposite hers, battered but alive. got you too,” she whispered, a of relief and despair in her voice. “Yeah,” he replied, managing a weak smile. “But not yet.