The cold air hit them like a wall when they emerged from the academy's underground levels. Kai squinted against the grey dawn. The first piece of natural light they witnessed in what felt like a lifetime. But Kai knew how long it had been. He had counted, and was still counting.
'Six-hundred and ninety-one-thousand, two-hundred...'
Behind them, sat death.
Ahead, uncertainty welcomed them.
"We can't stay at the academy," Kai said quietly as they reached the edge of the southern gate, weaving between the outer walls and the neglected servant paths. "Not after this. And you aren't even a student."
Kleo adjusted the bag on her back, filled with scraps of bread, and what little they could carry. Kai mentioned he could store it, but it seemed she wanted to still feel useful.
Her hands were shaking. "We still have to get my sister. Firra. She's in the palace, remember?"
