Selene's question still hung between them, echoing faintly in the cavernous space. The ruins stretched out in every direction—broken pillars half-buried in dust, walls covered in faded glyphs, and a ceiling so high it disappeared into shadow. A faint, unnatural glow seeped from the cracks in the stone, like veins of light running through a dead giant.
Noel's reply had been blunt, but he knew it wasn't enough. He glanced around again, every instinct screaming that this wasn't just some random underground ruin. "Stay close," he said finally, lowering his voice. "If we're not careful, this place will eat us alive."
Selene stiffened at the words. She didn't move away, though. In fact, she hovered just a step nearer, the memory of being carried in his arms seconds before still prickling at her skin. Heat rose to her cheeks, and she hated herself for it. 'Why?'
Her silence stretched on. Noel caught it immediately. "You okay?" he asked, eyes narrowing as he studied her.
