The torchlight dimmed as the mistress's footsteps faded away. Only silence remained, broken by the soft clinking of chains and shallow breathing.
Renn was the first to speak, his voice trembling.
"She… she couldn't have done this alone. The caretaker—he's gone. Maybe he… maybe he sold us out."
The words struck the children like a blade. Mira began to sob quietly, her tiny wrists raw where the shackles rubbed. Callen shook his head, but doubt flickered in his eyes. Even Selaih, who had always been steady, looked down at the ground as if afraid to answer.
Kairo's voice cut through, low and steady.
"No. He didn't betray us."
Renn stared at him, confused and angry. "Then where is he, Kairo? Why aren't we free? Why are we here?"
Kairo's crimson eyes narrowed, the torchlight reflecting off their dull glow. "He's not the kind who sells children. He's either captured or worse—but not a traitor."
The children fell quiet again, but the fear didn't leave their faces. They wanted to believe, yet the chains around their arms and legs made it hard.
Kairo closed his eyes, leaning back against the cold wall. Outwardly, he stayed calm. Inwardly, a storm churned.
I should've seen this. I should've known. I let my guard down.
His fingernails dug into his palms until they nearly broke skin. The taste of iron filled his mouth as he bit back the curse rising in his throat.
On the far side of the cell, Igron slumped against the wall, fast asleep despite the chains, his chest rising and falling as though the world outside no longer mattered.
Kairo stared at him for a long moment.
You can sleep through this, huh?
He clenched his jaw. Then I'll stay awake for the both of us.