Third junction—that's what Karvesh said.
She counted as she passed.
First junction. Second junction.
Third—THERE.
Less guarded, just like he'd promised.
Only one guard, who looked half-asleep leaning against the wall.
He looked up as she approached.
Eyes widening.
"Hey—"
Faelyn called roots from deep below.
They burst through cracks in the stone floor.
Wrapped around the guard's ankles.
He yelped, stumbling.
She ran past while he struggled.
The tunnel sloped upward now.
Heading toward the surface.
She could feel it.
Fresh air ahead.
Freedom.
Behind her, the sounds of pursuit.
Multiple guards.
"She went EAST! Third junction! MOVE!"
Faelyn ran faster.
Lungs burning.
Using Nature's Communion twice more.
Roots tripping pursuing guards.
Vines blocking the narrow passage behind her.
Each use drained energy but she kept it controlled.
Focused.
No rage. Just precision.
The tunnel widened.
She could see moonlight ahead.
EXIT.
Thirty feet. Twenty. Fifteen.
