At dawn, the camp was already buzzing. A fire had broken out near one of the storage units, and the scent of smoke clung to the air. Distraction or warning—it was hard to tell.
Kael moved swiftly, his cloak drawn tight, leading the others through a back path.
"Someone lit that fire on purpose," he said. "They're trying to trap us."
Aria cursed. "Zeyna?"
"Or someone working for the CryoDivision," Rhea whispered. "They know."
They ran.
Alarms blared behind them. Voices shouted. Aria gripped her blade as they ducked into the forest edge, cold breath rising from their mouths.
Just as they cleared the last fence, a shot rang out.
Aria turned in time to see Kael stagger. Blood bloomed on his shoulder.
"Go!" he growled, pressing a hand to the wound. "Don't stop—"
"No," Aria said, arm looping under his. "We go together. Always."
Rhea's eyes glowed faintly, pulse racing. "Let me help. I can carry him."
"No," Kael snapped. "Not you."
But Aria met Rhea's gaze and nodded.
And so Rhea lifted him—effortlessly.