The damp chill of the cave seeped through my clothes as I raced deeper into the darkness. Each second felt like an eternity. My heart pounded against my ribs, and my lungs burned from exertion, but I couldn't slow down. Not when Isabelle was in danger.
"Hang on," I whispered into the darkness. "I'm coming for you, Isabelle."
The tracking ritual had taken more out of me than I'd expected. Blood still occasionally dripped from my nose, and my vision blurred at the edges. But none of that mattered. All that mattered was finding her before...
I couldn't even finish the thought. The idea of anyone hurting Isabelle made something primal and violent rise up inside me.
The narrow passage suddenly widened into a larger chamber, and I heard voices echoing ahead. I slowed my pace, moving silently now, listening.
"I don't care what the boss said," a gruff voice complained. "We've been sitting in this stinking cave for hours. Who's gonna know if we have a little fun first?"
