"Nothing. I misjudged a step. That's all."
Elena made a face at the feel of cold wetness that was now oozing into her sock through the boot. Walking around in wet footwear was the absolute worst. Nor was their instructor, an unfamiliar general who looked less than thrilled at the thought of babysitting them, likely to let her switch out her boots and socks.
Elena lowered her foot back to the ground, careful about paying more attention to her surroundings this time.
At first glance, the cavern seemed straightforward. The passage they were in was several hundred feet wide with a large number of underground lakes that Elena could tell were much deeper than they appeared. Moss grew on cave walls, entirely covering them in some places.
Tunnels branched off the main system, making this place into a giant maze that would be easy to get lost in.
The occasional oculus, a fancy term for a hole in the ceiling, created pretty shafts of light to illuminate their surroundings.
"You have to be careful," Uncle Jin warned.
"I'm aware."
Taking her frustration out on her uncle wasn't fair, but it was difficult to control her emotions when this was the third time in as many days that he'd left her behind. When he woke up, she thought they'd be a team. The raven and the lu-ong. Besties forever. Combating Tsavitee and taking names. Busting free together. Equal partners. Just like him and Auntie.
So far, though, all she was doing was tagging along after the children while she tried not to die.
The only interesting thing that had happened was the fact they hadn't lost any of the children after the ranking battles. Everyone was still present and accounted for.
"I feel like you're taking all the risks and I'm reaping the rewards," Elena complained. "I want to help too."
"You are helping. You're the face. I'm the brawn."
Elena wandered over to another section of the cavern. "Is that how it works between you and Auntie?"
"Of course, it is. She's played decoy so many times by now that she's an old hand at it."
"Really?"
Elena was only half paying attention as movement across the cavern caught her attention.
"Now I know how Kira feels when I'm being difficult," Uncle Jin muttered under his breath.
"Rude," Elena said distractedly, her eyes on Fyr as he ducked down a shaft that branched off the main cave.
Strange. They'd already been warned about doing that. Something a teacher's pet like him couldn't have forgotten.
"What's wrong?" Uncle Jin asked.
"Nothing." Elena glanced at their instructor for the day to find him watching the yellows battle a slimy-looking creature that possessed a pair of stunted wings folded along its back.
"Then why is your beacon moving toward the area your instructors told you not to go?" Uncle Jin asked.
"I don't know. Must be an error."
"No, Elena. Do not do whatever it is you're thinking," Uncle Jin moaned.
"Too late," Elena said, ducking into the same shaft Fyr had used. "I'm already doing it."
A groan came from her uncle. "This is what I get for not listening to Kira about setting a good example for you."
Elena grinned. "Yup."
She quieted as she squeezed through a narrow passageway, looking around curiously. There were several intriguing rock formations lining the walls. The same luminescent moss outside was in here as well, providing enough light to see by.
"You're a pain in the ass," Uncle Jin griped.
