“I was hoping we wouldn’t pick it,” Twobble said.
“That’s not how this works,” she replied.
“I’m aware of that now.”
Keegan’s grip on my hand tightened just slightly. “What does that mean for us?”
Twobble shrugged, but it wasn’t careless. “It means that sometimes things from that side wander through. I mean, not always or constantly. But enough that it’s… noted.”
“Things,” Stella repeated. “Such a charmingly broad term.”
“Like the goldspinner? Or worse…?” I asked.
Twobble glanced at us. “Would you prefer I list them individually?”
“Not particularly,” Stella said. “I just like to know what might try to eat me.”
“That’s fair, but I doubt it would go for you.” He chuckled, which was unsettling.
I looked down the tunnel again, but it didn’t look different from the others.
It had the same stone, dim glow, and quiet thrum that seemed to sit just beneath everything here, but I could feel it.
That pull.
Stronger now.
Clearer.
“Why wouldn’t Gideon go where he could hide more easily?” I asked quietly.
Twobble shook his head. “Well, he didn’t choose it for the scenery.”
Nova exhaled slowly
“That’s the way,” I said, my voice softer now, but steadier than before.
Twobble closed his eyes for a second, then opened them again. “I was afraid you were going to say that.”
“I already did,” I replied.
“Yes, and I was hoping you might reconsider.”
“I’m not. The exit will get us to him quicker, and that’s more important than most things.”
Twobble studied me for a moment, then sighed, his shoulders dropping just slightly. “Alright. Then we go that way.”
Nova looked between us. “You’re sure?”
“No,” I said honestly. “But it’s the only direction that feels like anything right now.”
Silence settled again, but it wasn’t uncertain this time.
It was decided.
Stella let out a small breath. “Well, if we’re going toward Shadowick-adjacent tunnels, I suppose I should have worn something less flammable.”
Twobble blinked at her. “You’re not flammable. You’re a vampire.”
