Aliya had changed her mind.
At first, when she left with Bobby and Lime, she told herself it was the correct decision. Ezra had clearly wanted them gone, and his voice had carried that quiet authority he often used when something serious was about to happen.
But the further she walked away from that corridor, the heavier her chest felt.
Her thoughts kept circling back.
What if something happened to him?
She tried to ignore it.
Tried to convince herself Ezra could handle anything like he always does, but then…The explosion came.
A violent sound rolled through the maze corridors, echoing off the stone walls like thunder trapped underground.
Aliya stopped walking.
Bobby and Lime froze as well.
Dust trembled loose from the ceiling stones.
That was when she made up her mind.
Even if Ezra got angry at her and even if he told her to leave again.
She would not regret going back, she didn't care whether he needed help or not.
