Our plan was to go around to the back of the bunker, where Annia had been captured, and blast our way through the metal hatch. But as we began descending the hill, the garage doors opened, and guards raced outside with guns held ready. Their single-minded rush reminded me of a suddenly disturbed anthill. My eardrums vibrated at the high-pitched whistle of several steam engines starting up from within the garage.

“They’re evacuating,” Fenris growled. “They must have trained for this in case the ward ever fails.”

“We have to stop them,” Iannis said, changing course.

“Wait!” I grabbed the sleeve of his robe and pulled him to a stop. “I can’t go with you. I have to get to Rylan and Noria.”

“I can’t let you go off—”

“Rylan says that he has keys to the lower levels,” I said, cutting him off. “Knowing him and Noria, they’ll already be rushing down there. I can’t let them do this alone.”

“Fine.” Frustration glimmered in Iannis’s eyes, but he relented. “Take Elnos with you. And Sunaya?” he added, grabbing my arm even as I made to turn away.

“Wha—” I began, but the word was cut off as Iannis crushed me against him and kissed me, hard. His arms banded around my waist, pressing my curves against the ridges of hard muscle that hid beneath his flowing robes. My anger melted away beneath his touch, and I sank my hands into his long hair and kissed him back just as hard. I doubted this was going to be the last time I ever saw him, but then again, we were going into battle.

“Love you too,” I said breathlessly, tearing my lips from his before I lost myself completely. I broke out of his grip and briefly flung my arms around Fenris. “If there are any children in there, don’t let them get away.”

“I won’t,” Fenris said, returning my hug briefly.

“Great.” I locked eyes with Elnos, who was standing by, impatience sparking in his eyes. “Let’s go.”

Iannis and Fenris dashed for the front of the compound, and Elnos and I sprinted for the back entrance. Mercifully, the alarm had stopped ringing—I guess it was set to automatically shut off after a certain amount of time had passed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw large, steam-powered vehicles rolling out of the garages, a hazard symbol painted on the sides. I imagined they carried the top scientists as well as their records and samples, and hoped that Iannis would be able to stop them. I wished I could see to it personally, but Annia and Noria were my main mission, and I had to trust Iannis to take care of it.

A bullet grazed my shoulder as we crashed through the trees, and I cried out as the scent of my own blood filled the air.