“We will take better precautions than you or your friends did, but you will lead the way. You do remember how to get there, don’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The other asha and Deathseekers cobbled together an ingenious combination of Air and Water runes that allowed us small pockets of air while we swam underneath the surface—more than enough to get through the underwater tunnel. Kalen and the others insisted on retaining their hold on their weapons, not wanting to emerge unarmed on the other side, and our progress was slower than I would have hoped.

It was a new experience to swim while we breathed. Zoya manifested enough Light underwater to ensure none of us were separated, and we resurfaced without any problems.

Kalen had exercised caution, sending Shield runes jutting out into the air before anyone of us left the water, but no enemy waited for us on the banks. We took our time drying off with more Wind and Fire while my love took it upon himself to explore the immediate area. “It’s as Knox said,” he observed. “There’s a smaller passageway down to the right though, half-hidden by some formations. The Faceless might have gone through there.”

“They did,” I said bleakly. “Be careful, all of you. I can practically smell the wards emanating from that direction.”

Zoya’s nose wrinkled. “She’s right. Seems like they’re more concerned with stopping us from accessing our runes than they are at keeping their location a secret. Perhaps this is where they intend the ambush.”

“Undoubtedly so,” Althy agreed. “And it will take time to remove these barriers.”

“It’s not a complete warding,” I said softly. “They may not have had as much time as they wanted either. These wards will prevent the rest of you from using runes, but they’re not keeping me from using the Dark. They want me to go alone.”

“Don’t do it!” Zoya warned.

“I’ve been inside enough Faceless minds to understand a bit of how they think. This is a blatant invitation—they want to know what I know. The best course of action would be to go in and see what they want, and for the rest of you to unravel the wards while I buy us time.”

“I’m not leaving you,” Kalen said stubbornly.

“Neither will I,” Althy decided. “Zoya, focus on the barrier with the others, then join us afterward.”

“Althy, you’ll be powerless beyond this passage.”

The asha smiled grimly. “I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. If Tea’s right, then they’re not looking for a battle. Let’s go see what they want.”