The flickering torchlight cast long shadows across the damp walls of their cell. Kieran flexed his fingers, testing the tightness of his bindings. The rough rope chafed against his skin, but he ignored the discomfort. His mind was already racing, searching for a way out.

Julian shifted beside him, eyes scanning their surroundings. "I've broken out of worse places," he muttered, though his usual confidence was laced with fatigue.

Kieran arched a brow. "I'd love to hear those stories—after we're out of here."

Julian smirked but didn't respond. Instead, he focused on the iron bars of their cell door, eyes narrowing. "They made a mistake," he murmured. "They think we're just going to sit here and wait."

Kieran followed his gaze. The lock on the door was old, rusted. Not impossible to break, given the right tools. But they had nothing.

The distant sound of footsteps made them both freeze. A guard was approaching, his keys jingling at his waist. Julian tensed, shifting his weight slightly.

"Follow my lead," he whispered.

The moment the guard stepped close, Julian slumped forward with a groan, his head lolling to the side. "Ugh... I think... the poison..." he mumbled weakly.

The guard hesitated, frowning. "What?"

Kieran, catching on, let his own body sag. He moaned, as if in pain. "Something's wrong..."

The guard cursed under his breath and unlocked the door, stepping inside cautiously. "Don't die on me, boy. You're worth too much alive."

That was his mistake.

In a flash, Julian lashed out, knocking the guard off balance. Kieran twisted his body, kicking the man's legs out from under him. He hit the ground hard, groaning. Julian wasted no time, rolling onto his knees and using the guard's own dagger to cut their bindings.

"Move," Julian hissed, yanking Kieran up. They grabbed the keys and the dagger before slipping out of the cell, pressing against the cold stone walls.

The corridor was empty—for now. Kieran's pulse thundered in his ears.

Julian flashed a grin. "Told you. I've broken out of worse."

Kieran huffed a quiet laugh, adrenaline surging through him. "Let's get out of here before you get the chance to prove that again."

Julian nodded, and together, they disappeared into the shadows of the dungeon, their escape just beginning.

To be continued...