The narrow tunnel opened into a dimly lit chamber, the flickering torchlight casting jagged shadows across the stone walls. Kieran’s breath was still uneven, his heartbeat drumming louder than it should. Whether it was from the lingering fear of being caught or the sharp tension between him and Julian, he wasn’t sure.

Julian paced ahead, his movements precise, deliberate. He checked the exits, scanning for threats with the ease of someone too familiar with danger. Kieran leaned against the wall, trying to steady himself. The dungeon air was thick, suffocating. Or maybe it was just the way Julian’s words still clung to him—mocking, taunting, unsettling.

Julian turned suddenly. “You hesitated back there.”

Kieran stiffened. “What?”

“You hesitated before following me.” Julian stepped closer, his eyes sharp in the dim light. “For someone who claims to be desperate to escape, you sure took your time.”

Kieran exhaled sharply. “I was listening for guards.”

Julian hummed, unconvinced. “Right.”

Kieran’s frustration flared. “Why does it matter? We’re out of the cell, aren’t we?”

Julian took another step forward, closing the space between them. The chamber was small, too small, and Kieran felt the weight of Julian’s presence like a storm rolling in.

Julian’s voice dropped lower, softer. “It matters because when you hesitate, it makes me wonder if you actually trust me.”

Kieran swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. “I—”

A crash from above cut him off. The sound of metal clattering against stone. Footsteps. The guards were closing in.

Julian swore under his breath. “We need to move. Now.”

He turned, but Kieran caught his wrist. Julian froze, eyes snapping to Kieran’s hand, then back to his face.

Kieran’s grip was firm, but his voice was quieter when he spoke. “I do trust you.”

Julian studied him for a second longer before pulling his wrist free. “Then prove it.”

Without another word, he slipped into the shadows, leaving Kieran to follow.

And this time, he didn’t hesitate.

To be continued...