Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

“We have to risk the mine rail,” she said.

A muscle ticked in his jaw.

“Sten, we’re out of options.”

He gave her a brisk nod.

They hurried toward the platform where several mine carts sat, hanging from the mine rail. As they neared, she saw more of the metal track. It was rusty in places, and covered in dust. Her stomach clenched.

“Uh, it’s not in great condition.”

“No.” His tone was unhappy. “But the Gek’Dragar are definitely not safe. Like you said, we’re out of options. I haven’t found any other way out of here. I looked while you were sleeping.”

While she’d been lying in that bed alone and he’d been avoiding her. She steeled herself and nodded.

Sten stepped into the first cart. It hung off the rail above and there were two seats in front of a control console. A huge empty cart dangled underneath for carrying the mining ore.

She stepped inside, then heard shouts echo through the mine.

The Gek’Dragar were inside.

Sten dropped onto one seat. “Come on.”

The cart wobbled a little as she slipped onto the seat beside him. The chasm yawned ahead of them.

Stars, if the rail broke…

It was going to be a long drop.

Focus, Carys. Stay positive.

Sten touched the controls and the panel lit up.

“There’s power.” He pressed some buttons and the cart lurched forward. Carys gripped onto the console.

Then they started moving.

She decided not to look down. She focused her gaze straight ahead. They were halfway across the huge chasm when the shouts got louder. She looked back over her shoulder.

She saw several Gek’Dragar soldiers standing at the edge of the hole, pointing at them.

And lifting their weapons.

“Sten, down!” She yanked on his arm.

They both ducked as laser fire lit up the space around them. Sten shifted, covering her body with his. The cart rocked and came to a stop.

Her chest squeezed. She wasn’t going back to their prison.

Sten reached up toward the controls, but more laser fire hit.

“I could—” She didn’t finish. There was a low rumble of sound and vibration. She frowned. “What is that?”

“I’m not sure.” His fingers tightened on her arms. “It’s coming from…below us.”

She saw the Gek’Dragar had stopped firing, and were looking around in apparent confusion. The sound got louder.

“Sten.”