It wasn't until the heavy doors sealed shut behind them that she finally exhaled the breath she'd been holding.
"That was..." what was the word she wanted? Terrifying? Exhilarating?
She was not sure what feeling it was, just that her heart was pounding in her chest, and her breathing was just a bit heavier.
"Quiet," Haniel cut her off, raising his hand to silence her. His voice was barely above a whisper, and still echoed through the large hall. "The Everwatcher is near."
Arella stilled upon hearing his words, and pressed her palms tightly to the tunic she wore. Her nerves were palpable, and she pressed her nails tightly into her palm. At the very least, the pain grounded her.
