The final explosion rattled the air outside, kicking up dust in all directions—its force echoing even down into the underground corridors where Khan and his group were moving fast. The sound was both a signal of victory… and a warning.
Derek appeared from the far end of the tunnel, his breathing heavy, blood streaking down his temple—but he remained standing tall. He caught up to Khan and cut into his stride.
"How bad is it?" he asked, quick and direct.
Khan shot him a sharp glance, then gave a slow shake of his head. "Nico's holding them off. But... where's my mother?" Derek asked, suddenly realizing Khan was only escorting the palace children—not the woman who was supposed to be the main objective of their rescue.
A few seconds of silence followed. Then one of Khan's younger, more awkward-looking members answered hesitantly, "She didn't come… because the Captain hasn't decided whether to become Sultan."
