That was when Selene let out a sharp cry. She clutched her calf, her brow furrowed, tears glistening as she looked up at Fenris. "Fenris! I think my leg got burned by the oil that splashed out. It hurts so much..."
Fenris's gaze dropped to the reddened skin on Selene's calf. He hesitated for only a fraction of a second before making his decision. He swept her up into his arms and strode toward the door, managing only a single apologetic glance back at Lyra.
"Lyra, just wait for me a little longer! I'll be right back!"
Wait for you?
There's no need anymore.
Lyra watched him disappear through the doorway with Selene in his arms, and the last fragile ember of hope in her heart guttered out completely.
At that moment, the rope above her let out another sharp crack and snapped apart entirely. Instinct took over—she curled her body tight and used the momentum of her fall to roll sideways, barely clearing the churning oil. But her forehead slammed against a jagged stone on the ground, and white-hot pain exploded through her entire body.