Roberto and I made it back to Ferville alive. We were both battered and in need of a healer’s touch, but we’d heal within hours. Despite surviving together, Roberto had barely spoken to me since I’d opened the hatch and led him through the passage. I saw the relief in his eyes when he confirmed I wasn’t severely hurt, but he still sulked over not being allowed to fight by my side, to protect me.

Returning to Ferville, we found the city transformed into a war camp. Armed warriors hustled across the grounds, securing every possible inch. Emiliano was the first to spot us as we exited the passage, and...