Chapter 31 · If you want to interrogate me, survive the next minute first

The next impact shook loose more dust.

Kael shoved Julian in the chest. "If you want to interrogate me, survive the next minute first."

Julian let him go and rolled aside.

Kael got up, seized the iron bar beside the crates, and drove it into the gap around the panel. He used his shoulder. The old scar along his ribs pulled tight.

"Help me," he said.

Julian stood. "Ask nicely."

"Please help me before the bone freak tears through the wall."

"Better."

Julian wrapped both hands around the bar below Kael's. Their knuckles touched. The noble's fingers were freezing, but his grip was brutally strong.

"Pull," Kael said.

"I am pulling."

"Then pull harder."

"You give terrible instructions."

"You give terrible patients."

The panel tore free.

A narrow tunnel opened behind it, packed with black mud and old roots. Cold air pushed out. It carried a faint metallic ringing.

Kael's stomach tightened.

"That tunnel goes where?" Julian asked.

"Under the east wing. There should be a service hatch near the courtyard."

"Should be?"

"Would you prefer a guaranteed route?"

"Yes."

"Then stop asking me questions and build one.