a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

233: Invasion

BOOOOM!!!

The walls shook. Dust and small rocks fell upon their hair. The air became dusty, but they didn't have the time to pay attention to it. When another deafening blast came, Moulin knew they had to leave quickly.

Shaking off the strange feeling inside his chest, his eyes turned serious. "We need to leave!"

Alsander nodded instantly. He began to lead them away from the wall, tracing the steps they had taken. With quick steps, they ventured through the tunnels. The torches are flickering under the rain of dust as if they would be extinguished at the next second. They could not navigate the way out without light.

BOOM!

They stopped momentarily when they felt the ground shook beneath their feet. Cracks began to break the ceiling and the walls, warning them of the time they were losing. Snapping out of their thoughts, they hurried through the narrow pathway.

"Hurry!" Alsander shouted as he rapidly jumped over the brittle steps of the stone staircase. His heart pounded fast. He frightfully evaded a stone brick that fell down from the ceiling; panic rose in his heart. While he kept glancing at the youth behind him, Alsander hurriedly led them to a wider tunnel. The flames were smothered by the dust, leaving them in total darkness.

As they still felt the tremble around them, Moulin used his mana to generate light, summoning a glowing crystal of ice. He grabbed Alsander's arm and ran towards the exit where they had entered.

The collapse was quick to chase after them. Rocks raining down, crushing anything beneath it. Dust filled the air like smoke, but it didn't hinder Moulin from bringing them to the end of the tunnel.

"Lever, lever, lever..." Alsander fumbled around the wall for the extinguished torch. However, it was hard to see through the dusty air. His heart felt as though it could beat out of his chest. The destruction was loud, closing behind them rapidly.

"Ah!" Alsander felt a handle, and he wasted no time pulling it down.

The moment the wall flipped them around, the ceiling of the tunnel they were under immediately crashed to the ground with a loud noise. The wall turned halfway, and Alsander had to pull Moulin away to save the youth from being crushed. However, his arm was caught, and blood dyed his vision.

"Aah!"

Alsander shouted through his gritted teeth; his pull was forceful that they landed on the cool smooth floor with a bang.

"Alsander!" Moulin hurriedly pulled Alsander to him. He let Alsander leaned on the wall at the opposite side of the half-opened secret passage.

Blood streamed down the man's arm. Crimson dust layered his clothing, dyeing them into a murky color. The sleeve was torn, and a gaping wound was exposed to the air. Pink flesh hanged, and a dark scarlet flowed down to his fingers.

"Augh!" He hissed. Sweat dripped down Alsander's forehead as he clutched his bleeding arm.

Moulin worriedly looked around but realized the hallways were deserted. The explosions have stopped as well. Calming himself down, he ripped his own sleeve, tied it around Alsander's wound, and placed Alsander's arm around his neck.

"It hurts..." Alsander winced.

Moulin narrowed his eyes as he began to carry the complaining man. "You're a maeruthan. It'll heal. Endure the pain."

Alsander sighed woefully, "I just saved your sweet, fragile skin. You have to make it up to me."

"Thank you."

"That's not enough." Alsander frowned. "You have to nurse me again. I've been injured twice already."

Moulin only shakes his head with a sigh as he led them away from the hallways. Their figures could be the only ones found within the suspicious emptiness of the area.