Her father nodded grimly, the knife shaking in his grip. "The outer wall is being attacked."
"WHAT?"
'It shouldn't be time yet,' his mind raced. 'There was no sign they were ready to attack...'
The terrible realization hit him like a physical blow.
'My attack. They sensed a human found their gathering place.' Cold dread pooled in his stomach. 'I triggered this.'
The distant sounds of battle filtered through the thin walls—shouts, roars, the clash of metal against chitin. The city bells had begun ringing, their urgent peals carrying across all districts.
"Alright, you two stay here. I'll check what's happening."
Lin stepped forward, concern etched across her face. "You can't go out there—it's too dangerous!"
Her father caught her arm, gently pulling her back. He shook his head, eyes meeting Ethan's with grim understanding.
"Let him go," the old man said quietly.
Ethan nodded his thanks. "Barricade the door behind me. Only open it if you hear a rescue team or my voice."
