Chapter 8 - The Tunnels
Dorian violently kicked the heavy iron grate open and practically threw Marin down into the dark abyss.
He commanded Titan to jump in after her just as a massive explosion ripped the melting titanium door off its hinges.
Dorian unleashed a deafening wave of suppressive fire into the hallway before diving into the tunnel himself.
He pulled the iron grate shut and locked it from the inside just as mercenary bullets sparked against the metal above.
They were now completely submerged in the pitch-black, freezing water of the ancient Prohibition-era smuggling routes.
Dorian turned off his flashlight, knowing the beam would make them an easy target in the narrow, echoing space.
He told Marin to hold onto Titan's heavy leather collar, trusting the dog's superior night vision to guide them forward.
They waded through the icy water, the sound of their splashing echoing loudly against the curved brick walls.
They could hear the frantic shouting of Silas's men and the barking of tracking hounds entering the tunnel behind them.
Marin's damaged leg finally gave out entirely, causing her to collapse heavily into the freezing, filthy water.
She begged Dorian to leave her behind, insisting she would only slow him down and get them all killed.
Dorian completely ignored her desperate pleas and simply scooped her up into his powerful arms.
He waded forward with sheer, unstoppable determination, carrying her weight as if she weighed absolutely nothing.
They trudged through the suffocating darkness for what felt like hours, moving entirely on instinct and adrenaline.
Finally, a faint sliver of pale moonlight appeared at the very end of the long brick tunnel.
It was the rusted exit grate that emptied directly out into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan.
Dorian gently set Marin down on a dry ledge and slowly pushed the rusted grate open.
He climbed out into the freezing night air, ready to lead them to a hidden boat moored nearby.
But a blindingly bright floodlight suddenly snapped on, completely illuminating the muddy riverbank.
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Silas Thorne was standing directly in front of the exit, smiling cruelly in an expensive cashmere coat.
He was surrounded by a dozen heavily armed mercenaries who instantly aimed their rifles at Dorian's chest.
