The restored bells did not make the Sunken Belfry peaceful.
Darkness still moved beneath the lower gates, and the foreign note from below returned twice while the party crossed back into the inhabited district. Each answer made the Sairren look toward the sealed routes beneath their city.
The upper plazas were safe. Nothing deeper had been cleared.
Martin considered that enough for one expedition.
Mireva appeared to agree. She ordered the lower passages sealed, doubled the watch around the original bell, and refused to discuss another descent until every injured Sairren had been found.
Katherine and Kinnami joined the healers. The golden spirit moved from one patient to another while Katherine used the barriers to brace injured wings without pinning their membranes.
