They ran through darkness, through filth, avoiding the jaws and grasping hands of the rat-things that lived in these sewers.

They ran because they were desperate and they were fugitives and they were in love.

Semyon lead Urnina along a path that only he could see, guided by voices only he could hear.

“Not much further, Nina,” Semyon said, forcing a smile, trying to appear brave for Urnina’s sake, although he had never been more afraid. The Godking had Nina’s tongue cut out for simply talking back. Semyon didn’t know for certain, but he had a good idea what His Majesty would do if he caught them.

Something involving burning pitch, funnels and their bodily orifices, probably.

Urnina smiled back, trying to appear brave for Semyon’s sake, but of course, she said nothing.

At the tunnel’s end, Semyon stumbled into a cobweb, momentarily screaming and flailing before composing himself. At that, Urnina broke into a fit of harsh, grunting laughter. To Semyon, it was the most musical sound in the entire world.