“I’ll make it,” Martinos said.
“Gwenyth, you come first,” Leo ordered.
She hesitated, glancing at Martinos and a wave of jealousy jabbed Leo in the chest.
“Go,” Martinos said. “I’ll follow you through.”
“What next?” Jakab asked.
“Do you know a place we can rest and hide out until it gets dark?” Leo asked. “There are too many eyes during the daylight hours.”
“True,” Jakab said.
Leo watched Gwenyth wriggle through the hole. She came straight to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face against his chest. He hugged her, relief making him dizzy. The light was dim in the narrow space between the kitchen and the dungeon. He wanted to study her face and check her for injuries. He wanted private moments without others present where he could touch her, kiss her, and reassure himself she was in one piece.
“Did they hurt you?” he murmured, keeping his voice low.
“I’m fine,” she said. “Where are we going?”
He still didn’t know.
“Jakab, do you think we could hide out at your apartment?” he asked his friend.
Jakab frowned. “If they learn Karlos is missing, they’ll search his quarters. My sister and her husband have a property on the outskirts of town. They will give us food and shelter.”
“If our presence doesn’t put them in danger,” Leo said.
“Francine is our half-sister,” Karlos said. “Not many know of the familial relationship.”
Leo couldn’t stop touching his mate. His fingers twined with hers, the physical contact smoothing his apprehension. “Still, there’s the possibility someone might learn of the connection. I’d hate your sister to suffer on our behalf. Martinos, your turn,” Leo said. “Hurry, time is a precious commodity.”
Despite his years of captivity, Martinos was bulkier than he looked. It took an effort to drag him through the space they’d dug, but finally, he popped free. Given his grimace, it must’ve hurt, but Martinos didn’t complain.
“Thank you,” he said, offering his hand for Leo to shake. “Your mate is amazing. You’re a lucky dragon.”
Leo agreed. He and his dragon had fallen under her spell. It appeared she’d worked her magic on Martinos too.
“Where will you go once we leave?” Leo asked.
“I’m coming with you,” Martinos said. “I intend to help.”
“No,” Karlos said.
“Never mind that,” Leo said. “Is Karlos coming through the hole?”
“No,” Karlos said. “I’ll exit through the dungeon and avoid the guards as much as possible. That will muddy the story for anyone who wishes to investigate the escape.”
“Karlos, if you get captured, I’ll come and kick your butt myself,” Jakab declared.
“Hurry,” Karlos urged. “Don’t waste time talking. Go.”
“How do we get out of here?” Martinos asked. “I had no clue the dungeon backed on to this area. I presumed it was deep beneath the ground.”
“So did I,” Leo said. “We’re winging the plan. Bring the tools with us. We might need them to dig through another wall.” He brought to mind the plan he’d seen. “This way.”
He hoped the alley would emerge somewhere at the castle rear. Supposition led him to think the residents wouldn’t want to watch deliveries so the entrance would be at the back, somewhere out of sight. He lifted the lanterns he and Jakab had brought with them. The light shone on Gwenyth’s bruised face. One of her eyes was black, and her cheek was red and swollen.
“Did Nan hit you more than once?”
