The insideof the aviary was shockingly organized. By the time I arrived, everyone seemed ready to escape.
But that wasn't the most surprising part. About half of the omegas were in human form, including Emory. It was my first time seeing him like this. His messy brown hair and cute freckles suited him.
David was still going around undoing leg bands while Emory was at the front reassuring everybody that everything would be okay.
I ran up to him and clapped him on the back. "Nice work, you two. I'm impressed."
Emory grinned. "Well, we couldn't waste this opportunity, could we?"
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Honestly, I wasn't sure what would happen when I came back. You didn't seem thrilled at the idea of escaping."
Emory's face fell. "I don't think any of us were prepared for what happened to David. When he came back covered in blood and bruises..." He shuddered. "It shook us, you know?"
I nodded. I hated seeing David hurt like that, too.
"You were right, Farley. I'm sorry it took us so long to understand where you're coming from."
The pregnancy hormones must've been turning me into an emotional hot mess, because my eyes watered. "Emory, don't apologize for something that wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. It was Santino and his brainwashed cronies that did this to us. They're the ones to blame."
Emory smiled shyly. "Thanks, Farley. By the way, where'd your mate go?"
"He's holding off the alphas we need to get through. The faster we leave, the better. I hate leaving him alone for so long."
I didn't mention Animus to him, thinking it might cause unnecessary fear. But Animus had never hurt me. In fact, judging from our conversation and what I'd seen in the corridor, it was almost like he was on our side. Weird flex for a so-called malicious spirit, but okay.
"Just a few more!" David called. As he spoke, a handful of leg bands fell to the floor. The finches who had been wearing them shifted miraculously into human form. They blinked, looking a bit like baby deer taking their first steps.
When David was finished, I got in front of the group, ready to lead the charge.
"Are we all good to go?" I called.
A flurry of excited answers resounded. Hope flowed through me, making my body feel light.
I pushed the door open and ran directly into Quinn. He yelped in surprise. I pulled him into my arms, happy to see him safe and sound.
"Long time no see," I teased, kissing his forehead. I frowned. "Why are you so cold?"
He kissed me back quickly. "I'll tell you later. Let's just get out of this place."
"Right. Come on, everyone!"
Our group ran through the corridor, which had a slight chill in the air. It was empty. All the alphas had disappeared. I didn't bother to stop and ask why, though I had a feeling Animus had something to do with it.
Quinn held my hand tightly as we ran. I squeezed him back, grateful for his presence. We charged towards the main door, excitement pumping in our veins.
The exit was in sight. I glanced back. There were still stragglers at the back who hadn't caught up yet, mostly ones who hadn't been in human form in a long time and were unsteady on their legs.
I pushed Emory towards the door. "You and David lead the way," I ordered. "Me and Quinn will make sure everyone gets out."
Emory nodded. "Right."
"By the way, what happened when I left?" I asked Quinn as we ran.
"Animus was pissed," Quinn said. "He used his spirit powers to cause a cold snap. The alphas who didn't feel guilty about what they'd done suffered the most."
"What?" I snapped, suddenly afraid for my mate. "Did he do anything to you?"
Quinn shook his head. "That's the thing. He went out of his waynotto hurt me. It was weird... like he knew I was different from them. Or maybe I'm overthinking it."
