Then back.
“Good,” he says.
A pause.
Then—
“Because we’re leaving.”
The words settle fast.
Sharp.
Real.
I don’t react.
Not outwardly.
“How?” I ask, keeping my tone even.
He tilts his head slightly, eyes shifting toward the entrance, then back again.
“On your mark,” he says.
I nod once.
Small.
Then I shift my weight.
And pull.
The rope gives just enough.
That’s all I need.
It happens fast.
Not clean.
Not quiet.
The beam behind me cracks as I drive my weight against it, the rope snapping loose just as I lunge forward, catching the nearest guard off-balance before he can react.
He hits the ground hard.
The second one shouts.
Too late.
Verr moves at the same time, the disguise dropping just enough in motion that it doesn’t matter anymore, his blade already in hand as he cuts through the space between us and the exit.
“Move,” he says.
I don’t hesitate.
We’re already running.
