Page 118

I grab Blue. “It’ll be easier if we both go inside and then leave all together, instead of me coming in and out.”

“I’m just along for the ride.”

Placing my hand on his shoulder, I click my heels together and we pop into the other side of the iron bars inside the cell.

“Not too bad,” Blue decides.

“Come on, Toto.”

He comes out from beneath the bed and jumps into my arms and the relief that sweeps through me is almost enough to drive away the sadness and guilt threatening to consume me.

I didn’t mean for that axe to hit Gabriel. But intent does not absolve me of the guilt.

I am as much to blame as Rook.

I just hope they can save him.

A shiver runs through me and tears burn in my eyes so I squeeze them shut and bury my nose in Toto’s ruff. He’s taken on some of the earthy, metallic scent of the dungeon, but deep beneath that is his scent: spicy and smoky.

“Where to now?” Blue asks. “Back to the Jolly Emerald?”

“No. They’ll look for you there.”

“Pfft. I’m not worried.”

“You should be.”

“Why? Who cares? Let them come for me.”

Toto chuffs and Blue reaches over, scratching him behind the ears. “You’re so tiny.”

Toto nips at him.

“Hey. Stop that,” I say to him.

Blue laughs.

“Shut up down there!” a guard shouts. “Prisoners should be silent!”

“Better get moving,” I whisper and set my free hand on Blue’s shoulder. “Ready?”

“Always.”

I click my heels and we leave the dungeon behind.

I take us to Glimming Hollow. It’s become a place that feels most like home, even when the people of the Hollow are banding together to hunt me down.

We appear outside the Red Wander and when I check my reflection in one of the windows with the drapes drawn closed, I’m happy to see I still look like Rosemary.

I didn’t even think about it when I was rescuing Toto. How did he know it was me? By scent, I suppose. Still, I’m surprised he didn’t show any reservations.

Inside the Wander, the dining room is full and the place smells of Remy’s stew and fresh baked bread.

With Toto clutched to my chest, and Blue trailing behind me, I go to the front counter where Remy is taking down a note in their book.

“Excuse me,” I say.

Remy looks up and spots Toto in my grip and then scans my face with a quick sweep of their gaze. The confusion appears as a frown between their straight brows. “Dorothy?”