The Seventh Crow

Part 10

"We got to go," Wylan murmured.

"I'm not going anywhere without Nox," Matthias countered.

"We need your expertise," Jesper said.

"Then Nox comes."

"Fine!" Jesper motions me towards the incinerator. I'm actually going to get out of this place! I would've liked to not have a gown on, but you take what you can get.

"Where's Nina and Kaz?" Wylan asks. "They should be here by now."

"Who's Nina and Kaz?" I ask.

"Not important, just climb before I change my mind."

I shake my head but listen. The moment I touched the rope in the shaft, an alarm started to go off. Yellow protocol. That Nina or that Kaz person could be in danger. The whole sector is going to be on high alert making it difficult for them to escape.

"I can find them," I say heading for the door. Matthias grabs onto my arm. "I don't have time for this, I can find them and lead them away from the hoard of soldiers that are bound to be coming through."

"And what if they catch you again?"

"I'll be fine. I know what I'm doing."

"Matthias," Jesper said. "They could really be in danger, she can help. You know, make herself useful."

I glare at Jesper. If I knew what their plan was, I could definitely be of service. But there is just one problem... I don't! My plan- well idea- is going to have to work for them because they are my way of escape.

Matthias let go of my arm. I nod to them and head out of the room. I'm not sure what sector they would be in, but I have a small idea of where to start.

I ran up flights of stairs. I had to stop a couple times to hide when clusters of soldiers were running by. Luckily they didn't think twice about the dark corners of the prison sector.

Turning a corner I come to a stop. A woman in prison clothes holds out her hands to Alev. Grisha? Alev is holding his gun in front of him, trying to find a way to immobilize the woman without killing her.

Not sure how he got here. What happened to the Drüskelle? Not the time for questions.

I run behind her, pushing her hands down to the side. She struggles and tries to fight me.

"Nina?" I ask. She stops, gaze roaming across my face to find some recognition. "You're Nina?"

She nods her head. Great, found one. Hopefully the other one is already down in the incinerator room, climbing up the incinerator shaft. The only problem in the way now is getting down there without causing more of a scene.

"Who are you?" she asks.

"Not the time. I'm here to help, but keep watch."

She turns around and looks down the hallway. I walk over to Alev, he is very confused as to what is happening. Can't say I blame him. I'm also very confused. He drops his rifle to his side, keeping one eye on Nina, still scared that she is going to kill him.

"Alev," I say. "You need to get out of here."

"I'm not leaving you."

"I'll be fine. But you need to get out before people start to question you and why the prisoner you were supposed to watch all of a sudden escaped."

"Escaping from the Ice Court is impossible."

"Would you let me save you one more time! I don't feel like having to find a way to break in here and get you out."

"Where do I find you again?"

I see the small glimmer of fear pass his forest eyes. I always dreamed of being out of this prison. My own house. Alev at my side and never coming back to Fjerda ever again. At first it always seemed impossible, but now we might actually have a chance.

I whisper in his ear, "I'll meet you where the sun touches Ravka."

Alev nods his head. I don't wait for him to answer. We've already wasted enough time and I'm not sure how long the others are willing to wait before they let the rope disappear.

"Who are you?" Nina asks while running.

"Nox. Matthias's sister. Nice to meet you, especially at these strange moments."

I hear shuffling down the hall. Nina throws up her hands waiting for a fight. I shake my head and pull her into a dark corner. She starts to speak but is muffled by my hand over her mouth.

About six soldiers run past us, rifles raised waiting for anyone who is running. When I knew it was safe, we started running again.

Nina pushes the incinerator's door open while I keep watch. We push our way in and slam the doors behind us. Jesper was waiting for us.

"Well, hurry," he said.

Nina was the first one climbing. When she was far enough, I climbed in after her. I faintly heard the doors open and brace myself for shouting and gunfire. But it never came.

There was another weight on the rope. Must be Jesper. 

Up ahead Matthias and Wylan helped me out of the shaft. I dust my gown off and look around at everyone. Wylan, Matthias, Nina, and a Suli woman.

"Who are you?" she asked me.

"Nox. You?"

She didn't answer me, instead it felt like she was studying me. Trying to gain secrets that are embedded into my soul.

I should've known better than to get distracted, because next thing I knew I was on the floor and a booted foot was holding me down at my neck.