“I can handle the soldiers,” said Thisbe grimly. “And besides, it doesn’t matter now. They’re going to know something’s up tonight, one way or another. We’re breaking out of this jail. For good this time.”

A New Team

Okay, Thisbe,” said Rohan cautiously. “But assuming we convince the others about what’s really happening, and you somehow stop the soldiers, and we really do manage to break out of here . . . then what?”

Dev lifted his head. “I know where Fifer and Simber are in the forest.”

Thisbe rolled her eyes. “They’ve been gone for months. Dev, I’m telling you I went all the way home, and I was there for weeks and weeks before I came back here to try to save you.”

“This is all really confusing,” Dev said, sounding defensive. “Are you sure you’re not just playing a trick on me?”

“I give you my word. But we’ll need you to help with the others. Do you trust me? I promise everything I’ve told you is true.”

“But . . . ,” Dev said, his face pained, “why would you even care to save me?”

Thisbe felt like punching him. “Shut up, Dev. I’m not going to go into everything right now. We have stuff to do. Are you going to help me or not?”

“I guess I don’t have a choice. I want to get out of here too.”

“Great.” Thisbe blew out a breath. “Once we’re out, we’ll worry about where we’ll go from there. With any luck, Drock will be around to help us. Though . . .” Thisbe trailed off, not at all sure if Drock was still on her side. “Anyway, we can all be thinking of what to do next and discuss it on the way out.”

“That sounds sketchy, but I’m in with the plan.” Rohan shoved the two extra vials into his pocket, then stepped toward the door with the armload for the other six black-eyed slaves. “I’m taking these with me in case I can’t get them to come here. How about extra for Reza?”

Thisbe ran to get more and handed them over. “But you’ll try to return here with everyone?”

“Of course.” Rohan stopped and flashed Thisbe a reassuring smile. “We’ve been through worse things. We’ll get through this.”

Thisbe grinned back. “That’s the spirit. Best luck. See you soon.”

“That’s the plan.” Rohan disappeared from the kitchen wing.

“Are you two, like—” Dev began.

“Like why don’t you shut it and pay attention,” Thisbe snapped. “I need to teach you how to be a good actor in about three seconds.”

“Okay, okay,” said Dev, but he seemed a little annoyed.

“Rest your face.”

Dev let his expression go slack.