“They’re probably going to get reinforcements,” Loren said.

“Then let’s not linger,” Quain said.

It didn’t take long for us to dispatch the remaining soldiers. The reason for our change in luck stood farther down the hallway. A group of caregivers from the infirmary held hollow tubes up to their mouths.

My team hesitated, not sure what to make of this new development. But I did. Christina, who had been my assistant when I’d worked here, led the group, standing out in front. She signaled and they all put their weapons down.

“It’s okay.” I pushed my way through. When I reached Christina, I hugged her briefly. “I’m so glad you survived the occupation!”

She gave me a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You taught me so much, they couldn’t get rid of me. Although I’d rather have gone with you.”

Ah, the reason for the stiffness. “I’m sorry. There was no time. Noelle had knocked Tohon out. We only had a few minutes.” But I had a plan in place before that. Why hadn’t I thought of taking Christina with us? Because all my focus had been on getting my sister to a Peace Lily before she died. Didn’t work.

“Thanks for saving us,” Odd said. He gestured to the fallen soldiers. “What did you use?”

“Darts filled with sleeping draft. We thought we should be prepared in case Cellina changed her mind about us.”

“Good idea. Uh... Not that I’m ungrateful, but why did you help us?”

Christina met my gaze. “I heard Avry’s name and came out to investigate.” She shrugged. “If she is captured, things will go from bad to worse.”

“Do you know if there are more soldiers coming?” Odd asked.

“No.”

“Let’s go before we find out.” Saul signaled a retreat. “Back door, now!”

The odd squad led the way. A few of our team had to be helped.

“Come with us,” I said to Christina. “All of you.”

The caregivers exchanged surprised glances.

“But our patients...” Christina pressed her hands to her chest.

“Now or never, ladies,” Saul said.

“We’ve set up an infirmary. You can work there if you want,” I said.

“All right,” Christina said. “I’m in.”

A couple of the other caregivers joined us, but most stayed behind. We raced toward the exit. Christina kept pace with me.

“Why did you come back?” she asked.

“We came for Estrid.”

“She’s not here.”

“Do you know where she is?” I asked.

“In the POW camp with the others.”

I paused. “Is she...”

“Yes, she’s still frozen.”

Before I could process her comments, we reached the exit and stopped.

“What’s going on?” Odd demanded, shoving people out of his way.

I followed Odd. Something blocked the door. Or rather someone.

A small girl stood with her arms crossed. “I’ve a message for Healer Avry.”

“Who are you?” Odd asked.