Page 124 of Storm of Ink and Blood

Yasen yawned and ran a hand through his silver hair. “Well, that’s very nice of them. Why?”

“They haven’t shared that yet.”

Yasen narrowed his eyes, already alert despite his nap.

“Come on,” Apsara ordered. “We’ll explain everything once we’re safe.”

“What about him?” Yasen asked, pointing to Miraan. “Isn’t he the bad guy?”

Miraan glowered at Yasen, who lifted his hands in surrender. “Hey, you’re the one who threw us in here.”

“I did not,” Miraan bit out as though the accusation deeply offended him.

“Whatever you say,” Yasen grumbled as he heaved himself up.

“Please come,” Apsara said. “I understand how this looks, but Miraan is on our side, and we will explain everything once we see you to safety.”

Zarya shook her head. “He is?”

She also pushed herself up as Rabin did the same.

“What do you think?” Zarya asked Rabin. “You’re the one with the instincts.”

“I’m not sure,” he answered, assessing Miraan from head to toe. “Seems plausible, and it’s definitely better than rotting in this shithole any longer.”

“Okay then,” Zarya said, clapping her hands. “I guess we’re letting you help us escape.”

“Oh, thank you so much,” Apsara said. “We’re very grateful.”

Miraan produced a key and opened the door before Apsara turned and waved for them to follow. Zarya went first, eyeing her brother as she passed, followed by Yasen and Rabin. Suvanna and the prince brought up the rear.

“Left,” Miraan called to Apsara as they skulked through the dungeons and came upon a branching tunnel. Miraan used a ball of light to illuminate the shadows, and everyone held silent as they wound through a maze of dark pathways with the hush of his soft commands guiding their way.

As they walked for what felt like ages, Zarya had time to wonder what on earth was happening. She kept checking over her shoulder, catching glimpses of the prince. Why was he helping them, and how did Apsara and Suvanna get involved with him? Zarya traded a look with Yasen, and he must have read the questions on her face because he shrugged and shook his head.

Sure, the prince could have been leading them into some kind of trap, but what would be the point when they already had them locked up?

Zarya heard a rush of water in the distance as they continued snaking through the bowels of the castle.

“We’re almost there,” came Miraan’s whisper through the dark. “Just past that corner.”

They twisted around another bend, and sure enough, Zarya caught a distant sliver of moonlight through a narrow opening. They emerged into a dense forest, and Zarya scanned her surroundings, reasoning they must be somewhere on the outskirts of Ishaan.

Six horses stood tethered to some nearby trees.

“You guys really planned this out,” Yasen said, his tone filled with confusion.

“If my sister learns of my deception, there will be no escaping her wrath,” Miraan answered. Again, his expression remained neutral, but Zarya thought she caught a tremble of fear in his voice.

“Yeah. She seemed friendly. You must be very close.”

Miraan stared at Yasen for a beat before he shook his head. “Gods. You have no idea.”

Yasen grinned before they made their way to the horses.

“Where are we going?” Zarya asked Apsara.

“Back to the city.”