Laura’s POV
It was the shortest night of my life—and the most important.
Maxwell had led me through the secret tunnel beneath the cage, his instincts guiding us to safety. I regretted every moment I’d questioned his plan to hide in the caves. Without that choice, we might already be dead.
Before we could make our next move, we paused in my parents’ old room. A brief stop to gather our thoughts, listen for danger, and figure out our next step.
“We can’t both go out at once,” Maxwell whispered. “If he’s still here, we’ll be heard. I’ll go first.”
“You don’t have to act brave for me,” I said, softly. “It’s okay to be afraid.”
He looked at me and smiled faintly, the way only he could. “Then I guess we’re both afraid.”
I leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I’ll go. I’ll call if I need help.
