Chapter 24

Ember raced down the dim hallway, resisting the urge to cover her nose from the rotten stench.

Most of the cells were empty, but rest were stuffed with dead, dying, or rotting bodies.

Ember took a deep breath, catching Autumn's scent in the air. Coughing, Ember ran faster.

Ember traced Autumn's trail further down the hallway, the faint scent of snowdrops growing stronger.

Ember halted outside of a cell, the door unlocked and swinging freely. Ember cautiously walked inside, gasping when the harsh iron scent of blood filled her nose.

'It's Autumn's blood for sure,' Ember mused, her forehead wrinkling in concern.

Ember rushed out of the cell and continued down the hallway, Autumn's scent lingering on the cold stone floor.

'Her scent is practically rubbed into the ground…was she unconscious? I have to hurry…'

Occasionally Ember stumbled upon a few drops of blood, her anxiety increasing with every minute.

Finally, her long trek brought her to a dark wooden door. Ember sniffed the air, confirming Autumn's presence.

'Someone else was here,' Ember fumed, 'If they hurt a hair on her head…'

Ember yanked the handle of the door, snarling when it refused to budge.

"Come on…I'm so close…Autumn! Are you there? Open the door, it's Ember!"

The faint sound of footsteps sounded out, a lock clicking and the door was yanked open.

"Autumn-" Ember started, before pausing, her hands covering her mouth in shock.

"What happened? I'm sorry I couldn't find you sooner!"

Autumn looked at Ember, her left eye shut as blood continuously streamed down. Hidden under the ratty mess of her hair was yet another wound, the blood drying and scabbing along her forehead and hair.

Autumn gave a wry smile, "It's not your fault, if anything, it's mine. I shouldn't have provoked him."

"Who was it? Which bastard was it?"

"I can't remember. My head is spinning in circles, and I'm seeing at least three of you. When I woke up I was all alone."

Ember took a deep breath. "Let's get your wounds treated first. Then, we need to get out of here. Who knows when they'll show up again."

"I'll be fine, let's get out of here first," Autumn insisted.

Ember hesitated before giving in. "Shift, I'll carry you. You've lost way too much blood."

Ember's eyes caught sight of the cut on Autumn's hand.

"What was that from?" Ember fretted.

"I tried to block the knife, it didn't turn out so well, as you can see."

Autumn shifted into her wolf form, wincing as the gash on her hand touched the ground.

Ember sighed, worry lacing her eyes. Nevertheless, she bent down and picked up the small, midnight colored wolf.

Running into the hallway, Embers footsteps echoed as she raced down it, this time, without any clue as to where to go.

Dead end after dead end, cells upon cells of carnage. Ember halted, her eyes going wide as she caught the sound of footsteps.

"Autumn." She whispered, lightly nudging her sleeping form. "I know your tired, but I need you to be awake. Someone's here, and we need to hide."

Autumn's head shot up, her ears twitching as she nodded in understanding.

"Go into one of the cells. If we don't draw any attention to ourselves they'll pass by us."

Ember pulled open the door of the cell besides them, the bare cell doing nothing to conceal their existence.

"Shift back," Ember whispered, "Your wolf form will draw more attention than an injured child."

Autumn nodded, her humanoid figure once again appearing. Autumn slumped against the wall, her body trying its hardest to replenish her lost blood.

Ember closed the door behind her, making sure it stayed unlocked and helping Autumn into the far corner.

Footsteps drew near, pausing only once before resuming. Autumn fought to keep consciousness, and Ember watched with wary eyes, letting out a sigh of relief when it was quiet once more.

Autumn shifted once more, mumbling words of thanks. Creeping out of the cell, Ember continued on. Autumn's ragged breathing evened out as she fell into a deep slumber.

Tap. Tap. Tap. The echoing taps of Ember's footsteps and soft breathing were the only sounds present, yet Ember caught a strange scent amidst the stale air.

"Who is it?" She snarled, muscles tensed.

"I mean you no harm." A soft voice sounded out, laced with confidence.

"I've heard that line countless times. As if I'd believe it."

"You should, after all, it's thanks to me you've gotten this far."

"What do you mean?"

A form materialized from the shadows, stepping into the dim torch lighting.

"I'm an assassin after all. Why else would your trip be so smooth?"

Ember was not bought over, "Why? What's in it for you?"

"I was sent here for a mission, one of which's details I can not disclose. You two, have appeared to have gotten caught in the crossfire. It would be rather difficult if an unknown variable compromised the rest of the mission."

"So, are you here to kidnap us or babysit?" Autumn questioned as she raised her head groggily.

Lapis walked forwards, "Escort, would be the correct term. Let's do this nicely. Don't act like a prisoner if you do not wish to be treated like one. And, on the plus side, your friend gets treated and you receive free protection."

Ember sighed, 'What choice do we have? Autumn is exhausted and her wounds need to be treated. I wouldn't leave her behind, not after all this.'

With a defeated nod, Ember sighed, "We'll go with you. Treat her first, though."