*Gabe*
Val leaned heavily on the door frame and breathed heavily. His shirt was hanging open and his shoes were untied, making it clear that he was pulled out of bed.
“We have to get to the border,” he said frantically. “They’ve caught the rogue.”
I looked at Estelle, but she was already waving me out.
“Go get the bastard,” she said.
Val nodded enthusiastically. “They’re holding him at the checkpoint,” he explained.
“I’m right behind you,” I said.
I grabbed my shirt from the floor and slipped my shoes on before following Val down the stairs. He hurried out the door as soon as he knew I was following. The moment we were out, we both broke into a run. Val was ahead of me, as he always was. This wasn’t even full speed for him.