Escape

The minutes stretched on like hours, each passing second filled with dread and uncertainty. Finally, the door to the infirmary creaked open. Grace's heart skipped a beat, but it was only Jasmine, her clothes bloodied and torn, her face streaked with sweat and determination.

Jasmine: *breathing heavily* "We have to go. Now." 

Grace's relief was palpable, though it was quickly overshadowed by the urgency in Jasmine's voice. 

Grace: *rushing to her side* "What happened? Where's Maya?" 

Jasmine's face tightened, her expression pained but resolute. 

Jasmine: *shaking her head* "Maya... she didn't make it." 

Grace felt her stomach drop, the shock and grief hitting her like a wave. She wanted to collapse, but she stayed on her feet, forcing herself to focus on the situation at hand.

Grace: *choking on her words* "No... no, not Maya." 

Jasmine: *grabs Grace's shoulders firmly* "Listen to me, Grace. We can't mourn her yet. We need to get out of here before Flint comes for us." 

Jason: "Flint?" 

Jasmine: *nods* "He's the one behind all of this. We need to move fast." 

Without waiting for another word, Jasmine quickly moved to Jason's side, helping him stand despite the bloodstains on her clothes. Grace hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the lifeless body of Maya in the hallway, but she knew there was no time. 

Jasmine: "I know it's hard, but we have to go. Now." 

Grace nodded, wiping away her tears as she took Jason's other arm, helping him limp toward the exit. They moved swiftly, avoiding the main halls where Jasmine knew Flint could still be lurking. 

Jasmine: *in a hushed tone* "There's a secret passageway near the kitchens. I'll take us through it. We'll be safe there for a while." 

Grace and Jason followed Jasmine through the winding halls, their footsteps soft and careful, each turn a reminder of the danger they were in. 

Finally, they reached a small, hidden door near the kitchens, just as Jasmine had promised. She pushed it open, revealing a narrow stone corridor that spiraled downward into the darkness. 

Jasmine: *glances at Jason and Grace* "This leads to the old tunnels beneath the castle. We'll be able to escape through the back gates." 

Grace: *voice trembling* "What about Flint?" 

Jasmine: "We'll deal with him later. Right now, we need to survive." 

With a final look at the castle behind them, the three of them descended into the dark, their only hope now the dim light of the tunnels stretching out before them.

Grace: *looks over at Jason* "We're going to make it out of here. We have to." 

Jason: *with a faint smile* "We will." 

Jasmine led them through the twists and turns of the tunnel, until they finally emerged on the other side, into the fresh air of the kingdom. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting long shadows across the landscape.

Jasmine: "We have to find Rose. If anyone knows a safe place, it's her."

Jason: "You mean a safe universe?"

Jasmine: "Yes."

Grace: "But what if she's not here?"

Jasmine's gaze was steady, determination burning in her magenta eyes. The weight of everything they'd been through pressed on her, but there was one thing that could offer them a chance at safety—a way out of the nightmare they were living. 

Jasmine: *firmly* "She's our best hope, Grace. Rose has a way of getting us out of here, no matter what happens." 

Jason: *nods* "If anyone can do it, it's her. But how do we find her?" 

Jasmine: *glances around, thinking* "She travels through realms and universes... there must be a way we can track her. She's helped us before." 

Grace: *softly* "But what if she's not here? What if we can't find her in time?" 

Jasmine's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on Grace's shoulder. 

Jasmine: "I know you're scared, but we have to trust that Rose will come through for us. She's always found a way when we needed it most." 

Jason: *glances at Grace* "We'll find her, Grace. Don't worry." 

Grace looked between Jasmine and Jason, trying to hold onto their confidence, but uncertainty gnawed at her. She didn't want to be left behind again. 

Grace: *quietly* "And if we don't?" 

Jasmine: "We will. I won't let anything happen to you." 

Jason: "We're in this together. We've always been." 

Grace nodded, taking a deep breath. The trio continued forward, sneaking towards the village, knowing that the path ahead would be difficult and uncertain, but they had to try. They had no other choice.

At the village...

Villager 1: "It's the prince and princess!"

Villager 2: "What happened to them?"

Villager 3: "I wonder if that murderer got them."

Jasmine: "Does anyone know where Rose is?"

Boy: "I saw her at her house a few minutes ago packing. If you're lucky enough you can catch her before she leaves."

Jasmine: *nods* "Thank you."

The trio hurried toward the outskirts of the village, where Rose's house stood. It was a modest, cozy place with ivy creeping up the stone walls and a vibrant garden blooming with flowers from different realms. A faint glow from the windows told them she was still there. 

Jasmine: *glances back at Jason and Grace* "Stay close. We can't afford to lose her." 

Jason: "We're not going anywhere, Jas." 

Grace: *nervously* "What if she doesn't want to help us? What if she thinks it's too dangerous?" 

Jasmine: "She won't turn us away. Rose has always been a friend." 

As they approached the house, the door creaked open, and Rose stepped out, a satchel slung over her shoulder. She froze when she saw them, her eyes narrowing in concern. 

Rose: "Jasmine? Jason? Grace? What are you three doing here? You look like you've been through hell." 

Jasmine: "We need your help, Rose. Flint—he's..." 

Rose: "I heard about what happened at the castle. The villagers are terrified. They're saying the royal family has been targeted." 

Jason: *grimly* "It's worse than that. Flint's the one behind it." 

Rose: *eyes widen* "Linda's husband?" 

Jasmine: *nods* "He betrayed us. He killed Steven and Maya. We barely escaped with our lives." 

Rose's expression hardened, and she gestured for them to come inside. 

Rose: "You did the right thing coming to me. Get in, quickly." 

The trio stepped into Rose's home, the air inside filled with the scent of herbs and an otherworldly hum that seemed to resonate from the walls. Maps, trinkets, and artifacts from countless realms were scattered across the room, and a small orb on the table glowed softly, pulsing like a heartbeat. 

Grace: *lookd around in awe* "Your house is... incredible." 

Rose: *distracted, rummaging through her belongings* "Thanks, but we don't have time for flattery. If Flint's after you, we need to get you out of this universe now." 

Jasmine: "Can you take us somewhere safe?" 

Rose: *nods* "I know a realm where he won't be able to follow you. It's hidden, warded against anyone with ill intent. But it's not without its dangers." 

Jason: *firmly* "We'll take our chances. Anywhere is better than here."