[Basement]
Eight people.
Six beastfolk of a different type than Kira — different ears, different proportions, but the same immediate recognition of what Alex and Raven were in front of the unconscious guard.
One human woman.
One young boy — fifteen years old at most — with the eyes of someone who had been in an enclosed space for too long.
Alex looked at the boy.
*Too long in an enclosed space without knowing who you were before you were there.*
He filed it away.
"We're getting you out," he said quietly to the group.
"Silently. There are more guards upstairs."
One of the beastfolk — the oldest, with the posture of someone who had become the group's de facto leader without anyone asking him to — looked at Alex.
"Who are you?"
"People who would rather you not be here."
"Why?"
Alex looked at him.
"Because."
The beastfolk evaluated that.
"Enough."
---
[Second floor — Same moment]
Soren in the north room.
