(Ruby's POV)
The basement is cold and dark, but the silence is worse.
No more gunshots. No more shouting. Just the sound of our breathing and the distant crackle of flames from somewhere above.
Nicholas is sitting on the floor, his back against the wall, his arm bleeding through the makeshift bandage I tied around it. His face is pale, his eyes closed. He looks exhausted.
"Nicholas."
He opens his eyes. "I'm fine."
"You're not fine. You need a doctor."
"There's no time." He tries to stand, wincing. "Kai's men will be back. We need to move."
"Move where? The manor is surrounded."
"The tunnels." He looks at me. "The ones under the conservatory. They lead to the coast."
"Can you walk?"
"I can try."
I put his arm around my shoulder and help him stand. He's heavy, but I don't care. I'm not leaving him.
Liam appears at the bottom of the stairs. "The fire is spreading. The east wing is burning."
"Then we go now."
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