The next day, the blaring sound of the alarm ripped through the air, jolting Alex awake. It was time to mine.
The morning chill clung to his skin as he and the other slaves were led back to the mountain. The moment he stepped closer, the pulsing headache from yesterday returned, worse this time.
Damn
He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to endure it.
Beside him, his sister worked harder than yesterday. Her tiny hands were trembling as she lifted the pickaxe, striking the rock with all her strength.
She's pushing herself Alex realized.
She still felt guilty for making him share his fill yesterday.
Alex exhaled, shaking his head. "Don't overdo it," he muttered.
But she ignored him, swinging the pickaxe again.
He let out a sigh, then turned his focus elsewhere.
Today wasn't just another day of mining. It was preparation.
In three days, he was going to escape.
He subtly glanced around, studying the placement of the guards. Their movements, their blind spots. He memorized every step they took.
Then, as he looked around, his gaze landed on a group of slaves clustered together, mining in a different spot from the others.
His lips curled into a small smile.
Those guys…
He turned to his sister. "Wait here, I'll be back soon."
She looked up at him with wide eyes, sweat dripping down her forehead. "Where are you going?"
"I'll be back."
Without another word, he grabbed his basket and walked toward the group.
As Alex approached the group of slaves, their conversation ceased immediately.
They all turned to him, their faces a mix of wariness and alarm.
Ignoring their reaction, he bent down among them, pretending to mine. The dull knife in his hand struck against the crystal as he spoke.
"When?"
No one answered.
He struck the rock again, his voice quieter but firmer.
"When are you escaping from here?"
The tension in the air tightened like a noose.
One of them, a man with a deep scar running from his temple to his jawline—narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Alex glanced up, a small smirk playing on his lips.
"I know who you all are."
A sharp shift in the atmosphere.
The group stiffened.
Then, one by one, he started naming them.
Their expressions went from shock to full alertness.
They were all his trusted generals.
Except for the girl, whom Alex recognized as General Caelum's daughter, the man who had sacrificed his life for him on that night.
The man with the scar scowled. "Who the hell are you?"
Alex exhaled through his nose, thinking quickly. He couldn't tell them the truth.
"I was a friend of the king."
They all froze.
Alex continued, keeping his tone calm yet convincing. "The king mentioned you all before. I knew you wouldn't give up and rot in this mine."
The group exchanged looks, silent deliberation passing between them.
Then, finally, the scarred man gritted his teeth and muttered,
"Tonight."
Alex wasn't shocked. He had expected as much. These people were warriors. They wouldn't wait.
"What's the plan?" he asked.
The man crossed his arms. "We'll find a way out, then make our way to Queen Elizabeth."
Alex's hand paused mid-swing.
His chest tightened.
"…No." He turned to them, his voice hardened. "You can't go to her."
They stared at him, confused.
"What do you mean?" the girl demanded.
Alex clenched his fists. "…What if she's a traitor too?"
The girl's face darkened. "That's impossible."
"Is it?" Alex countered, voice low. "Why did the king's brother spare her?"
Silence.
The generals exchanged uneasy glances.
"…What now?" the scarred man finally asked.
Alex exhaled, his mind spinning. "We focus on escaping first. We'll figure out the rest later."
Then, he glanced toward his sister, who was still mining with all her strength.
"…I have a favor to ask."
The group followed his gaze.
Alex's voice was firm. "I want someone to come with us."
The scarred man frowned. "It's too dangerous—"
"I'll do it."
The girl spoke before anyone else.
Alex met her gaze. She was serious.
He nodded.
They then explained their plan to escape.
Alex listened, his expression unreadable.
And the only thing he could think was.
This is a reckless plan. A dangerous one.
But it was better than nothing.
He stood up and walked back toward his sister.
As Alex reached his sister, she was still chipping away at the crystal, her brows furrowed in concentration.
He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't make noise."
She paused, looking up at him with confusion.
Leaning in slightly, he whispered, "Tonight, in the sleeping quarters, a girl will come to meet you. Follow her instructions no matter what, okay?"
She tilted her head, her red hair falling over her face. "What's happening?"
Alex exhaled softly, placing a firm hand on her small b
ut calloused fingers.
"…Don't worry." His voice was steady. "I'll keep you safe."