An hour passed in heavy, suffocating silence.
Rex remained motionless against the cold stone wall, keeping a steady, firm grip around Edri's waist so her sleeping form wouldn't slip onto the damp floor.
Her breathing was warm and even against his chest, her faint, sweet natural scent somehow still lingering on her skin despite the grime of the cell.
TAP. TAP. TAP.
A low, echoing thud vibrated down the dark stone corridor outside.
A long, distorted shadow stretched across the damp floorboards, slowly creeping toward the front of their cell.
Rex didn't hesitate.
He raised his right hand and gently tapped the back of his fingers against Edri's soft cheek.
Edri stirred immediately, letting out a small, drowsy sigh as her golden eyes fluttered open.
She rubbed her face against his collar before raising her head. "They're here...?" she whispered softly.
Rex gave her a firm, silent nod, gesturing with his chin toward the approaching shadow.
