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Holy hells!My mind raced as I tried to find some way to get him to say more without alarming Harry.

"I know you're hurting," Harry said. "But you aren't the only one who'd be punished if Frexin found out. This kind of thing putseveryoneon your team in danger."

"Right," Leo slurred, head drooping. "I'm sorrrrrry."

He let out a drunk sob, then slumped back onto our shoulders.

Harry gestured towards a building up ahead, and I nodded. We moved forward, step by lumbering step as I debated my next move.

I needed to get Leo talking again so he could tell me where they were. Then I could use that to convince Kaiya to come with me and help free them.

She'd agree if we knew where they were. Right?

"So, Leo," I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. "How'd you get such an important job? Guard duty sounds much better than what I've been up to."

Harry gave me a suspicious glare over the top of the drunk man's head, but Leo just nodded. "It's great. Much safer than most other assignments. Only thing I don't like is that one creature. That, and all the fucking stairs. You'd think they'd let us use the lift, but no — that's only for the higher-ups!"

"Hush," Harry hissed, shooting me a glare. "Damn drunk fool."

My mind raced. "The walk back up must be a bitch."

Harry glared at me and shook his head in warning. But Leo nodded in response. "It really is."

I shrugged at Harry and tried to keep a straight face as my heart leaped excitedly.

Leo was my new favorite person in the world.

There was only one place that could fit so many peopleandbe near a ton of stairs and alift. Frexin must have locked them up in the underground storage areas beneath the dragon caves!

Ifinallyhad answers!

A few minutes later, we entered Leo's room, and the drunk man let out a long sigh as we laid him in his bed.

Harry moved to the door, but I was already reaching out to fold the bedspread over the now snoring man.

With a chagrined smile, Harry moved to help, and we tucked it up around his shoulder. As we did, I carefully slipped my hand inside Leo's pocket to palm a small set of keys.

"He's a good fellow, you know," Harry said, grabbing a waste bin to place beside the sleeping man's head.

I nodded, heart pounding in my ears, as I slipped the keys into my pocket. "I'm sure he is."

Harry gestured towards the door, and we stepped out together.

"I know what you heard back there, and don't even try to pretend you aren't going to go investigate."

My cheeks heated.

"Just remember — don't mention me or Leo if you get caught. I'm quitting the military the first chance I get, and I don't wanna fucking die now because I let you sneak off tonight. You understand?"

"You know me better than that," I said with a grin. "I'll keep my mouth closed."

Harry studied me for a moment longer, then nodded. "Good luck then."

I waved, then turned on my heel and walked towards the other set of barracks.

Chapter 39

Kaiya