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Forsaken hells!My mind raced as it started connecting the dots.

When I'd amplified my bond to Liam, he'd suddenly been able to break the restraints. But that didn't make any sense for his magic or mine. He could communicate with animals, and I manipulated bonds and saw into the Korra Realm.

Neitherof us could augment our strength, stamina, oranythingto do with our bodies.

But Tye … hewasa body mage, and theoretically could augment his body any number of ways.

And he and I wereverybonded.

Could I somehow have drawn in Tye's magic, then shared that with Liam?

That sounded like the stuff of myths and legends. Yet, it was the only thing that made sense!

A spike of curiosity and fear ran through me about what I could do with shifter strength, but I forced myself to take slow breaths and stay calm.

Now is not the time.

The villagers would attempt to escape tomorrow, and I needed to focus on helping them. Nothing else mattered.

I'd tell them about reaching port tomorrow and then they could begin preparing. Though, I'd probably have to tell them about the rest, too …

The still, white eyes. The strange markings covering their loved ones from head to toe.

The second I tried to explain, they would riot and hurt their own chances of escape. And the Harlsteds — would their kindness towards me finally find its end?

My heart ached. I had to find a way to tell them without making matters worse …

Liam clicked his tongue, and I cocked my brow at the tall, dark-haired man.

They'd listened to him the night before. Perhaps he could tell them while I stayed out of sight?

Gritting my teeth, I checked over my shoulder to see if Holden was watching. To my relief, he was muttering to himself, glaring down at the club in his hand.

Good. This just might work.

"Liam," I whispered. "I need you to tell everyone that we'll make port tomorrow."

His shoulders tensed, but he didn't turn around.

"Why?" he asked. "It's your news. And maybe they'll be less hateful towards you afterwards. You'll need allies once we get away from here."

My heartbeat quickened.

"They hate me, Liam. Some of them go against anything I say. And they're going to be pissed that I could save you, but not anyone before. It's better coming from you, and you know it." I let out a breath. "Please?"

We walked a few more steps in silence, and he watched me out of the corner of his eye.

"Why do you help them, anyways? Everyone but my aunt and uncle treat you like shit. You should have just taken whatever offer the Lieutenant gave you and left us all to rot."

I bit my cheek, pushing down the feelings his words stirred as we drew near the first cell block. "Will you help me or not?"

He didn't answer, lost in thought. Then his eyes went wide.

"Gods. That's it, isn't it?" he hissed. "You aren't goingwith us! That's why you don't care what they think about you."

I'd almost forgotten about his uncanny ability to see through me. He always somehow knew just what I was up to, no matter how well I tried to hide it.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I nodded. "Frexin will follow me wherever I go. I'll just put everyone in danger."