#Chapter 18: Escape Attempt

Nina walks out of Harper’s rooms and rejoins her companion Molly who waited for her in the hallway. When their eyes lock, Molly lifts her brow in silent question. Nina smirks in reply. Nina continues past her, making her way to the stairwell. Molly follows in step behind her. They travel in silence as they move up the stairs, back to the light of the aboveground. When they step out onto the ground floor, Molly bounces to Nina’s side. Her face is a twist of excitement and nervousness, like she can’t contain herself anymore. “Go ahead and ask,” Nina says. “Did she fall for it?” Molly asks at once. “Did you think she wouldn’t?” Nina replies. “How many new girls have I convinced now to run off to their own deaths?” “Ten,” Molly replies. “This would be eleven.” “Each deserved it,” Nina says. “Any fool that would try to escape deserves death. King Caleb despises nothing more than lies and betrayal.” Molly hums, but doesn’t say more. Glancing at her, Nina can see she’s holding