“Boys,” said Albus as we climbed the stone spiral stairs from the dungeon. “Show us that secret passage you found.”
I grimaced at the back of Tulip’s head, not worried about anyone seeing me in this dark, cramped space. If we were to enter another secret passage, there likely wasn’t a smoke bomb detonated inside. We wouldn’t be able to casually lead Albus into a deep sleep.
“Yes, Father,” uttered Blake and Finn in near unison.
Before reaching the first floor landing, Finn - the older brother - leaned to follow the wall through a shadow I wouldn’t have known I could enter. Blake followed, then Tulip, then me.
Rowan was close behind me, still naked, with Albus taking up the rear to ensure he stayed with the group.
I touched Rowan's hand between our bodies. With his wrists bound before him, he gently held my fingers between his. I didn’t know when would be the next time I could offer a small comfort like this.