The first cry faded into the darkness below Millhome, leaving the broken gate and descending passage quiet once more.
Nobody moved for several seconds.
The sound had been weak, strained, and distant, but there had been no mistaking it. Someone was alive below. More than one person, judging by the second voice that had answered from farther down. Whether they were the missing Greyhaven civilians, survivors from Millhome, or captives taken from other parts of the Underroad remained unknown.
For Marcus, the distinction did not matter yet.
People were alive.
The problem was reaching them.
He crouched near the edge of the descending passage and swept. The captives were alive, close enough to hear, and likely in immediate danger. Yet the enormous claw marks across and old, others fresh enough that loose the passage without preparation could turn one rescue team into another group of prisoners.
Tomas moved beside Marcus and listened toward the lower route. "How far?"
