I allowed myself one more moment of despair before pushing to my feet and crossing the room, one hand against the wall to keep my legs steady. Peter was sitting on the ground, a handkerchief clamped to his mouth. My heart lurched at the red stain I could see spreading through the white cloth.
The damp cold in the cells wasn't good for his lungs. His cough always worsened when he was upset.
Daniel was still kneeling beside him, a hand resting gently on Peter's frail shoulder. His face was salt-white when he looked up at me.
It was almost as though he knew what I was going to say.
I lowered myself carefully to the ground, opening my arms and Peter threw himself into me. Shivers wracked his body, punctuated by that dreadful cough.
"I know you are not a witch, Aunt," he mumbled. "I have missed your tea. Mother does not know how to make it."
Tears once more sprang to my eyes as I began to rock the boy. He had spent weeks most likely listening to his father and grandfather denouncing me as a witch, and yet the first words he spoke to me were ones of comfort.
"I am so sorry you are here," I whispered. "This is all my fault."
Peter stiffened for a moment, coughed, then shook his head. "It is Grandfather's fault. He told Herr Heinrich that my cough had been worse since you were...were..." Peter shuddered and hurried on. "Herr Heinrich said it was your witchcraft."
My arms tightened spastically around him, making him squeak in discomfort. I quickly loosened my hold. "What did Grandfather do when they came to take you away?" I asked, already knowing the answer. After all, he had only stood silently by when they dragged me from our home.
Peter's betrayed silence spoke volumes.
I rested my cheek against his soft hair, gaze locking on to Daniel. He now had a strained air about him and was already shaking his head.
"You said you could take me from this place," I whispered, taking the handkerchief from Peter and using it to dab the blood away from his lips and chin. "Does that still hold?"
Peter peered curiously up at me, then turned his head to stare at the doctor. I kept my gaze firmly on Daniel, watching as the hope drained from his face, leaving him looking wan and tired. Slowly, he began to collect the various medicines and tools of his trade he had used just minutes ago to bring me back more firmly into the world of the living.
My heart beat hard in my chest, waiting for his answer.
Finally, a sigh gusted from him and he let himself slide down the wall to sit across from us. He rested his arms on his knees, lips pressed into a thin line. "He will not be able to run."
"Nor would I."
Daniel averted his eyes, looking down as he knitted his fingers together, knuckles turning an angry white. I knew he must be intelligent enough to understand what I was asking. The question was whether he was good enough to do what I hoped he would.
Peter's arms crept around my neck as he buried his face against my shoulder. Tears splashed on my skin as he realized my plan.
"Please?" I said softly. "Please, Daniel. He is only a boy."
His shoulders immediately wilted and he rested his forehead on his hands. "This is cruel," he whispered. "What have I done to deserve this?"
I blinked in surprise, unable to understand his meaning. My brows drew together, nose wrinkling in annoyance. After all, he wasn't the one about to die for a crime he didn't commit.
"You will take him?" I pressed.
Peter made a small noise that sounded suspiciously like a "No", but I ignored him. This was no longer up to either of them.
It was my choice.
I kept staring at Daniel, not about to take no for an answer when he looked up. The devastation on his face stayed my tongue, putting a responsive lump in my throat. He nodded reluctantly and stood.
"I will take him," he said hoarsely. "I will keep him as safe and as well as I can."
Tears of relief flooded down my face. I nudged Peter gently, encouraging him to get to his feet. When we were both standing, I took his hand and led him toward Daniel, who stared up at us for a moment before gaining his feet as well.
I attempted a smile, but I could see it didn't work, so I turned to Peter, kneeling down so I was on his level and taking his other hand. The boy looked at me, his grey eyes large and solemn in his pale face.
"Daniel is a friend of mine," I said quietly. "You can trust him. He is going to take you from this place."
Peter's lip began to wobble and he bit it, making a valiant effort to remain stoic. "W-What about you, Aunt?"
I smiled, closing my eyes so more tears wouldn't escape. "I must stay here for a little while longer," I said, somehow managing to keep my voice steady. "All will be well."
When I opened my eyes, I was met by a look of complete incredulity. He did not believe me. I had not expected him to, but at least he didn't argue.
He looked to the side, staring up at the shape of Daniel looming above us.
Daniel crouched down, placing his hand over ours. He gave me a strange, pained look, then turned his attention upon Peter. "We will go somewhere warm," he said. "Would you like that?"
I smiled again, choking on my sorrow. Peter was always better during the warmer, drier months. The boy nodded slowly, still looking unhappy. I pushed myself to my feet, Daniel's hand at my elbow to help me rise.
Looking up to meet his eyes, I said, "Take him far from here. I do not want him to see it."
Daniel looked away, a muscle ticking furiously in his jaw. Cautiously, I touched my fingers to the fluttering muscle, wanting to still its frantic movement. I opened my mouth to thank him, but never got the chance.
His lips crashed onto mine, his hands tangling in my filthy hair, keeping me pinned against him.
My only thought was that I didn't mind being kissed by a stranger if I was to die tomorrow. So I wound my arms around his neck, returning his kiss just as fiercely. Tears—mine or his, I couldn't tell—turned to salt on my lips.
When he pulled away, he whispered, "This isn't the end."
I shook my head, turning to Peter. He was staring very hard at the floor, but looked up as soon as I placed a hand on his shoulder. He wrapped his thin arms around my middle in a crushing hug, his face pressed against my stomach.
Hugging him back, I murmured, "You will be safe with him, but you must be very brave."
"I will, Aunt," he replied, voice choked with tears.
I held onto him for as long as I could, but I knew our time was drawing to a close. With a nod at Daniel, I extricated myself from my beloved nephew and stepped toward the door. They would have a better chance of escape if the guards were worried about a witch running loose.
Daniel raised his hand to knock, then stopped. He bowed his head and heaved a shaking breath. He turned and gently cupped my face, kissing me one last time. It was softer this time. Sad.
I pulled away and kissed his cheek, then pounded the side of my hand against the door. Daniel raised his voice. "I have finished with her."
As soon as the door creaked open, I darted into the hall.
A shout echoed after me, heavy footsteps pounding out a pursuit. More shouting ensued as I twisted around the corners of the dungeons, stumbling over my chains, leading away from the exit.
As I heard the guards clattering and swearing behind me, I couldn't help the hysterical laugh bubbling in my throat.
I turned a last corner, knowing it would lead nowhere.
Something hard collided with the back of my head, and I pitched forward into unconsciousness.
My last thought was that at least one innocent life would be spared.