“Where are the kids?” she managed.

"Locked up in your room," he replied, eyes darting to the demonic statue. "Roo is on her way."

Her gaze drifted back with him, then up the stairs. "Think we can make a break for it?"

"I guess this is our best chance," he agreed.

She nodded, gripping his arm and making for the staircase. They both slowed as they approached Melat, who pulsed fresh, black blood every few moments. She didn't even look at them.
"Ladies first." she jibed, gesturing for Feofil to make his way up.

He didn't feel like arguing and instead took hold of her hand and led her up the stairs, making quick time to her room. He knew better than to ask the Princess to push furniture, so he got to shoving the dresser aside, relying on his newfound adrenaline spike to get it done fast.

Pari watched him shove furniture aside, a hint of warmth pooling in her stomach despite the chill in the air. It was just that she was woozy, that was all. Feo and and the tautness of his muscles had nothing to do with it. "You trapped them in there?"
But before he could answer, a thin, keening noise sounded from the staircase. Pari whipped around, her eyes flashing with alarm.

"Get inside," Feo whispered urgently, cracking the door for her and motioning with his free hand.

Pari grabbed his hand while moving past him, dragging him along into the room, which was unnervingly empty. As he closed and latched the door, she glanced around. "You said you left the kids here--"

"I did." He defended, throwing the closet open, though they were nowhere to be found. "Wh-- the window?"