Three years ago...

Levi, Maxwell and Nicholas were already at Grey's when Ralph arrived.

"Where is Ben?" he nonchalantly asked, taking the empty seat across from Maxwell.

"On his way back to Devonshire with his wife, of course," Nicholas replied.

"And why are you still here?" he asked, looking at Levi.

"My wife has asked for another day in town."

"And why are you here?" Maxwell asked Ralph with a knowing look.

"Ah, simply killing my time." He cleared his throat and drank from the glass the server placed before him. "How did you find the wedding?"

"Adequate," Maxwell replied wryly.

Ralph shifted in his seat. "I was told you know Ysa and Emma's friend, the lady in blue."

Maxwell was the first to shake his head. "No."

Ralph could tell he was not lying.

Nicholas appeared curious as he said, "No, I do not recall her."

When he looked at Levi, he knew Levi knew the woman. It was all over his brother's face. "You know her."

Levi cleared his throat. "You are asking the wrong man, brother." With a frown, he added, "You have asked of this before. The answer remains the same. I do not know her."

"You mean you refuse to tell me."

Levi just shrugged.

Ralph looked at Nicholas who was looking very curious and lost at the same time. Maxwell, on the other hand, remained impassive as though he did not care at all.

Frustrated, Ralph downed his drink.

Who was Lady in Blue? Why was it too difficult to find her?

*****

On their journey back to the passage they used several days prior, Alex merely discovered one thing: The child's name was Gwyneth.

Apart from that, Sophia seemed not too keen to talk.

Although she and the child were now clean and had fresh clothes from the village, Alex could not tell that Sophia felt free.

It was in the way she would frequently reach for her brother, as if she was afraid he Durley would disappear; it was in the way she held Gwyneth closer, as if the child was the only thing that kept her sane.

As tiring it was to travel for hours again, Alex did not forget to savor the remaining hours she had aboveground.

There was no certainty that she would be back here.

As much as she liked the openness, the wind and the endless sunshine, her life was belowground. Her father was there, her cousins—her village. And she was eager to see all of them. No, she was not merely eager—she needed to see them very soon.

Moistening her lips, she stole Durley a glance and found that the man was looking at her. She looked away and leaned closer to Ralph who was sleeping beside her.

Now that he had his sister back, Alex was certain Durley was more inclined to execute his plans.

*****

There were men already waiting for them when they entered the edifice.

"You are late," one of them said.

"But we have accomplished the mission nonetheless," Durley uttered, gesturing at Sophia and the child.

The men looked at Sophia before facing Durley and Ralph again. "And the others?" someone asked.

"Right where we left them," Ralph said.

"Bracelets," the man said without asking another question.

Their bracelets were taken off their wrists without words. The child started to cry once more when the heavy metal door swung open and they entered the empty room, burying her face in Sophia's shoulder, shaking with fear.

Ralph looked behind them as the door to the outside world slowly closed and they were left with naught but two other Passage Guards. The opposite door that led belowground opened and Calan Haverston walked out, accompanied by two Leaguers Ralph could not identify. They left Calan's side to present papers to the two Passage Guards, leaving Ralph and his group alone with Calan.

"You have been gone longer than seventy-two hours," Calan Haverston said, stopping before Ralph. "But we are willing to overlook it, considering your mission is a success. We have already acquired the location of the facility through your bracelets and Leaguers are currently on their way to Holystone as we speak."

Ralph turned to study Durley's reaction. Was Thorne still at the facility? If yes, then it would not do Durley good, should Thorne be found out, considering he was trying to win over the Trilbys. "I hope they get there in time," he said, eyes still on Durley. "I am afraid we left a few guards inside a cell and they could have found a way to escape by now."

"The men left at the same time you arrived. I am certain they must already be there," Calan said. His eyes went to Sophia and the child. "Now they merely have one more problem to solve."

Ralph frowned. "They?"

Calan lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "As I have made a vow not to be involved in the slave case, this shall be the last I will interfere." He motioned at the Leaguers who were talking with the two guards. "Their task is far from over."

Ralph nodded in understanding. "I know."

They waited until the other two Leaguers returned to Calan to say, "They are all clear to pass."

Calan nodded and stepped aside. "Very well," he said, looking at Ralph, Durley and the others. "Welcome home, my friends."

*****

"What did he mean when he said their task was far from over?" Alex whispered to Ralph as they made their way toward the carriage that awaited them belowground.

She heard Ralph's long intake of breath and Alex turned her head to look at him. She suddenly missed how he looked in the bright sunlight. Down here, his face was shadowed. His eyes were focused ahead where Sophia and Durley were guiding Gwyneth into a carriage. "They have to find the other passage."

Alex instantly understood. The slaves passed another passage to be delivered to Holystone and back again to be with their owners belowground.

There are more, she thought. Holystone was merely one of the many Osegod and his accomplices utilized.

Ralph took her by the hand and led her to the other carriage behind the one that carried Durley, Sophia, Gwyneth and a Leaguer. Calan Haverston rode with them and they discussed everything that happened in Holystone with Ralph excluding details of Thorne's presence in the facility.

Hours into their journey, Ralph drew close to the window and looked out. With a frown, he turned to Calan. "This is not the way back to Willowfair."

"You are not to return to Willowfair," Calan said. "You are returning to your family."

Surprised, Alex turned to Calan. "We're returnin' te Wickhurst?"

Calan shook his head. "No, Wickhurst is not quite ready for Sophia's return at the moment. She ought to return to society in as gradual a manner as possible."

Ralph sighed and leaned back against his seat. He closed his eyes.

Alex waited for him to say something but when he did not, she kicked his foot. "Where?"

He opened his eyes half-way. "Eldest brother's estate. Devonshire."

*****

Benedict and Agatha were already waiting for them by the entrance of the estate when the carriages drew in.

"I thought it would be best that you disappear here for a while," said Calan, straightening his coat. "And I do believe your brother has things to discuss with you."

Agatha, Benedict's wife, went straight to Sophia as the woman climbed out, enveloping her in a tight embrace, silently crying.

Alex stood by, watching Benedict join his wife. The eldest of the Everards gave Sophia's hand a kiss as Sophia started to cry again. He leaned closer to whisper in Sophia's ear, "He is on his way." Leaning back, he reached down to pat Gwyneth's cheek gently with one hand. "Take her to Ayah, darling," he said to his wife. "She would love to meet a new friend."

Agatha smiled at Sophia before she turned to Alex. "I believe we must acquaint ourselves with each other, Miss Alex. I have heard many things about you. Come join Sophia and I to the playroom."

Alex hesitated but when she noticed Ralph and the other men waiting for them to depart, she understood that her presence was not needed at the moment. She nodded and gave Benedict an awkward smile.

The man returned it, his scarred face all-knowing. He knew her. It was apparent then to Alex that Ysabella and Emma had told their family, except Ralph, about their bandit friend.

As she joined Agatha, she saw Sophia hesitate, reaching for Durley.

"Go," Durley gently told his sister, kissing her forehead.

Alex was starting to believe that the only person who could ever enjoy this side of Durley was his sister. She had seen it too many times in the days she was with the man. He never showed her nor Ralph anything close to concern, but when it came to his sister, he was willing to kill a man and be the gentlest sort after.

Sophia gathered Gwyneth in her arms and allowed Agatha to guide her into the estate to meet her daughter, leaving the men to discuss everything they had to.

"I know your journey to Devonshire was exhausting, considering you did not make any stops," Agatha was saying, but Alex was merely half-listening.

She looked over her shoulder at the men.

What would happen now?

*****

Sophia and Alex sat beside each other in a chaise as Agatha watched over Gwyneth and her daughter, Ayah, in the middle of the playroom.

Sophia had been awfully quiet since they entered the room, even after Gwyneth had stopped crying to curiously look at the beautiful girl with dark hair and green eyes studying her with equal curiosity.

"Are ye anxious?" Alex asked Sophia, her eyes landing on the woman hand, her fingers twirling over her lap.

"I—" Sophia paused to gather her thoughts, hesitant to share. "Yes, I am."

"Of what?"

Sophia blinked. "I am not certain he would still want me. I—I do not know why I feel this way. I know he loves me, yes, but—"

Alex reached out to catch Sophia's restless hands. "I don't know 'im, but I saw how miserable he was when ye were gone."

Sophia blinked her beautiful pale olive eyes, a tear falling from each one. And for the first time, she heard Sophia chuckle, but it was a nervous one.

"He'll be there when ye need 'im the most, I assure ye," Alex said, letting Sophia's hands go.

Wiping her tears, Sophia nodded. "I believe he shall shackle me to his side the very moment he sees me," she chokingly said. "Literally."

"Aye," Alex seconded with a laugh. "Don't ye fret. Nick Everard's very much like his brothers. And if everythin' Ysa and Emma told me were right, then ye'll never have te go on alone ever again."

They allowed the silence to linger for a moment. Alex broke it by saying, "She isn't a cretin," staring at Gwyneth as the child smiled when Ayah stumbled to pick up a wooden toy. "Nae child ought to be regarded as such."

"She is an angel," Sophia said, more tears flowing down her face. She turned to Alex and blindly reached for her hands. "Marcus told me of Aurora's passing." Alex's jaw clenched as her eyes starting to sting as well. "And he told me that it was you who took her away from the Dark Forest to give her a proper burning ritual."

She could not utter a word for her throat would not allow it.

"She—she was a wonderful mother," Sophia choked out the words. "She vowed to get the freedom her baby deserves in this horrid world. She had naught but dreams of living a good life with her child and she was never given the chance to even have a glimpse of it."

The tears finally fell from Alex's eyes. From one corner she saw Agatha took notice but the woman chose to give them their privacy by returning her attention to the two children.

"She did'na die in vain," Alex whispered. "Ye and Gwyneth are safe now."

Sophia nodded, tears dropping straight on her lap. "No one can ever take her from me, not even the League. I gave her my word to never trust anyone but the Everards." Wiping her tears with both hands, Sophia took a long breath and slowly let it out. With a small, pained smile, she said, "I cannot talk more about the time I had with Aurora for it brings back many painful memories. I have lost enough of my past, but I would not wish to lose this one. I ought to deal with the pain so I can cherish the ones that matter. But I would need time."

"I'm certain no one's goin' to force ye into sharin' anythin' ye don't want," Alex reassured her.

Sophia sniffed. "I know." She blindly looked around the playroom like a lost child. "But I do need Nick now."

*****

"You did not give that bastard what he wants, did you?" Ralph asked Benedict.

Benedict was not one who showed too much emotion, but this time Ralph saw his face contort with anger. "I almost did." Shaking his head, he added, "There seemed to be no hope in finding Sophia."

"Luckily we did find her," Ralph said, pouring brandy into his glass. "Otherwise, we would have lost the mines and God knows what Osegod would do with such wealth and power."

Benedict turned to Calan, eyes serious. "I do not like that our sister is involved in this."

"Margaret has made her choice," Calan replied from the chaise. "She stands by her husband's fight against the slave trade."

Ralph's jaw tightened. They had not had a proper chat with Margaret since she learned of Aurora's death.

Durley got Benedict's attention when he walked toward the window of the library. "What is Osegod planning, Durley?"

Durley turned to face them all. "I honestly do not know. He does not fully trust me after I tried to interfere with the ambush upon Sophia's request," he said, looking at Ralph.

"You make it appear as though attempting to save us was a mistake," Ralph wryly uttered, unconsciously massaging his leg.

Durley scoffed and shrugged. "Perhaps."

"You bloody bastard and your plans."

Durley looked out the window once again and turned, arranging his coat. "Your brother is now galloping into the driveway like a mad man," he said with a sigh. "I believe it is time I take my leave."

Ralph jumped to his feet. "But you have just gotten your sister back." Looking at Durley's impassive face, he scoffed in disbelief. "You are to disappear again to continue with whatever plans you have. You are going to leave her again."

Durley fixed Ralph with a stern look. "And I would not be very happy should something of the same nature happen to her again while she is under the care of the Everards."

"You bloody bastard."

Durley ignored him and turned to Calan. Without a word, he tipped his hat at Calan which the man returned a glare. There was no love lost between the two, but they tolerated each other for some reason.

Although he was still fuming with anger, Ralph had no choice but to let Durley leave. He walked over to the window to see Nicholas climbing off his horse, followed by Maxwell and Levi just in time that Durley was stepping out the doors.

He turned away, not interested how Nicholas and Durley would interact.

Benedict was already on his way to the playroom when Ralph joined him.

When the door opened, Ralph spotted Alex on the floor playing with Gwyneth and his niece. Agatha was sitting with Sophia in the chaise, drinking tea.

Alex looked up, her face bright with a smile. And when she met Ralph's eyes, her grey globes rounded with understanding and she immediately came to her feet, gathering Gwyneth in her arms.

Benedict also came in and lifted his daughter off the floor. He sent his wife a smile who nodded, eyes filling with sudden tears. She stood up and kissed Sophia's forehead, whispering something in her ear before she straightened to join Ralph, Alex and Benedict to the door.

Whatever Agatha told Sophia, it caused the woman to clumsily fix her dark curls, shifting in her seat in an almost-panic.

And just as they were exiting the door, Nicholas, looking like a man who had been living in the woods with wild animals for years, his beard long and untamed, his hair a mess and his clothes haphazardly donned, strode past them without much of a greeting.

Benedict and his wife took their daughter away to the nearest parlor.

Ralph reached for the playroom door, taking one last glance inside and for a moment he was transfixed.

Sophia had come to her feet, slowly turning as she struggled to find the source of the heavy footsteps coming toward her, her eyes filled with tears, her shoulders already shaking, her voice choking as she said, "Nick?"

Nicholas was rushing toward his salvation, his face filled with determination, love and pain. "Sophie," he brokenly said. His eyes were filled with life. He was alive again.

Ralph's lips twitched into a small smile as he stepped back and carefully closed the door.

With one final sigh of relief, he turned to find that Alex was smiling as well, tears in her eyes with Gwyneth in her arms.

"Brandy, Ralph!" he heard Levi order form the hallway. "Now!"

"Ralph! Food!" Maxwell as he entered the parlor door to join Benedict and his family.

"Go bloody get them yourselves, you ungrateful bastards!" Ralph shouted back as he and Alex walked away from the playroom door.