Chapter 12

Adora took her seat just as Glimmer teleported back into the room. She had been gone only for ten minutes at best, but her smile was wide and bright. the food was set on the table. Savory meats and potatoes, desserts beyond Adora's wildest dreams, the alliance began to eat. Adora's stomach did loops as she exchanges a look at Netossa, but she managed to eat some of the meals. Soon, when everything was finished, and the princesses were determined to hit the hay, 

Spinnerella lifted her glass into the air with one hand and motioned Adora away with the other. "I'd like to give a toast!" she practically screamed through the dining hall. "-to Queen Glimmer for-

Adora ran out of the dining hall, around the corridors and out the back entrance. She made sure to lean close to the walls, remaining out of sight. 

Once she was outside, she dug her hands through the remaining flower beds until her fingertips hit a metal hatch. She dug around for the handle and pulled it until it opened. Adora peeked in, seeing a full metal staircase. She climbed in, shutting the latch behind her.

Adora shivered as she made her descent into the dungeon. She was so distracted by the cold and her rush of adrenalin, that she failed to notice Catra, whimpering. Catra turned quickly, red with dried blood and embarrassment.

"Oh my god." Adora ran to Catra once more. She scrambled to unclip the muzzle from Catra's face. "What happened?"

Catra wiped the sweat off her face, carefully to keep her headdress in place.

"Glimmer happened to me."

Adora shook her head in disbelief. "What?"

"Before the dinner, she used some spell to kick the shit out of me. She was pissed about her mother, Horde Prime, me. I might as well let her hang me from the Whispering Woods."

Adora tenderly wrapped her fingers around Catra's restraints, before encapsulating her in a strong hug. 

"Catra, I'll be honest. You did some terrible things. You were  bitter and resentful-"

"Wow, feel better already." Catra yawned.

Adora smiled sadly. "- But you do not deserve to die. I want to defeat the Horde, but not like this. I'm figuring out an escape plan."

Catra smiled sadly. "Will you visit before you go, so I can say goodbye?"

Adora's eyes widened. "I'm NOT leaving you here. Ethier we both get out, or they'll toss the both of us in here." 

Catra smirked.  Just before she could say anything, a blast came from the vents. a small square of silver netting floated into Adora's lap. 

This must be the signal.

Panicked, Adora sprung up. lifting the hatch out again. "I have to go, be ready by tomorrow mourning."

Catra nodded. "Adora?" thank you."

Adora let out a tiny wave as she climbed up the metal steps. she set the flowerbeds back in place and eased back into the dining hall, Glimmer annoyed by Spinnerella's prolonged toast. Adora took her seat and Spinnerella let out a sigh of relief. 

Glimmer cleared her throat and lifted her own glass. "To the rebellion!"

The room filled with tired cheers from everyone, except Adora.