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Clara ran over to the altar and quickly untied Marguerite and Red. The ground beneath them began to rumble. Both of her friends were unconscious and she gentle tapped their cheeks trying to get them to wake up.
"What happened?" asked Red, stirring.
The ground rumbled again and this time, dust fell from the ceiling.
"We are in grave danger," said Clara, "and Marguerite is still unconscious. I need your help!"
Red was on his feet in an instant and threw Marguerite over his shoulder.
"Can I aid you?" asked Clara.
He shook his head. "I've got her."
Just then, there was a weak groan from the corner of the room. Clara ran over as another tremor hit. Peter Nero was coming to. She grabbed his hands and hauled him to his feet. "Hurry!" she urged.
She stood, looking at the four doors, unsure which would lead them out. Peter stumbled to one. "Follow me! I know the way!"
Without another moment's hesitation, they all followed after him. The next tremor to hit was strong enough to send a pillar crashing to the floor and the tunnel behind them caved.
"Faster!" cried Clara.
They emerged in the main room and Wesley was coming to. Clara ran over to him, throwing his arm around her neck and trying to lift his weight. Peter came over to give her a hand and together, they carried him out.
They raced out of the mausoleum and the entrance crashed down behind them as the entire structure imploded and caved in on itself. They raced down the white gravel path through the graveyard. There was no sign of any of the Quatre Portes who had escaped. At the front gates, Red’s carriage waited as if nothing had happened.
Red gently placed Marguerite inside the carriage and then raced back to help Clara and Peter with Wesley.
Red handed Peter his coat to cover up his next to naked body. "With me, sir," he said to Peter, indicating the man should ride up top with him.
Peter Nero did not need a second invitation.
Clara leapt inside, feeling safe for the first time the entire night. “Drive!” shouted Clara as another tremor struck and the entire walkway they had traveled fell into the earth. The cab took off with a lurch, Daisy careening through the streets, and they did not stop until they reached Clara’s house on the square.