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Jenny was shaking. Somewhere outside her field of vision, Summer was sobbing quietly. She started as Julian's arms pulled her closer, but then leaned into him. She realized that he was speaking softly.

"They are never getting close to you. Do you hear me, Jenny? Never."

She nodded into his chest, though she knew that there was nothing he could do to stop them. She couldn't help the tears that slipped out of her eyes. Jenny had never liked the thought of her own death – but whatever the Shadow Men did to them would be much worse than simply leaving the world.

She started to shake harder, the air coming through her lungs having no effect on her sudden panic. Julian stroked her back until she could breathe, trembling a little himself.

What finally convinced her to stand was the knowledge that whatever they did to her, she still had him. She had already been through hell and back and come out the other side. She was her only master.

Jenny got up. She pulled Julian to his feet. She wiped the leftover tears from her eyes. Then she smiled a weary smile, casting a glance to the others. Most of them were curled on the stone, or staring blankly into space. She sighed.

"Well, whether they come after us or not, the door's right there."

Dee looked up, eyes glazed.

"Whatever they do…they'll have to do it outside this cavern. Because I'm not staying here another minute."

Dee started to smile. "Well, then." She got to her feet with her usual catlike grace. "Rise and shine, people!"

Michael stared as if she'd grown another head. "Rise and shine? Rise and shine? We're gonna DIE!"

Dee laughed. "Yup, most likely. But may as well do it standing up!" When her less-than-inspiring statement failed, she grabbed him under the armpits and physically dragged him to an upright position. "Get up!"

He got up. Dee moved immediately to Audrey. "On your feet, soldier!"

Audrey scrambled up before the now-maniacally-laughing Dee could touch her. Jenny was laughing as well, swaying giddily. Julian steadied her, and she didn't mind a bit when his hands lingered. She longed to kiss him again, but after their last warning… and besides, now Dee had shepherded everyone to their feet and the mouth of the cave.

Opportunity missed.

"Ah, not so fast, Jenny," said Julian quietly, as she turned to leave. Before she could react, he pulled her face to his and gave her a long, passionate kiss.

Then again…