Alexa carries the initiate like a princess. One arm wraps around and stabilizes the legs, mindful of imaginary ball dresses, while another comes up to steady her upper half in case of sudden movement.

It's purely practical, she tells herself. This way, if the pursuing thugs want to try the same trick, they'll at least have to go for her first, and give Skotos few seconds to make her getaway. Yep. Certainly nothing nice about the look in her eyes or the little whoop when she leaves the ground or having someone appreciate you. Nope.

She puts up one placating hand, wary of the gravharnesses. "Please. We are mere travelers--we would only listen."