"Can you walk?" Devin asked, concern evident in his voice.
Atlas nodded. "Yes, but why?" he asked, curiosity and caution mingling in his tone.
Devin and Elara exchanged a glance before launching into their elaborate plan to escape. "We figured out a way to get you out of here," Elara began. "Theo knows a hidden passage that leads directly to the forest. We'll create a diversion in the dining hall, drawing the guards away. While they're distracted, we'll sneak you through the passage and out into the forest. Once we're in the forest, we can regroup and make our way to the nearest village for help."
Atlas listened intently, his mind racing to catch all the details. He appreciated their effort, but as he considered their plan, he began to see the flaws. "Wait," he said, raising a hand to stop them. "There are a few problems with this plan. First, the diversion might not work long enough to get me out unnoticed. The guards are trained to respond quickly to disturbances. Second, the passage may not be as secure as you think. If the overseers or guards have been down there recently, it could be compromised. And finally, once we're in the forest, there's no guarantee we'll find help before they catch up to us."
Devin and Elara hesitated, uncertainty flashing across their faces. They hadn't considered all the potential risks.
Out of nowhere, Theo chimed in. "Atlas, what does your wolf think?"
Atlas's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know about my wolf?"
Theo giggled and did her signature catchphrase. "That's for me to know and you to find out."
Devin and Elara exchanged bewildered glances. "How can you sense his wolf?" Devin asked.
Theo shrugged, still giggling. "I just can. It's like... I can sense his presence."
Atlas's wolf laughed in his mind. "I can see why you want to protect Theo," it said. "She has a little fighting spirit behind her otherwise quiet demeanor."
Atlas couldn't help but smile at his wolf's assessment. "Okay, let's think this through," he said, turning back to the group. "The plan needs to be more secure. We can't risk getting caught halfway through. Elara and Devin, I think it would be best if you go back and talk to the other slaves. Let them know I have my wolf and that we're planning something. We need their support and cooperation to make this work."
Elara nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "You're right. We can't do this alone. We'll rally the others and come up with a better plan."
Devin clapped Atlas on the shoulder. "We'll make sure everyone is on board. Just hang tight, and we'll be back with reinforcements."
Atlas watched as Elara and Devin turned to leave, their resolve stronger than ever. He knew that they had a long road ahead, but with the support of the other slaves and Theo's unique abilities, they had a fighting chance.
As the door closed behind them, Theo looked up at Atlas with a determined glint in her eye. "We'll get out of here, Atlas. I know we will."
Atlas nodded, feeling a surge of hope. "Yes, we will. Together."