The Mark on the Dead
Lyra's POV
"Inside the Alpha wing."
The guard's words slammed into the room, no one spoke and no one moved and then Darius turned fast.
"Move," he said, he did not shout but everyone obeyed at once.
I followed him and my legs moved before my mind caught up.
Kael was right behind me, the hall broke into motion, warriors rushed, doors opened and feet hit the ground hard.
The air felt tight and heavy and we reached the inner corridor.
Guards stood outside one door, their faces looked wrong, too still and too tensed.
Then Darius stepped forward.
"Open it."
One of them pushed the door and it creaked slowly.
The smell hit first, it was blood and it was strong and fresh and my chest tightened.
I then stepped inside and I saw him on th
