Lirael turned to Eldric sharply, her voice laced with desperate urgency. "Don't act recklessly! There's still hope—I won't let you risk your life needlessly for me!"
The moment she spoke, rapid footsteps echoed through the mansion's entrance. Everyone turned to see two dozen black-clad bodyguards charging in formation.
Lirael's tense shoulders relaxed slightly—her family's elite guards had arrived. She'd been anxiously waiting, terrified Eldric might do something foolish if help came too late. If he fell into enemy hands... The consequences didn't bear thinking about.
With Simon leading them, the odds improved dramatically. The head bodyguard moved with lethal precision, his aura alone enough to make most men hesitate. Though he rarely stayed near Lirael—his presence was too overwhelmin
