_Aria’s POV_
I moved through the hallway slowly, forcing my steps to stay light and quiet. My bare feet barely made a sound against the cold stone floor. Every breath felt loud in my ears. Every shadow felt alive.
I turned toward the eastern wing.
My heart sank.
There were guards everywhere. At least twice as many as before.
The other night, when I had gone near the eastern wing, there had only been a few guards. They had looked bored, half-asleep and easy to avoid.
Not tonight.
Lucien had tightened security.
Two guards stood at the main entrance of the eastern wing. Another paced back and forth. Further down the hall, I saw two more standing near the pillars. Their eyes were sharp and alert.
My stomach twisted. Of course he did this. Of course he made it harder.
I pressed my ba
