KATHERINE
Panic flared in my chest immediately, and I started to move, but Rowan’s hand clamped down on my shoulder. He told me to stay back, his voice firm and flat, saying they didn't know what was going on yet and it was too dangerous. Before I could even open my mouth to argue, he was already running toward the smoke, leaving me behind.
I stayed in the garden for a few minutes, but my heart was racing too fast. I couldn't just stand here and wait for someone to tell me if the man I was bound to had been blown to bits. The itch to see for myself became too much to ignore, and I ignored Rowan’s orders, moving quickly through the greenery.
As I made my way toward the castle, the reality of the situation hit me. I saw numerous guards lying on the ground, groaning in pain or not moving a
