The moment Elista spoke those words, the world shook. I could feel the ground tremble beneath my feet. It was as if the world was about to end.
Dimitri's grip on my arm tightened, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Get down, Lyra," he whispered urgently.
I didn't need to be told twice. I hit the ground, my heart racing with fear. Dimitri covered me with his body, his eyes fixed on the sky.
A loud rumble filled the air, growing louder by the second. I peeked out from under Dimitri's arm to see a fleet of black helicopters descending upon us.
Elista stood tall, her eyes flashing with defiance. "We will not be intimidated," she declared, her voice carrying above the din.
The helicopters landed, spewing out troops in black fatigues. They fanned out, surrounding us with weapons drawn.
Dimitr
