Demze's POV
The garden had become a battlefield.
Smoke filled the air, making it hard to breathe. Firelight danced across the trees and stone paths, turning everything orange and red. Growls, screams, and the clash of steel echoed from every direction.
I stood frozen in the middle of the chaos.
My chest felt tight.
My heart was pounding so hard that it hurt.
On one side stood Lirien.
My cousin.
My family.
My connection to home.
On the other side was the castle.
The place I was supposed to hate.
The place where my mate waited.
The bond inside me felt like it was being pulled apart.
Lirien grabbed my arm.
"Demze!"
His voice cut through the noise.
"We have to go now!"
I looked at him.
His face was covered in dirt and sweat. His eyes were full of urgency.
And hope.
He beli
