The fortress gates slammed shut before the sun even peeked over the horizon.
I heard them from my room—massive iron doors clashing together so loud it felt like the mountain itself shook. Then there was the second lock. Then a third. When the last chain rattled into place, I just knew—something was different.
The fortress wasn’t guarded anymore. It was sealed tight.
I slipped into the corridor. The guards stationed outside my door looked tense, weapons already drawn.
“What happened?” I asked.
Silence.
I started toward the stairs.
“Where’re you going, my lady?” one said.
“To find Kael.”
“You should stay in your room.”
I stopped. “Why?”
“The King ordered the fortress sealed.”
“I heard.”
“Then you understand.”
“No. I don't.” I spun around and let him see how serious I was.
The
