Flora’s Pov
From my hidden perch high in the trees, I clutched the rough bark, fingers white against the dark wood. I was close enough to feel the heat from the explosion, the shock of it ripping through my chest like thunder. Flames danced in the night, licking the stone guard post as if it were kindling. A low rumble rolled through the ground beneath my feet.
My heart thudded painfully. I hadn’t expected it to be so loud. Or so real. But it was too late to turn back.
Amongst the smoke and confusion, I saw them, Sebastian’s shadow wolves, cloaked figures gliding soundlessly across the courtyard like ghosts. They moved with terrifying precision, avoiding every beam of light, every patrol. Straight toward Leila’s wing. Toward the chamber that I myself had described down to the last lock
