Leila’s POV
The earth trembled beneath my boots as the war horn sounded a grating, desperate cry across the valley. From the fortress walls behind me I heard the cacophony of battle, shouts of Sebastian’s shadow-wolves, the rattle of armor, the clash of steel against shield. I stood at Sebastian’s side, sword in hand, torchlight flickering across his dark armor. His voice rang in the din: “Press forward! Crimson Moon will break before us!”
My heart pounded, not with excitement for battle, but with the urgent need for escape. This was my chance. As the first wave of dark creatures surged down the valley road and arrows rained on the eastern ridge, I paused, blade clenched in my fist. Sebastian’s eyes gleamed with triumph, but mine were fixed on the half-hidden path that led away from the
