The alarm bells rang through the fortress like an angry storm.
Lila’s heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted down the narrow corridor, boots slamming against the marble floor. Behind her came the echoing roar of Valcov’s men, heavy footsteps, clattering rifles, shouts of confusion and rage.
“She’s here! Find her!” someone yelled.
“Don’t let her escape!” another voice barked.
Lila didn’t look back. Her lungs burned, her side ached, but adrenaline kept her moving. Her mind replayed everything, Amara’s cold eyes, Sera’s terrified face, the sick twist of betrayal. She could still smell the gunpowder from the smoke bomb Amara had thrown before vanishing with Sera.
I have to get out of here.
Turning a sharp corner, she pressed herself against the wall, forcing her breathing to steady.
