The outer defenses fell faster than anyone anticipated.
Elena stood on the palace's eastern wall, watching distant torchlight multiply across the darkened fields beyond, Garrick's forces advancing with coordination that suggested considerably more preparation than a hastily assembled rebellion should possess.
"Something is wrong," Finnian said, joining her with grim urgency. "They move too precisely, Princess. As though they already know our defensive positions."
Elena's stomach turned with sudden, cold understanding. "Miriam," she said. "We never properly secured her during Garrick's initial flight."
They rushed toward the lower holding chambers immediately, finding the guard posted there unconscious, the cell itself standing empty.
"She has been gone for hours," Finnian reported gri
