Lily’s breath hitched as Raphael’s footsteps echoed through the dimly lit archives. He was close—too close. The weight of the stolen scrolls burned against her chest, hidden beneath her cloak.
Kyra tensed beside her, eyes flicking toward the shadows. “We need an exit. Now.”
But there was no easy escape. The staircase leading up was blocked by Raphael’s approaching form. The only other exit was through the underground tunnels, which were heavily guarded.
They were trapped.
Kyra glanced at Lily. “We fight or we hide. Your call.”
Lily’s mind raced. She wasn’t ready for a direct fight—not against Raphael. Not yet. She needed time to process the truth and figure out her next move.
She grabbed Kyra’s arm and pulled her behind a massive bookshelf. “We hide.”
Kyra raised an eyebrow but said
