The night felt colder as Lily, Eric, and her mother slipped back to the estate under the cover of darkness. Every shadow seemed alive, every rustling leaf a potential threat. The truth about the Order weighed heavily on Lily’s mind, leaving her torn between the urgency of protecting herself and the impossible relief of finally having her mother by her side.
Once they reached the safety of her quarters, her mother wasted no time, turning to Lily with a grave look. “The Order will know I’ve contacted you. They’ll send someone to either sway or silence us. We have to act quickly if we’re going to stay ahead of them.”
Lily’s heart pounded, a mix of anger and fear twisting within her. “I don’t understand. Why would the Order want to control me? Aren’t they supposed to protect the Guardians?”
