“Take your arms!” Liam’s voice thundered through the yard. His cloak whipped behind him. “They are here!”
Guards rushed to their weapons.
Damian leaned close to Lerrick, his tone sharp. “I go to the dungeon. Aeon must not stand alone. If they break in, they will come for Aro.”
Lerrick gripped his son’s arm. “Go. I will hold the walls.”
Damian’s eyes burned. “If they reach the dungeon, then Aro is freed. We cannot let that happen.”
He vanished into the shadows, sword drawn.
The gates creaked open. Scouts rode in, mud on their boots, sweat on their faces. Alyn led, Alec close behind.
“My king!” Alyn shouted, sliding down from his horse. His blade still dripped dark blood. “We saw them. Not just the brothers. Others. Dozens. Maybe more. They are not alone, they’ve gathered an army. Th
