The heavy, sound of engines cutting through the midnight mist woke Ace up.
He didn't hesitate. Moving with silent, lethal grace, Ace crossed the room and placed a firm, warm hand on Rose’s shoulder. She woke instantly, her eyes snapping open, her defensive posture locked before she even registered his face.
"They're here," Ace whispered, his voice low and steady in the dark room. "The High Council sedans just pulled up to the front courtyard. They’re ahead of schedule."
Rose sat up, pulling the heavy blanket aside, her jaw setting as the gravity of the moment hit her. "What's the plan?"
"We don't panic, and we don't look defensive," Ace said, his golden eyes locked onto hers with absolute certainty. "Vane is a bloodhound, Rose. He smells fear before he even hears a voice. U
