Chapter 17
First Blood
Lena's POV
"You stay here."
Zane said it without looking back, already moving through the door with the guard, his voice carrying the tone that expected no argument.
I waited exactly three seconds after the door closed then I pulled my dagger from under the mattress, tucked it into my sleeve, and followed.
The eastern wall was on the far side of the territory from the ceremony ground. I could hear the commotion before I reached it.
There were voices, running footsteps the particular sharp energy of a pursuit in its final stage.
I came through the eastern passage and took in the scene quickly.
A figure cornered against the wall base. Male. Dark clothing, no markings. He had a short blade in each hand and the stance of someone who had already calculated the o
