Footsteps thundered through the halls, doors flew open, and voices shouted in alarm.
The castle was awake.
The assassins knew they had seconds to act.
The mission had failed.
But they were not planning to leave until the mission was complete. And if death came, they were ready to sleep forever.
The leader of the group scowled deeply. This was not part of the plan.
He lunged toward the figure, his orders were clear, complete the mission immediately.
But before he could reach her, the girl, her panicked, breathless cries confirming her identity, shoved open the door and bolted out of the room.
She ran blindly, her feet pounding against the cold floors of the palace corridors, her heart slamming against her ribs. She did not know where she was going, she just knew she had to run.
