Lyra had directed them to the back of the palace, where her men and the carriage were waiting.
The group moved swiftly and silently through the dark corridors, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpets. The palace was eerily quiet, the only sounds the occasional creak of wood and the distant murmur of the wind.
Reina's heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears like a drum.
The group emerged into the cool night air, and Lyra's men immediately sprang into action, helping Xenia and Reina into the carriage.
Lyra gave quick, precise orders, her voice steady and authoritative. She was in control, and for a moment, Reina felt a flicker of hope.
But that hope was shattered when a guard burst into Theodore's chamber, his voice urgent and fearful.
"My Lord!"
Theodore, still half-asleep, mumbled,
"What is it now?" He rolled over, trying to ignore the disturbance.
