**
The howling wind calmed into a soft sighing. The snow fell lazily now, in big, fat clumps that gathered along every nook and bump of the trees. Mesmerizing—the lethal, gentle beauty of the snow. It was better than the other kingdoms where the roads are muddy and frozen.
He stood by beside the door waiting for the head of guards to come.
His friends were upstairs. Azriel was called upon by the guard that knocked on his door. He asked if all was well but got no answer. Rather, he was told to follow quietly.
If the guards understood their mission, he already advised his friends to run as fast as they could. Not only that, they should kill anyone in their way.
He was afraid of Akkad because of the weapons they had. Also, his aunt told him that each street has its defence squad.
It would be difficult to get away from them. Azriel looked around. Everywhere seemed normal. Nobody cared about him standing at the door except for the guard in front of him.
