At that moment, the primal urge to survive overwhelmed her as she watched the horrific display of the execution. Without wasting any more time, the guards dragged away the headless body of the prisoner to dispose of it.
Her heart throbbed loudly in her ears when the executioner's gaze fell on her and behind his mask, she could hear his sadistic laughter ring in the courtyard.
If only she had predicted what would become of her if she breached the barrier, she would have never acted so recklessly. She was aware that East Ravka was not known for their hospitality, but she never realized how truly cruel they were to outsiders, going to extreme lengths just to protect their kingdom, but it wasn't just the kingdom, it was the secrets in their possession that needed safekeeping.
As the soldiers closed in around her, their armor clanking with each step, Zoya's heart pounded in her chest, matching the rhythm of the drums that heralded her demise.
