Inside the estate, a sudden wave of unease washed over Layla. Her instincts prickled, honed by years of surviving treachery and war.
Something was wrong.
Without a word, she spun on her heel and strode toward the manor's entrance hall.
"Raziel!"
she barked.
He appeared within moments, already armed, his sharp gaze scanning her face.
"We have an intruder."
Raziel's expression hardened.
"Where?"
"Close. They took down the messenger bird before it could leave."
Raziel drew his blade with lethal grace.
"We need to lock down the estate."
Layla nodded.
"Don't sound the alarm. No one comes in or out until we find them."
As Raziel moved swiftly to carry out her orders, Layla allowed herself a fleeting moment of anger. This was no random attack—it was deliberate, calculated.
And whoever dared trespass on her domain would regret it.
