In a burst of adrenaline, Alina fought back with everything she had. She grabbed a torch from the wall and swung it at the nearest guard, the flame catching the edge of his cloak. In the chaos that followed, she managed to slip past them and darted down the corridor.
But the palace was a maze, and the guards were closing in. Alina's breath came in ragged gasps as she ran through the darkened halls, her heart pounding. She had to reach the stables—if she could find a horse, she might have a chance to warn Kael before it was too late.
Just as she rounded a corner, a hand shot out and pulled her into the shadows. She struggled, but then a familiar voice whispered in her ear, "It's me, Mara!"
Relief flooded Alina's veins. "Mara! We need to get to Kael. There's no time!"
Together, they made their way to the stables, where Mara had already prepared two horses. As they rode out into the stormy night, Alina's thoughts were consumed with fear for Kael. Would they reach him in time, or would the traitor's plan succeed?