The smoke hung heavy in the council chambers, a ghostly reminder of Vale's escape. Damien's steel-gray eyes flicked to the shattered window where his adversary had fled. The sound of shouting from the courtyard below pierced the night, mixing with the distant clang of swords. Vale's forces were making their move.
Amara wiped blood from one of her daggers, her sharp blue eyes narrowing as she stepped beside Damien. "Let me guess, he threw a vial, said something cryptic, and vanished into the night?"
Damien ignored the quip, his jaw tightening. "He's desperate. He'll try to regroup, but his options are running out."
Carys reloaded her crossbow with practiced efficiency, her green eyes sharp and focused. "We're out of time, Damien. The attack on the eastern wall is just the beginning. If we don't stop Vale now, he'll tear this city apart."
