Lucas swallowed, then struck his fist to his chest. "With our lives."
Jay gave a short nod.
His gaze flicked toward the long corridor leading to Liv's chamber. His chest tightened, as if seized by something unseen. He wanted to go to her. To see with his own eyes that she was safe. To hear her voice.
But Jay knew if he hesitated now, everything could collapse.
"Do not let Liv know what is truly happening," he added. "If she wakes, tell her the city is calm. Say this is only a minor disturbance."
Lucas hesitated. "And if something happens to Your Highness—"
Jay cut him off. "I will return."
The words sounded like a promise.
And a prayer.
Jay turned and walked away, his steps swift yet controlled. Behind him, the castle transformed into a silent fortress guards posted at every corner, protective magic reinforced, weapons readied.
Outside the castle walls, the northern city burned.
