Seraphina moved through the dimly lit corridors of the Celestial Palace, her heart a storm of urgency and defiance. The Elders had trapped her, their suspicions tightening around her like an iron noose. But they had made one fatal mistake—underestimating her.
Cassian was out there, and if the Dark King had truly returned, he was in grave danger.
She had to reach him.
But escaping the palace was no easy task. The wards around its walls were woven with ancient magic, meant to keep enemies out and prisoners in. If she so much as stepped beyond its enchanted barriers, the Elders would know.
Unless…
A dangerous idea sparked in her mind.
Seraphina changed directions, slipping into the hidden passageway that led to the palace’s underground chambers. There was only one way out.
She needed Kael.
The Dungeon Below
The air in the underground prison was thick with the scent of damp stone and old magic. Torches flickered along the narrow corridor as Seraphina approached the heavy iron doors.
Two guards stood at their post.
“Step aside,” she commanded, her voice smooth and authoritative.
The taller guard hesitated. “The Elders—”
Seraphina flicked her wrist, and an invisible force slammed him against the cold wall, his breath escaping in a sharp gasp.
“Did I stutter?” she asked, her sapphire eyes glowing with magic.
The second guard quickly stepped away, fear flickering across his face. No one defied the High Enchantress.
Seraphina pushed open the iron doors, her eyes immediately falling on Kael.
He was shackled to the wall, fresh bruises blooming along his jaw. But despite his wounds, he managed a crooked smirk as she entered. “That was fast,” he rasped.
She wasted no time. With a flick of her fingers, the shackles snapped open, clattering to the ground. “We’re leaving,” she said.
Kael rubbed his wrists, wincing. “I assume you have a plan?”
She turned on her heel. “Of course.”
But as she stepped out of the cell, an alarm erupted through the palace.
The Elders had sensed the broken magic.
Seraphina cursed. There was no time for subtlety now.
Kael groaned. “I really hope your plan includes running.”
“Better.” She grabbed his arm and whispered an incantation. “It includes flying.”
Magic crackled around them as the air shimmered with a silver glow. The next moment, the floor vanished beneath their feet—
And they plummeted into the night sky.
Beyond the Palace Walls
The cold night air bit at Seraphina’s skin as they soared above Eldoria. Below, the city stretched like a maze of silver and gold, the streets flickering with torchlight as palace guards stormed through the gates in search of them.
Kael clung to her, his voice barely above the wind. “You didn’t mention falling to our deaths!”
Seraphina smirked. “Have a little faith.”
With a flick of her wrist, the wind obeyed. Their descent slowed, and they landed with graceful ease on the outskirts of the city, beyond the Elders’ reach—for now.
Kael staggered slightly, catching his breath. “Next time, a warning would be nice.”
Seraphina ignored him, scanning the dark horizon.
Cassian was out there. And if the Dark King had truly returned, he didn’t have much time.
They had to find him—before it was too late.
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