Annabelle was rushing back to the academy.
A terrible feeling gnawed at her chest.
She had gone to Aritveil to check on the situation after Jean received intel that the Acolytes were showing strange movements around the capital.
But when she arrived, there was nothing. No suspicious gatherings, no traces of Acolytes, not even a hint of Skulth members anywhere.
That in itself was odd. Too quiet. Too clean.
Her unease turned into certainty when she learned that the spy they had planted in Aritveil hadn't sent any report at all.
That's when it hit her—this could all be a ploy. A trap to draw her away from her Darling.
She wanted to deny it, to believe she was overthinking. Maybe the enemy really was planning to lure her instead. But no matter how much she tried, the feeling wouldn't go away.
And so, she was flying back at full speed.
She needed to see him.
Right now.
---
"What?" Ruby's lips parted in shock as she heard who Adrian had met.
