He hadn't even finished processing what he was seeing when Nieah came hurrying toward them, her skirts gathered in trembling fists, her breath sharp and uneven.
She came to a screeching halt the moment her gaze fell on the lifeless body sprawled on the cold floor.
Her hands flew to her mouth as though to trap a scream before it escaped, and tears welled instantly in her wide eyes.
Ragnar tore his gaze from the corpse and turned toward the guard standing a short distance away. His voice was sharp, commanding, and brooked no argument.
"Secure all the exits. Make sure no one gets in or out until I say so."
The guards exchanged grim nods. Two of them immediately broke into a run to alert the others, the sound of their boots echoing behind them, while the last one remained rooted in place, sword in hand, to guard Ragnar.
