"You sure this is the fastest way in?" Emerald whispered.
Ares crouched beside her behind the low stone wall bordering the back of the Midnight Fang estate. His eyes scanned the perimeter like a soldier preparing for war.
"No," he muttered. "But it's the least suicidal."
Emerald peeked over the edge.
The once proud Midnight Fang manor now resembled a garrison… filled with rogues and guards, many of them unfamiliar. Some bore the traditional crest on their shoulders. Others didn't wear any insignia at all.
From their positioning and lazy postures, it was clear most of them didn't expect trouble. Why would they? Talia thought her biggest threat had been reduced to ash.
"They really bought it," she said under her breath. "She probably thinks I'm dead."
Ares smirked. "Good. That gives us an advantage."
They moved together, ducking under brush and darting through blind spots. The perimeter guards were fewer toward the western wing. The patrols were slower, less organised.
