Emilia's scream echoed through the ravine as Edward stumbled backward, a dark figure looming over him. Lucas spun, his sword slicing through the air, but he was a fraction too late.
The attacker delivered a swift kick to Edward's stomach, sending him crashing to the ground. Emilia's heart froze as the figure leaned over him, a dagger glining in their hand.
"Don't move, or he dies," the attacker growled, pressing the blade to Edward's throat.
Lucas froze, his sword hovering inches from the attacker's back. The other figures closed in, their faces still hidden by hoods.
Isabella clenched Emilia's arm, her voice barely audible. "What do we do?"
Emilia's mind raced. They couldn't let Edward be taken. But if they fought back, he'd be killed instantly.
Lucas's gaze locked onto Emilia's, his expression tense with calculation. He gave a tiny shake of his head— _don't risk it._
The lead attacker yanked Edward to his feet, the dagger still pressed to his throat. "Edward de Vere, you're under arrest for treason against the crown."
Edward's eyes met Emilia's, a flash of fear mingling with apology. "I'm sorry, sis," he whispered.
The attackers began dragging him away, their grip like a vise. Lucas took a slow step forward, his sword still raised.
"I'll go with you," he said, his voice steady. "Let him go."
The lead attacker chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound. "Oh, Sir Lucas, you're coming too. The crown wants to have a... chat with both of you."
Emilia's panic surged. She couldn't let them take Edward and Lucas. But before she could act, Isabella's grip on her arm tightened.
"Wait," Isabella whispered urgently. "Look."
The attackers were distracted, their attention on securing Edward and Lucas. But one of them—a figure in the back—pulled back their hood, revealing a familiar face.
Marcus.
Emilia's eyes narrowed. What was he playing at?
Marcus caught her gaze, his expression unreadable for a split second. Then he gave a tiny nod toward the chaos, his eyes flicking to the left.
_Trust no one._
Emilia's thoughts clicked into gear. If Marcus wanted them dead, they'd be dead already. Was he trying to tell them something?
"Get down!" Lucas shouted, taking advantage of the attackers' momentary distraction.
The group spun into chaos. Lucas yanked Edward free, sending him tumbling toward Emilia and Isabella. The attackers closed in, but Marcus stepped forward, his movements swift and precise.
"Enough," he barked, his voice cutting through the melee. "We'll take them alive. The crown's offer still stands."
The attackers hesitated, clearly unsure who Marcus was. But they backed off, allowing him to take charge.
Marcus turned to Emilia, his gaze cold and calculating. "Lady Emilia, it's time we talked. You're coming with us too."
Emilia's instincts screamed at her to run. But Lucas was already being dragged away, Edward stumbling beside him.
"What's going on, Marcus?" Emilia demanded, trying to stall.
Marcus's smile was back, but it was tinged with something darker now. "I'm ensuring your safety, my lady. The crown's willing to offer protection... in exchange for cooperation."
Isabella clenched her arm tighter. "Emilia, don't go."
Emilia's mind spun. She had to choose—follow Marcus and hope for a chance to save Lucas and Edward, or flee and risk losing them forever.
Marcus gestured to his men. "Take her."
As rough hands closed around her, Emilia's vision narrowed. She locked eyes with Lucas, his face twisted in a silent warning.
Trust no one.