The alarm bell rang through the Red Hills.
Kieran froze.
Smoke was rising fast from the east ridge—near the old meeting house. That was where Celestia had gone with Leon.
He had known that. He had seen her leave. But now that the attack had started…his heart raced with fear.
He couldn’t see her.
“Celestia?” he called out, turning in all directions.
“She went with Leon, remember?” Adelaide said, already grabbing a sword near here. She'll be fighting physically and with magic. “To meet the Vlada clan leader,” she added.
Kieran nodded, but it didn’t calm him.
“They should be back by now,” he said. His voice shook a little.
Another bell rang. This one was louder. Closer.
“East wall!” a scout shouted. “They’re breaking through the gates!” he added.
Kieran didn’t wait. He shifted i
