"That…" Lady Maris gasped, disbelief washing over her. She didn't want to acknowledge the symbol, yet when her gaze locked with Emmanuelle's, she saw that her worst fears were confirmed.
Before she could press Emmanuelle about the talisman, heavy footsteps echoed ominously, drawing closer until a group of Royal Guards appeared before her.
As Emmanuelle turned away, her back to Lady Maris, one of the guards stepped forward, breathless from running.
"You called for us, My Lady? Where is the thief?" he inquired, panting slightly.
It was nearly sunrise, and most vampires were still asleep. Only a few guards were stationed at each gate to maintain security.
Emmanuelle, however, was heading toward the servants' special entrance, where only two Royal Guards were on duty.
Coincidentally—or perhaps intentionally—Emmanuelle had chosen this exact moment to slip away, knowing that the guards at the servant's gate were notoriously lax, especially as dawn approached.
