"Ah, I finally found you."
The voice came from the darkness, smooth and gentle, but still, it sounded like a nightmare to Aubree. A man stepped into the moonlight, his white robes gleaming under its glow.
It was Rhys.
Aubree's breath hitched as her gaze locked onto Aurelia. The girl stood frozen, her neck perilously close to the gleaming edge of the high priest's sword. Tears streaked her cheeks, silent and trembling.
"H-How?" Aubree whispered, her voice unsteady. She didn't dare take her eyes off Aurelia.
Rhys smirked. "Your smoke."
He sighed, shaking his head. "I'll give you one last piece of advice—consider it a final lesson before you leave this world. Don't light fires if you don't want to be tracked. And definitely don't scream."
His gaze flickered to Aurelia. "Or pick fights with your parents. You never know if it'll be the last thing you say to them."
The blade pressed deeper against Aurelia's neck, drawing a thin line of blood.
