The palace gates burst open as Lila ran ahead, shouting frantically. "Help! Please, someone help us!"
The guards at the entrance immediately tensed, their hands instinctively going to their weapons. One called out, "What is the matter?"
"It is Lady Hailey!" Lila cried, gesturing behind her. "She is hurt! We need the healers!"
The stranger followed close behind, carefully carrying an unconscious Hailey in his arms. As soon as they entered the palace, chaos erupted.
Guards rushed forward, weapons drawn. "Halt!" one shouted, before recognizing Lila. His eyes widened at the sight of Hailey. "What happened?"
Servants gathering in the courtyard began to whisper among themselves.
"Is that Lady Hailey?"
"She looks so pale!"
"What could have done this?"
"Get the medical team, now!" Lila screamed, her voice cracking with desperation.
A young servant boy nodded quickly. "Right away!" He dashed off towards the medical wing.
Within moments, a group of healers swarmed around them. The head healer,
