MAYAThe torches moved like a living thing, flowing down the hillside toward us.I stood frozen, watching Gabriel's army advance. The sheer number of them made my stomach drop.We were outnumbered. Outmaneuvered. Surrounded."Fall back to the palace," Asher commanded, his voice cutting through my shock. "Move now."The soldiers around us scrambled into action. Rhea was already shouting orders, organizing a fighting retreat.Asher's hand closed around mine, pulling me toward the horses. "We need to get you inside the walls.""I can fight.""You can barely stand." His eyes locked on mine, fierce and unyielding. "Please, Maya. Let me protect you just this once."The bond pulsed with his desperation, and I felt my resistance crumble."Fine. But I am not hiding in some room while people die for me.""I would not dream of asking you to."He lifted me onto his horse, then swung up behind me. His arm wrapped around my waist, holding me secure against his chest.We rode hard through the darkne
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