Deviating from the original plot

Chapter ninety-four

Evelyn, however, wasn't paying attention to the statue at all-her gaze was locked on the far end of the chamber. "There's another door over there. Where does it lead?"

Cassius followed her line of sight and gave a brief nod. "It connects to another wing of the castle. The Grand Hall is still a ways off," he murmured as he stepped toward the door and eased it open.

"Let's move. We need to stay ahead of the patrols," he urged.

The women fell in behind him, and together they slipped out of the novelty chamber, hurrying down the corridor with quick, silent steps. Cassius lifted a hand, signalling them to slow.

"Voices," he whispered.

Everyone pressed against the wall. Ahead, the glow of torches flickered-two black-mage guards were speaking quietly near an intersecting hallway.

Victoria leaned in close, her voice barely a breath. "We can't go back. We'll lose too much time."

Evelyn spoke. "If we take them out fast, the others won't notice."

Cassius glanced between them, jaw tightening. "I'll draw their attention. You disable them."

Before anyone could stop him, he stepped out just enough to toss a discarded pebble down the opposite end of the crossing. It clattered loudly.

The guards jumped.

"What was that?" one muttered. They took the bait, turning away and moving toward the sound.

"Now," Cassius breathed.

Victoria and Celeste surged forward. Victoria struck the first guard with the pommel of her sword, knocking him unconscious before he could react. Celeste swept the legs out from under the second and slammed the back of her bow into his head.

Both guards collapsed silently.

"Clear," Victoria whispered. "Let's keep-"

She didn't finish.

Darkness surged across the floor like spilt ink. Their shadows twisted unnaturally, stretching upward, then snapped around their wrists and ankles. In an instant, Celeste, Evelyn, and Cassius were yanked backward and bound tight against the wall-only Victoria remained free.

Her stance shifted immediately, sword raised, breath steady.

A low, cold laugh slithered through the corridor.

"Show yourself!" she snarled.

A presence appeared behind her-quiet, swift.

Cold metal touched the side of her neck.

"Don't even think about it," Damien murmured.

Victoria's jaw tightened. "Damien..."

"Drop your sword," he said calmly. "Don't do anything stupid."

As she hesitated, the air in front of them shimmered, and the Emperor materialised, cloaked in roiling dark energy.

He eyed Damien with a pleased, almost indulgent smile.

"Well done, Damien," he said smoothly. "For a moment, I wondered if you intended to defy me after all... but it seems even you cannot escape your nature." His lips curled. "A loyal pet remains a loyal pet."

Damien's grip on Victoria tightened, but he said nothing.

Victoria glared at the emperor. "Let them go."

The Emperor laughed softly. "We finally meet. What a pleasant surprise. I knew you would try to come and ruin this day for me if not for Damien over here."