"No! Stop the carriage! Let's hear what they have to say!" Zyren ordered.
Annan instantly obeyed, though his chest tightened with dread. He already knew what Zyren's next command would be: to step down and confront them.
I need to stay right beside King Zyren, Annan thought grimly, his face tightening into a grave expression. He was well aware that the moment he strayed too far from his king, regret would surely follow.
The dozen or so guards drew closer, slow and deliberate, their boots crunching against the dirt as they worked to surround the carriage. It stood only a few feet away from the gates, and their positioning left no doubt—they intended to cut off any escape.
"We don't know who you are, but you can't just visit and leave like that!" a man declared, stepping forward. His eyes blazed crimson, the mark of a vampire.
