*~Lucien's POV~*
Everything was going according to plan—too smooth, in fact.
The gates were locked. The alarms were ready. I can already feel her presence, and the grand ball has begun.
Damien had made his entrance, charming the wolves as expected, with his mate in his arms. Everything smooth. Then his mate whispered something in his ear and he left hurriedly.
I was just about to meet Gabrielle and tell her to start heading toward the southern side when I caught sight of Penny storming out of the ballroom, her face twisted with anger.
"Penny," I called, stopping her halfway down the corridor. She froze, tensing immediately.
I handed her a folded map. "Take this to Gabrielle. Tell her to go to the southern side. I'll be there with a few of the wolves, hidden among the rooftops. If Azazel sees Gabrielle wandering alone, she'll strike—and that's when we move. Understand?"
Penny nodded, though her face looked uneasy, almost pale. Something flickered in her eyes but I ignored it.
