Chaos erupted as Thornfield Castle became a battlefield. The explosions continued destroying essential points, creating openings in the castle's defenses.
Elise's hidden forces included the vampires who'd been posing as servants, guards, and members of visiting entourages. They had been smuggled in over the past three days, waiting for Elise's signal.
Outside, Order forces attacked the walls. Hundreds of hunters came with weapons, holy magic, and siege equipment. It was a coordinated coup attempt to eliminate Azrael and destabilize vampire society.
Visiting nobles drew weapons or activated magical defenses. Adrian's warriors clashed with Elise's forces. King Damien and his Shadowmere soldiers joined the defense immediately.
But Azrael's top priority was Lyanna. He moved with vampire speed, grabbed her and pushed her towards Adrian.
"Get her to the safe chambers. Now. Don't let anything touch her."
"No!" Lyanna protested, trying to pull away. "I can help, I can…"
