*Saoirse*

The pounding was relentless, echoing through the stone walls of our chamber like the drumbeat of an omen. My eyes flew open, and my heartbeat synced with each thunderous rap upon the door.

"Rhys," I whispered, my voice a strained thread in the darkness. He was already rising from our bed, his warrior instincts cutting through the remnants of sleep quicker than mine.

"Stay behind me," he murmured, pulling on his tunic. His movements were swift and ...