Everyone inside startled at Damian's snap. The guards flinched, and Emily and Lizzy’s hearts dropped, rising and falling unevenly.

The room went silent except for their ragged breathing and pounding hearts, and the air grew suffocating.

Damian’s nostrils flared, his face tightening with irritation.

He turned toward the guards soon after asking Emily that last question that had startled them all.

"Leave us," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," the guards replied, bowing in respect.

Just as they ...