The news of them sneaking out must have somehow spread through the palace because by the time they exited the woods, dozens of guards were waiting to escort them. Seraphina was the first strode in through the opened gate, her cloak tattered and torn and head held high despite the scratches all over her pale skin. Haven and Avena limped behind her, bruises darkening their skins. They looked like hell, hair dirty, clothes tattered and stained with blood, and dirt.

Their eyes were swollen from all ...