SNEAKING INTO BATTLE

At the Denizens’ homestead, Ava's heightened vision scanned the surroundings. The heavy meal she ate had increased her energy and she could not sleep, her mind glued to the battlefront. She sensed a shift in the atmosphere around the house and probed the darkness.

She detected rogue figures lurking in the darkness, their whispers carried on the wind and picked up by her heightened hearing.

"...kidnap the girl after the house falls asleep."

"...ensure Sebastian's distraction."

Ava's heart quickened. She alerted Arianna and Raphael.

"Rogues are outside," Ava whispered urgently.

Arianna 's eyes widened. "What's their plan?"

Ava's gaze remained fixed on the rogues.

"Sleeping gas...they are surrounding the house."

Raphael's face hardened.

"Get everyone to the safe room," Raphael ordered.

Ava swiftly helped gather members of the house, including all maids and helpers. They filed into the secure room. Ava sealed the door, just as the sleeping gas wafted in. though the room was heavily armed