C269 THE CROWD TURNED AGAINST THE CROWN

Aria’s heart slammed in her chest before her feet even touched the dirt path. The Second Prince’s patrol had surged forward, boots pounding against the ground, weapons raised. She darted between the villagers, pulling frightened families behind her as rocks flew, hitting walls and splintering wood.

“Stay back!” she yelled, her voice trembling but loud enough to carry over the chaos