Chapter 62 The Maid's Bitter Truth

• (POV: Isabela)
• Down one hallway then another, Quino dragged me by the arm, moving fast through rooms that looked almost strange. That big white dress, supposed to be pretty for guests, hung thick and awkward, catching on my ankles each time I stumbled forward. Noise chased after us - pops like breaking branches, yelling voices, booms from deep inside the walls shaking dust loose. Smoke sat on my tongue, sharp. Fear too.
• Now move, Isa! Quick!” Quino pushed, breath ragged, cheeks smeared with dirt, skin ghostlike. Less the sharp-eyed Montoya successor, suddenly he looked like an anxious sibling clutching at family. Around us, a handful of faithful guards - tight jaws, weapons drawn - closed ranks, shoving back the noise and bodies crowding in. Behind him, dust rose in thick waves.