Chapter 233

• I started getting really nervous while I was inside the house. The tension in the air was suffocating, and I could hear the distant sounds of clashing, snarling, and shouting from outside as the soldiers fought with the rogues. The noise echoed faintly through the walls, a harsh reminder of the chaos taking place just beyond the windows. My heart was pounding in my chest as I moved toward the nearest window and looked out, only to see the rogues creeping closer and closer to the packhouse. They were gaining ground far too quickly.
• None of the warriors were going to go out there and fight them. Not yet, at least. That much had been made clear. Their priority was protecting me, and right now, that meant staying inside and guarding the packhouse with their lives if necessary. I understood the reasoning, but it didn’t make it any easier to accept. It was unsettling, knowing the danger was drawing nearer and yet we were still waiting.
• I finally told them to follow me. I didn’t waste any more time as I led them quickly through the house, my footsteps brisk and determined. We made our way into the kitchen, where I walked straight to a particular section of the wall and pressed a hidden latch. A concealed door opened, blending seamlessly with the rest of the design. I stepped aside to let them see it for themselves before stepping in and leading the way down the staircase behind it.