The gates of Mirath appeared ahead.
Damon did not slow down.
The guards barely had time to recognize the group before he passed them.
"Baron!"
"Later!"
"Lord Damon, there was—"
"Later!"
Ester ran beside him.
Jian Yue was only a few steps behind.
Mu Qing could not keep the same pace, but Chen Mo practically dragged her through the short folds he could still open inside the city.
The mark on Damon's arm burned more and more.
It was not continuous pain.
It came in pulses.
Each one stronger.
As though something distant were sending questions.
And something inside Jian Li was answering.
"Where is she?" Damon asked.
Aria opened the notebook while running.
"East-side quarters. Ester left instructions that no one was to move her."
"Good."
Ester looked at him.
"I know how to do my job."
"That was a compliment."
"It sounded suspicious."
They turned into the main corridor.
A servant nearly dropped a tray when she saw them.
Damon could already feel it.
Not Jian Li.
