Bella's POV
I froze at the doorway, panic shooting through me before I forced myself to regain composure.
No matter what happens, I have to stop Lucius.
I drew in several steadying breaths to calm my racing pulse.
Spinning toward Penny, I commanded sharply, "Go immediately. Send word to Lady Thorne—she must stop Lucius no matter what it takes."
I needed to find Jasper next.
He was the only person with access to the imperial palace, and every moment he could delay mattered.
Everything else would have to depend on Rowena.
I rushed back to the main hall and spotted Jasper already waiting there.
He'd clearly gotten the news too.
His normally striking features were etched with concern, his jaw clenched tight with obvious anxiety.
Ivy was still huddled in Genevieve's embrace, weeping hysterically with tears cascading down her cheeks, looking utterly devastated.
The moment Jasper saw me, he shot me a withering glare.
