Chapter 35 The Clash Within

• Ariella and Kael burst through the palace gates, their steps hurried as the sounds of battle echoed through the grand halls. Smoke and the metallic scent of blood filled the air, and fallen guards lay scattered across the marble floors.
• "This way," Ariella said, leading Kael toward the throne room, where the fighting was fiercest.
• Kael gripped his sword tightly. "If The Shade’s here, this ends tonight."