Chapter 229: Vague Promise

“Get your guns and your weapons, and hurry,” Vincent said to Jane as she instantly came to her feet, reaching for the dagger beside the bed.

He was already halfway across the room, slinging on his clothes and weapons with lethal efficiency. She didn’t bother with questions—he would tell her what was necessary. She hopped into her pants and boots.

“I think we’ve been betrayed,” Vincent said, and her fingers caught on a buckle of her swordbelt as she turned to the open window. Quiet. Absolute quiet in the forest.

And along the horizon, a growing smear of blackness. “They’re coming tonight,” she breathed.

“I did a sweep of the perimeter.” Vincent stuffed a knife into his boot. “It’s as if someone told them where every trap, every warning bell is located. They’ll be here within the hour.”

“Are the ward-stones still working?” She finished braiding her hair and strapped her guns across her back.

“Yes—they’re intact. I raised the alarm, and Malakai and the others are readying our defense