Chapter 1334
Chapter 1334:
A veil of morning mist cloaked the grand gates of the Wizard Clan’s royal city, lending an air of mystery to the towering stonework. Clayton and I, clad in humble linen garb, blended seamlessly with a caravan laden with shimmering silk, slipping unnoticed into the heart of the city.
Deep within the Wizard Clan’s domain, we were cut off from allies and exposed to danger. Alden had parted ways with us after leaving Cloverdale, bound for Marehelm to rally reinforcements.
“Do you reckon Jett might have spirited Makenna to safety?” Clayton murmured, his voice low with speculation. “If so, she is likely out of harm’s way for now.”
I gave a wry, skeptical huff. “More than likely.”
As the caravan lumbered through the city gates, the guards posted there were engrossed in animated banter, their voices carrying over the clamor.
“Have you heard the news? Prince Jett is tying the knot soon.”
“Rumor has it, his bride is no highborn lady, nor even one of our Wizard Clan.”
My steps faltered, rooted to the spot. Clayton stiffened beside me, equally stunned. Our eyes locked in disbelief. Could fate truly be so serendipitous?
They spoke of Jett. And the woman he was to wed… could it possibly be Makenna?
The streets were alive with vibrant banners and colorful flags, as if the entire city were donning its finest to celebrate the impending nuptials. I trailed the caravan in a daze, my mind buzzing with the revelation. Was Makenna truly set to marry Jett?
“Over there!” Clayton’s hand clamped onto my shoulder, jolting me from my thoughts.
Following his gaze, my heart skipped a beat.
At the street’s edge, a woman emerged into view, her movements tentative, as though searching for a familiar face in the bustling throng. Sunlight spilled over her hair, illuminating features that haunted my every waking moment.
“Makenna!” Her name tore from my lips before I could restrain myself.
She seemed to catch the sound, her head tilting slightly. That face, etched into my heart through countless sleepless nights, was gaunter than I remembered, her once-vivid eyes clouded with uncertainty.
I surged forward, but Clayton’s grip yanked me back.
“Hold your horses!” he hissed urgently. “Three o’clock, beneath the eaves—there’s a Shadow Guard from the Wizard Clan. He’s wearing a silver mask.”
Sure enough, several figures in nondescript attire were stealthily converging on Makenna.
In the distance, Makenna scanned the crowd, her brow furrowed in confusion. After a moment, she shook her head and followed a man into a sleek black carriage by the roadside.
“We tail them,” I growled, my jaw tight.
Using the street vendors as cover, we shadowed the carriage from afar as it wove through the lively streets, its path leading inexorably toward the Wizard Clan’s palace.
“We can’t go any closer,” I said, halting abruptly, my voice a low murmur.
Fifty paces ahead loomed the palace’s side gates, guarded by a cadre of silver-masked guards. In broad daylight, any attempt to slip past would be a dance with death.
I stared as the carriage vanished beyond the imposing iron gates, my voice icy with resolve. “The palace—storming in now would be a one-way ticket to the grave.”
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