Chapter 48 · She smiled. "Ask your pretty sacrifice. She reads

She smiled. "Ask your pretty sacrifice. She reads the old blood marks, doesn't she? Ask her what the red seal means."

Every guard turned toward me.

The room tightened around my lungs.

Silas didn't look away from the woman.

"Ivy."

"Don't," I said.

"What does it mean?"

"It means she wants us to panic."

"That wasn't my question."

"Then ask your spies. You have plenty of them."

The woman laughed again. "There is no time for your little games, King. Klaus has already moved."

Silas's hand found the hilt of his sword.

"Say his name again."

"Klaus has already moved. His soldiers are beneath the western wall, and his people are inside your keep. Tonight, Black Ridge falls."

A horn sounded outside.

Then another.

The guards looked at each other.

Silas turned toward the shattered balcony doors. Far below, red lights flared along the wall.

"Count the horns," I said.

"Ivy, stay here."

"There are three."

"Stay. Here."

"West gate, lower tunnels, and the armory. He isn't attacking the keep. He's cutting off every exit."

Silas grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet.

Pain tore through my side.

I bit down on a cry.

He felt it anyway.