The loud pop of a gunshot makes me jump. Unfortunately, I’m very familiar with that sound, from far too many close encounters at the palace.
I look toward the door. Caleb still isn’t back yet.
“Wait!” Cameron calls. Stepping toward us, his hand is raised. “It’s too dangerous!”
I don’t have time to wait, or to be careful. Caleb is out there, and more likely than not, that gunshot was aimed at him!
Throwing caution to the wind, I run to the door and then out in the hallway.
“Harper!” Bethany calls. She’s close to me, likely chasing me.
“Bethany, no!” Cameron says, perhaps chasing her.
In the hallway, I follow the direction of the sound, wandering through side corridors until I finally and blessedly see Caleb standing tall.
My heart racing, I don’t stop until I am at his side. Then, l
