Milo:

  The night was still, the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant chirp of crickets breaking the silence of the courtyard. But outside, I waited near the stables, keeping to the shadows, body still but mind racing. Raven was in there, and I had to get him out without drawing attention. The plan was risky, but I had no choice. Raven was our only way out, and I couldn’t let Orla down.

  Earlier that morning, Haruto and I had seen Orla for the first time since everything had gone sideways. Seeing her again hit me harder than I expected. This wasn’t just about doing the right thing anymore. Looking into her eyes, I knew—I was all in. No hesitation.

  Haruto had snapped me back to reality with his usual cold efficiency, laying out the plan. If all went well, we’d be gone by nightfall. I still didn’t fully trust him, but we had the same goal—getting Orla out. That was enough for now.

  Now, it was up to me. Get Raven, wait for Orla at the eastern edge of the city near the forest, and get out unnoticed. I had no idea how she’d manage to slip away, but she’d said she had someone inside the palace to help. I suggested Seo-yeon. I trusted her, but that didn’t mean everything would go smoothly.

  Focus, Milo.

  I took a deep breath and crept toward the stable doors, hoping the stable boy was still distracted. I peered inside and spotted Raven in his stall, his sleek black coat catching the dim light through the wooden beams. His ears twitched, and he stomped his hoof lightly when he saw me. It was like he knew exactly what was happening.

  “Hey, boy,” I whispered, stepping closer. “Miss me?”

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  Raven let out a soft huff. Not exactly subtle, but I’d take it. The stable was empty for now, but that wouldn’t last. I had to move fast.

  I stroked Raven’s neck, feeling the warmth of his fur. “Yeah, I missed you too,” I murmured, grabbing the saddle from the stall.

  Raven nudged my shoulder a little too enthusiastically. “Shh,” I whispered, glancing toward the entrance. I didn’t have time for this.

  Getting the saddle on wasn’t easy with Raven fidgeting, but I managed. He knew something was up. He was ready to run.

  “There we go,” I said, fastening the straps. “Let’s get out of here, alright?”

  Raven shuffled again, his hooves scuffing against the floor. I winced. I’d paid good money to make sure the stable boy was too distracted by a food cart to notice, but that wouldn’t last forever. Any second now, he’d be back.

  I grabbed the reins, gave Raven a reassuring pat, and whispered, “Alright, buddy, let’s go.”

  The stable was still empty. I wasn’t about to question my luck.

  Leading Raven out, I kept one eye on the entrance. Every step felt like an eternity, but finally, we reached the doors. I paused, listening. No movement. Perfect.

  I swung into the saddle and exhaled.

  “Let’s go,” I whispered, nudging Raven forward.

  We moved smoothly through the stable yard, Raven’s steps quiet. I was starting to think we’d actually pulled this off when—

  “Hey! You there!”

  Shit.

  I kicked Raven into a canter. We weaved through the streets, dodging through the bustling night markets. Shouts rang out behind me. I zigzagged through alleys, keeping just ahead of the noise. After a few sharp turns, I found a dark spot to hide. I held my breath as a few men ran past, probably the stable boy and some help. They’d be answering to Tae-shik now. I almost felt bad for the guy.

  Raven nickered softly, and I smirked. “Yeah, let them try to find us in that mess.”

  When the chaos died down, I eased Raven out of the alley and onto the quieter roads leading out of the city walls to the meeting spot. The palace lights were distant now, hidden behind the trees. My heart pounded—not just from sneaking out, but from what came next.

  Orla would be waiting.

  Or at least, she’d try to be.

  I just hoped everything was going according to plan.

  ?Sky Mincharo