The first hit on the gate was bad.
The second one was worse.
By the third one, the whole front yard had gone sideways.
Kael snapped his head toward the sound and his body changed at once. Not all the way yet, but enough. His shoulders tightened. His hands curled. His eyes flashed that sharp gold Lyria was starting to recognize faster than she wanted to.
"Seal the inner doors," he barked.
Guards moved. Fast.
Heavy wood slammed shut behind them. Bolts dropped into place. People in the hall were already shouting over each other. Nobody knew exactly what was coming, but everybody knew it was bad.
Another slam hit the outer gate.
This one shook dust loose from the ceiling.
Lyria felt it in her teeth.
Mira was beside her, jaw tight, chair leg in hand like that was somehow going to help. Ronan stood a little behind them, pale and steady, one hand on the wall for balance. Joss was already swearing under his breath.
"What is that?" he said.
Kael did not answer.
