Preparations

"Did you sense it?" Eve asked, her expression turning grave. "There was another sorcerer."

"I know," Max replied, leading her out of the room. Almost immediately, Eve wondered how Max had managed to enter. She clearly remembered casting an enchantment on the room to prevent anyone else from entering. However, before she could question him, Max interjected. "I just received word from the King. It seems he has no choice but to allow Michaela to leave the Kingdom."

Eve's brows furrowed instantly. "He's letting her go? Why?"

"They couldn't find any evidence of her actions. The hunchback has disappeared, and the Czar of the shadow hunters refuses to cooperate. Ultimately, the Emperor is arranging a prisoner exchange. They are going to send another sorcerer, who killed several vampires, in exchange for Michaela."