Talia's POV.
The pre-dawn gloom pressed in like a shroud as Julian and I crept along the narrow deer trail winding away from the castle gates. My heart thundered against my ribs with each snapping twig or rustling brush, certain we'd be discovered at any moment.
Up ahead, the trees finally thinned out to reveal the craggy bluff overlooking Moonvalley. Julian paused, raising a hand for me to halt as well. He pivoted slowly, nostrils flaring as he scanned our surroundings with acute focus.
"We're clear for the moment," he finally murmured. "But make it snappy - that won't last once the sunrise watchers get rotated out on patrol."
I stepped up beside him, peering out at the vast darkened expanse of forest and valleys rippling outward in every direction. Dawn was still about an hour away, leaving everything muted in shades of steel gray.