Into the Arms of Danger
Luca and I rushed down the tower at a speed that was seriously dangerous when going down steep steps, but we were both willing to risk a hard fall because Aura was in danger.
Yes, Aura. Not her brother, the Patriarch, or at least, not just him. Since they'd come in through the southern courtyard, which really was one of the most guarded gates, they must have come with a purpose, and it was more than likely they were coming for Aura first.
I took the steps two at a time and reached the tower landing at record speed. Only once did I slow down, and that was to look over the balcony Luca and I just passed into so I could confirm the dead guards in the courtyard below me.
No one was moving, and there was a decent amount of blood spilled on the courtyard's natural stone floor. No, they were most likely killed very quickly.
"Luca… watch your back," I said while feeling a sense of menace wash over me. "These guys are serious professionals."