The ravens descended with a flurry of wings and deafening caws, diving at the guards and pecking ferociously. The guards shouted in confusion, trying to fend off the relentless assault. The birds seemed to be everywhere at once, creating a perfect storm of distraction.
Maxi smiled, satisfied with the pandemonium unfolding outside. "There you go. Your path is clear," she said, turning to Islinda.
Islinda took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "You should come with me, Maxi."
"I told you that I have to be here in case someone comes in to check up on you."
"No," Islinda shook her head, " I know Andre. He’s smart, Maxi. With this amount of chaos, he would know something is up and surely come to check on me. You cannot stop him, Maxi, not unless you can shape-shift into me or something, you cannot, so don’t be stubborn and let us go together." Islinda tried to reach for her hand, but Maxi stepped away.
Maxi said to her, "If both of us leave the palace, they would assume Aldric kidnapped you and the gods know what they would do to him next. Aldric has suffered enough of their oppression already. But if I’m here, I’ll tell them you’re safe and be able to do a bit of damage control."
"But Maxi —"
"Go. Aldric already knows you’re on the way. Anything the bird knows, he knows it."
Islinda was fearful for Maxi’s sake. If anything were to happen to her, it would be on her and she wouldn’t be able to face Issac.
Islinda said with emotion, "Issac, he —"
"Understood the risk. Now go, Islinda. It would only be a matter of time before they ask for reinforcement and the birds cannot fight them forever.
"Fine." Islinda said, putting on her veil and extra cloake in case she stumbled on anyone in the way and they recognized the marks on her face.
"I’m done."
"Now go."
Islinda moved toward the door, ready to slip out into the night. But before she could touch the handle, Maxi grabbed her arm firmly and steered her toward the window.
"What?" Islinda’s voice was laced with shock as she realized she was two floors above the ground. The distance to the ground seemed immense, and the thought of jumping made her regret having dinner with the king; her stomach churned.
Maxi said. "The hallways will be swarming with guards intent on protecting the royal family. Outside, in the middle of the chaos, is your best chance. The birds will cover you."
"You want me to jump?" Islinda’s voice trembled with a mix of fear and thrill.
Maxi nodded, her grip still firm on Islinda’s arm. "Don’t worry, you won’t die."
Islinda took a deep breath, trying to summon the courage to leap from such a height for the first time in her life. Her mind raced, and her heart pounded in her chest. She looked down at the dark, chaotic scene below, the ravens continuing their relentless assault on the guards.
"Okay. I just need a minute to gather my —" Islinda began to protest, but Maxi, out of patience, decided for her.
With a swift motion, Maxi pushed her out the window. Islinda let out a scream as she fell, the wind rushing past her. The ground seemed to rush up to meet her, and for a moment, she was sure she was going to crash.
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