They had barely walked a few steps when Austin suddenly stopped. His entire body went stiff as he saw two men in dark cloaks standing at the far end of the corridor. One of them moved slightly, and firelight flashed against the hidden blade under his cloak.
"Turn around," he whispered.
Alina didn't ask any question. She followed him as he led her down another hallway. Behind them, they could hear footsteps approaching them.
"Are they following us?" Alina asked, her heart racing.
"Most probably," Austin muttered. "Keep moving."
They turned into a narrow servants' passage. Austin quickly pulled down a heavy banner behind them to block the entrance. Seconds later, a loud crash echoed through the hall, followed by angry curses.
Austin grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. The palace corridors twisted endlessly around them. He walked through them quickly as he knew every hidden hallway and staircase inside the palace.
