AYASHA'S POV
The guards flanked us the moment we stepped out of our quarters. Their armor clinked with each step, a metallic rhythm that matched the pounding of my heart. Pavati walked beside me, her red dress catching the torchlight like flames. Mine was white, stark against the shadows of the palace corridors.
I could feel eyes on us from every direction. Servants pressed themselves against the walls as we passed, their gazes lingering on our faces like they were trying to memorize us before we disappeared forever. The other Lunas were somewhere ahead of us, their voices carrying back in hushed whispers and nervous laughter.
The throne room wasn't far now. I could see the massive doors at the end of the corridor, carved with symbols that hurt to look at directly. But then I caught a glimpse of movement in my peripheral vision.
