(The Imperial Dungeon - Corridor)
The heavy Star-Iron lock clicked open. Stefan pulled his cloak tighter, the hood shadowing his face completely. He stepped into the cell and unlocked the anti-magic cuffs from my wrists.
I rubbed my wrists, feeling my mana flood back into my system. It was like taking a breath after being underwater.
"Let's go," Stefan whispered, his voice tight. "The shift change is in two minutes. If we hurry, we can..."
"Halt!"
We spun around. Three Royal Guards stood at the end of the corridor, halberds lowered. They had heard the lock.
"Intruders!" the lead guard shouted. "Secure the prisoner!"
Stefan cursed. He reached for his sword, his mana flaring with S-Rank Ice power. He stepped in front of me, ready to blast them.
I grabbed his arm. "Stop!"
"Let go!" he hissed. "I can handle them!"
"Do you want them to recognize you?" I whispered urgently. "If you use your ice magic, they'll know it's the Third Prince. You'll be ruined."
