Page 104 of King of Rage

It simply cut off.

The sudden silence made everyone turn toward the ballroom entrance.

A second later, voices rose outside. Someone hurried past the doors. Then another.

Lucius's expression changed immediately.

“What the hell is going on?”

The guests began moving toward the windows, trying to see what was happening outside. Stella instinctively stepped closer to Lucius as he turned his attention toward the glass doors leading to the gardens.

A distant rumble grew louder. Then came the unmistakable sound of helicopter blades.

Everyone moved outside.

The cool night air swept across the garden as they stepped onto the terrace.

Stella looked up.

Several helicopters were moving across the dark sky, their lights cutting through the night as they passed over the palace.

But that wasn't the strangest part. Beyond the estate gates, the roads were almost completely empty.

No traffic.

No headlights.

Nothing.

Maverick narrowed his eyes as he stared toward the main road.

“Why the hell is the city empty?”

Before anyone could answer, headlights appeared in the distance. A black car came speeding toward the palace. The gates opened, and the vehicle drove straight through before coming to a sharp stop near the entrance.

Elias climbed out, adjusting his jacket as he made his way toward them. Amara stepped out beside him, looking stunning in a dress that immediately drew a few appreciative glances from the men nearby.

“What happened?” Maverick asked.

Elias barely seemed to notice. His attention was fixed on the group as he approached.

“The city is suddenly under lockdown,” he announced.

Maverick's brows pulled together. “What?”

“I just got the news. Several roads have been blocked, and the city is being heavily patrolled.” Elias glanced toward the helicopters still moving across the sky. “Apparently, Silas is behind it.”

Cassian stared at him. “Why?”

Elias gave a small shrug.

“The girl he loves is leaving. So I guess that's his way of stopping her.”

“Romantic,” Amara giggled.

“What bullshit,” Elias muttered under his breath at the same moment.

Amara's smile vanished. She turned her head toward him.