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    Chapter 0779


    When he was finished, my heart was in my throat.


    "So you''re going into the arena anyway," I breathed.


    Enzo nodded. "While the panther and I create a distraction, you, Luke, and Tyler can join the crowd. Start spreading the word: that M is nning to kill everyone after the ceremony. Those who are only here out of fear and not true admiration of M will begin to panic, and they''ll join our side."


    "And then what?" I asked.


    "Then," Enzo exined, "we''ll evacuate as many people as possible. And the panther and I... We''ll kill M."


    The n felt rushed and erratic, but it was all we had. At least there was thefort of knowing that my father''s forces would likely arrive soon to help, and Matt and the others were waiting outside as well to help herd the evacuees toward the vige.


    It wouldn''t be perfect. There would likely be casualties.


    But it was all we had.


    Just as I was opening my mouth to say something else, though, I was suddenly startled by voices-voices that didn''t belong to Luke or Tyler.


    More guards.


    With my breath in my throat, I quickly grabbed my helmet off of the floor and shoved it back on, just in time before the loud grind of the chamber door swinging open caused both of us to whirl around.


    "What''s going on in here?" the guard barked in a harsh voice that was made even more grating by the metallic echo of his helmet. "You were supposed to be ready and waiting five minutes ago. Get a move on, before I have to report this ipetence."


    I felt Enzo stiffen beside me, no doubt readying himself for a confrontation that could rapidly turn violent. With my heart hammering, I quickly stepped forward.


    "Apologies, sir," I said gruffly, deepening my voice as much as I could. "The Queen''s mate was giving me some... trouble." I looked over at Enzo, taking note of the firm set of his jaw and the readiness in his eyes. "But he''s all set now, aren''t you?"


    Enzo straightened to his full imposing height with a curt nod. "Of course, sir. My deepest regrets for the dy," he said. "I''m ready now."


    The guard turned his head back and forth between the two of us for a few long moments, and during those moments, I wondered if he had seen through our ruse-maybe he had seen the sh of my hair before I hid it beneath the helmet, or maybe he had noticed the way my stolen uniform seemed to hang loosely on my frame, or maybe he had noticed the way my voice shook.


    But then, much to my relief, the guard nodded and held his hand out. "Come. The Queen is waiting."


    Enzo paused, but only for a moment before he allowed the guard to take him by the arm and begin to lead him away. I felt my heart hammering in my chest as a million different thoughts whirled through my mind. I felt panic bubble up inside of me, panic at this haphazard n.


    But what choice did we have? If we had waited for even an hour toe here, Enzo would have be another one of M''s thralls, making her even stronger.


    No, this was the only way.


    Just as the other guard led Enzo away, though, I knew I had to do onest thing. I quickly reached out, touching Enzo''s hand. And at that moment, I felt our connection deepen, even if only for a moment, allowing me to use our Mindlink to speak with him privately.


    "Wait for the signal," I said, my voice echoing in both of our minds. "And... kill her."