Chapter 44

Killian stormed down the dark, damp corridor of the dungeon, his eyes narrowed and his fists clenched tightly. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Daciana's cell was empty, and the guards who were supposed to be watching her were sound asleep on the job.

He approached the cell, his heart racing with anger and frustration. How could this have happened? He had made sure that the guards were carefully vetted and trained to deal with any situation that might arise.

He turned to the sleeping guards, his voice booming through the corridor. "What is the meaning of this?" he roared. "How could you let the princess escape?"

The guards jolted awake, their eyes wide with fear as they realized their mistake. They scrambled to their feet, trying to explain themselves to Killian.

"We're sorry, sir," one of them stammered. "We didn't mean to fall asleep. It won't happen again."

Killian sneered at the