Celine hastily dismounted the horse that she had managed to borrow from the Oakdale stables by emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Her heart raced like the thundering hooves still echoing in her mind after the ride from the village to the barracks. Despite her shaky hands, she managed to secure the horse to a post before rushing towards the entrance.

  Two guards stood at attention, their eyes widening as they recognized her.

  “Back so soon, miss?” one said, a smirk playing at his lips.

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  Heat rushed to Celine's cheeks. “I must speak with Commander Amir Baros immediately,” she said, trying to force authority into her strained voice.

  The guards exchanged knowing glances and stepped aside. As Celine rushed past, she caught fragments of their hushed conversation.

  “...told you she'd be back within a day...”

  “...damn it, you win...”

  “...just as bad as her mistress...”

  Celine's blush deepened, but she didn't have time to dwell on their words. They had no idea about the gnawing guilt that drove her here, the desperate need to reconcile Amir and Amelie.

  (The rest of the chapter has been removed to prevent further copyright infringements.)