Chapter 50

~ Hazel’s POV

My heart pounded in my chest as I slipped out of the hidden passage. It wasn't my first escape from the palace, but that didn't make it any easier. I knew exactly which twisty corridors and secret doors to take to avoid the usual guards. Relief flooded me as I finally emerged from a dusty service entrance, blinking in the sunlight.

But just as I thought I was in the clear, disaster struck. A shout erupted from the courtyard. Rayel was taking care of the intruder and everyone, of course, went running to see the commotion.

Perfect. Now, thanks to the whole "intruder-and-Rayel-show," everyone was on high alert, making my escape that much more obvious. Talk about bad timing! But I was able to leave the palace without getting caught.

I quickly walked away from the palace and then brought out my phone from my back pocket. I went through my contact and then sent a text to Alpha Dolph, my secret lover.

Hey, let’s meet up at our usual place

I hit the sent button and I knew th