#Chapter 280 The path to Senate

Grace I heard dying screams as I ran. The sound of battle echoed down the hallway. I found Astarte holding a group of attackers off at the door of the other stairs. "There was no way off." Astarte snarled. "Your mother's office! Lock the door." "What about--" "Go!" I bit my lip and ran to my mother's office and closed the door. I secured the heavy lock with trembling hands. I could hear Astarte fighting in the hallway. Collapsing onto the plush couch in the corner, I buried my face in my hands, the sounds of battle echoing faintly from beyond the reinforced door. A wave of exhaustion washed over me, mingled with a gnawing fear. Was anyone coming? Would they get here in time? Just as despair threatened to engulf me, the sound of footsteps on the other side of the door jolted me back to alertness. A voice, strained but determined, cut through the chaos. "Grace?" I rushed to the door. Astarte hurried inside. They attackers followed and slammed against the door as she shut it beh