Rescue Plan

Ariana's eyes locked onto Tahira's, a fierce determination burning within them. "We'll do it, Tahira," she said. "We'll find a way to get your mother out of the palace, no matter what it takes."

Tahira nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Ariana. She had been a lifesaver, helping her get into the palace and now promising to help her rescue her mother.

But as they began to brainstorm, coming up with plan after plan, Tahira couldn't shake off the feeling that they were missing something. That there was a piece of the puzzle that they hadn't yet considered.

"What if my mother is in danger?" Tahira asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if the Vampire Lord has already discovered her true identity?"

Ariana's face fell, and she looked at Tahira with a serious expression. "We have to be prepared for that possibility," she said. "But we can't let fear dictate our actions. We have to be brave, and we have to be smart."