SERAPHINE IVORA

The sunlight was soft as it filtered through the tall, elegant trees in the royal gardens of Cevallos. Seraphine Ivora walked with quiet grace, her golden locks swaying in the breeze. As always, she drew attention without even trying. It was not just her beauty, though she was indeed the epitome of it. It was the way she carried herself—like someone who was not merely a part of the world, but above it, commanding admiration without a single word.

She smiled as she greeted various dignitaries and noblewomen, her voice light and melodic. She was a beloved figure in Cevallos, adored for her purity, her kindness, and her apparent innocence. But in the back of her mind, Seraphine was always watching, always observing. She was far more than what she seemed—her charming facade hiding a sharp mind that never missed a detail.

Today, the royal gardens were alive with the arrival of various important figures. It was not a day like any other. A new group of Aces had arrived in Cevallos, and Seraphine's curiosity was piqued. She'd heard their names whispered in noble circles, seen their faces in the royal announcements, but today, she would meet them in person.

Her eyes scanned the gathered crowd, settling on the newcomers. A trio of figures stood at the far side of the garden, their air one of quiet authority. Among them, a woman with dark, striking features stood out. The woman was Selentia Flowell, the Duchess who had made a name for herself in the political landscape of Cevallos. She had only recently arrived, but there was something about her that caught Seraphine's attention—something mysterious.

Seraphine approached with the same grace that defined her every move. Her steps were light, her smile bright and welcoming as she made her way toward the group. She was well-aware that her presence alone was enough to draw gazes, and it didn't faze her. She had been the center of attention her entire life.

"Lady Selentia," Seraphine called out, her voice soft but clear, floating across the courtyard like a melody. Her gaze was steady, a hint of curiosity dancing in her blue eyes.

Selentia turned to her, the corner of her lips lifting in a polite smile. She was poised, regal—almost too perfect. Her reputation preceded her, but Seraphine had yet to see what lay behind those serene eyes.

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Seraphine," Selentia said, her voice smooth and composed.

Seraphine offered a slight curtsy, her smile widening. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Selentia. I've heard much about you, of course. Your name has been spoken frequently in the halls of Cevallos."

Selentia nodded, her eyes momentarily flicking to the side. There was something about the way she carried herself that intrigued Seraphine—something in the way she remained so composed in the face of so many eyes on her. It was an air of confidence that bordered on coldness, but there was no indication that she was anything other than kind.

"I'm sure you've heard only the best," Selentia replied, her voice almost playful, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Seraphine's eyes gleamed with a subtle, knowing light. She'd been trained to read people. To observe every nuance. And while Selentia was composed, polished, and charming on the surface, Seraphine couldn't help but feel a faint, flickering sensation that there was more to this woman than the world had seen.

But there was no need to pry, not yet. Not until she knew more.

"I've been following the rise of the Aces, and I must say, it's such an honor to meet you all," Seraphine continued, her voice as sweet as honey. "There is so much excitement surrounding your missions. I'm sure you're all capable of incredible feats."

Selentia nodded politely, her gaze steady but giving nothing away. It was hard to tell if she was just a woman of few words or if there was something deeper behind her calm exterior.

"It's kind of you to say," Selentia responded.

Seraphine could tell that Selentia was one of those rare individuals who wore her composure like armor. She was someone who had mastered the art of hiding her true emotions behind a flawless mask. And yet… there was something in the way she carried herself that made Seraphine wonder.

Could she be someone who played a game of her own?

As the conversation continued, Seraphine observed the other two with Selentia—their expressions as unreadable as her own. But there was something about Selentia that stood apart. She was not like the others who wore their hearts on their sleeves. The Duchess was enigmatic, captivating, yet undeniably controlled.

Seraphine excused herself soon after, offering a parting smile that could have been mistaken for sweetness—or something else entirely.

"Well, I won't take up too much of your time, Lady Selentia. I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future. Cevallos is a much more interesting place with people like you in it."

With that, she took her leave, but not without a lingering glance at the woman who was now on her radar.

Was Selentia truly as kind as she seemed? Or was there something darker beneath the surface? Seraphine couldn't quite tell yet. But one thing was for sure—she would be watching.