Chapter 13.

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Night fell swiftly over the Varrow estate, cloaking the grounds in an uneasy silence. Celeste sat alone in the war room, the flickering light of a lantern casting shadows across the maps and documents spread before her. Every line she traced on the parchment felt like a potential noose tightening around her family's neck.

The Crimson Pact's offer loomed large in her mind. Their price was steep, and their loyalty questionable, yet rejecting them outright seemed equally dangerous. Every decision felt like balancing on the edge of a blade.

A soft knock broke her concentration. "Enter," she called.

The door creaked open, and Edrick stepped in, his expression serious.

"The envoys have been dispatched," he said, taking a seat opposite her. "Riders left for Greythorne, Ravenspire, and Falkland an hour ago. If the roads are clear, we should receive replies within two days."

Celeste nodded. "Good. And the estate?"