An Unexpected Warning

Night had settled over Veynor Keep, casting long shadows across the stone corridors. Kaelith stood in his war room, studying the map spread before him. Twenty ships. More by the hour. His mind ran through every possible strategy. Intercept them at sea? Lure them closer to the cliffs? Or… wait?

His father would not approve of hesitation, but Seraphine's words lingered. Find out what they truly want before you draw your sword.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

Rhys Calder, his most trusted knight, stepped inside. "Your Highness," he said in a low voice, "there's someone here to see you. A messenger. He claims to have vital information about House Veltros."

Kaelith frowned. "From whom?"

"He wouldn't say. Only that it concerns the fleet—and that you must come alone."

Kaelith's grip tightened on the edge of the table. A trap? Or an opportunity?

"Where is he?"

"In the old watchtower."

Kaelith grabbed his sword belt. "Stay here. If I'm not back in an hour, assume the worst."

Rhys hesitated. "Let me come with you—"

"No." Kaelith met his gaze. "If this is important, I need them to talk. They won't if they see my second at my back."

Rhys clenched his jaw but nodded. "Be careful."

Kaelith strode through the dim corridors, his mind racing. When he reached the watchtower, he pushed open the heavy wooden door.

A figure stood in the moonlight, hooded and cloaked.

"Prince Kaelith," the stranger said, voice low and urgent. "Veltros' fleet is not here to invade. They are hunting someone. Someone inside your court."

Kaelith's heart slammed against his ribs. "Who?"

The messenger hesitated. Then:

"Your wife."

Silence crashed between them.

Kaelith stepped closer, hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. "Why?"

The figure shook their head. "I don't know. Only that they want her alive."

Kaelith's pulse pounded. Was this the answer? Was Seraphine a traitor—or a target?

He took a slow breath, forcing his voice to remain steady. "Who sent you?"

The messenger hesitated. "A friend. One who knows what you do not."

Before Kaelith could demand more, the figure turned and disappeared into the night.

He stood there, his thoughts tangled in a storm of suspicion and unanswered questions.

Seraphine. Was she the mastermind—or the hunted?

Either way, she was keeping secrets.

And Kaelith was going to uncover every last one.