Caught in the Dark

Kaelith stepped from the shadows, his dagger glinting in the torchlight.

Seraphine spun, her cloak swirling around her. For the first time since their marriage, he saw it—true fear in her eyes.

The hooded man reached for a weapon, but Kaelith was faster. His blade pressed against the man's throat before he could move.

"No sudden movements," Kaelith said coldly. "Unless you wish to die here."

The man froze.

Seraphine's expression shifted—not to fear, but to something colder.

"You shouldn't be here," she murmured.

Kaelith's jaw clenched. "And you shouldn't be sneaking through my castle to meet with strangers."

Silence.

Seraphine held his gaze, her breathing steady. Then, slowly, she turned to the man.

"Leave."

The hooded figure hesitated. "My lady—"

"Now."

The man gave Kaelith a wary glance before slipping into the darkness.

Now, only the prince and his wife remained.

Kaelith took a step closer, his voice low and edged with danger. "No more lies, Seraphine. Who are you loyal to?"

Her lips parted slightly, but no words came.

For the first time, she had no prepared answer.

And Kaelith knew—he had finally cornered her.

---