A Fractured Hunt

Kaelith sat in his chambers long after the market excursion, his jaw tight with frustration.

Seraphine had seen the trap. And instead of running, she had walked right through it.

No hesitation. No signals. No mistakes.

A Dangerous Realization

She was either the most calculating liar he had ever met—or she truly was innocent.

And that was the problem. He didn't know which.

Kaelith reached for the goblet of wine before him but didn't drink. His instincts screamed that Seraphine was hiding something.

But she had left no cracks to follow. She had turned his test into his failure.

His grip tightened around the cup. Unacceptable.

A New Approach

Fine. If he could not catch her slipping, he would force the truth into the light.

Kaelith rose swiftly, calling for his most trusted guard. "Bring me every record of Seraphine's past communications. Letters, gifts, messages she has sent or received."

The guard hesitated. "My prince, much of that information would have come through her own attendants—"

Kaelith's expression darkened. "Then we start with them."

Breaking the Chain

If Seraphine had allies within the castle, he would find them. If she had a pattern, he would break it.

If she thought she could outmaneuver him, she would learn that he was not a man to be deceived.

Kaelith's voice was low and cold.

"By the week's end, I will know everything she has hidden."

And if Seraphine had truly betrayed him—he would not be gentle.

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