A Dangerous Choice

Seraphine had one chance.

Kaelith was too quiet. Too patient.

That meant one thing—he had found something.

If she waited, he would strike first. She could not allow that.

So, she made a decision.

She would mislead him.

Seraphine spent the night destroying evidence—burning every letter, erasing every trace of her communication.

She changed her routines, became unpredictable. If Kaelith was watching, she would make sure he saw nothing but confusion.

But deception was a double-edged blade.

If she moved too quickly, he would know she was hiding something. If she did nothing, he would close in.

So, she played the only game she could—she let him see exactly what she wanted him to see.

The next morning, she approached Kaelith in the gardens, her expression unreadable.

"My prince," she said smoothly, slipping her arm through his. "You have been so distracted lately. I was beginning to wonder if I had lost your attention."

Kaelith glanced at her, his lips curving. Testing her.

Seraphine smiled, tilting her head playfully. Testing him back.

She had played this game before.

The question was—who would fall for the lie first?