Whispers in the Dark

Seraphine's heartbeat was steady, but her mind raced.

Kaelith was watching her too closely. Testing her.

She had played the role of the devoted wife flawlessly, but she could feel it—he was not convinced.

Which meant he was still searching.

Seraphine could not afford another mistake.

That night, she slipped through the servants' passage, her cloak drawn tightly around her. She moved carefully, avoiding the torchlight, her path leading her to an abandoned section of the palace.

A hooded figure awaited her in the shadows.

"You were followed," the figure whispered.

Seraphine's breath stilled. "Are you certain?"

"A man lingered near the entrance after you passed. He did not pursue, but he was watching."

Her pulse quickened. Kaelith's men.

She had expected them to trace her letters—but now, they were following her movements, too.

"We must end our meetings," Seraphine said firmly. "It is too dangerous now."

The hooded figure hesitated. "But the plan—"

"I will find another way," she interrupted. "Go."

She turned sharply, making her way back toward the palace.

Kaelith was closing in.

But if he thought she would be caught so easily… he was wrong.