A Game of Shadows

Kaelith stood at the highest balcony of the palace, staring down at the moonlit corridors below.

He did not need to see Seraphine to know she had left her chambers tonight.

His spies had already reported it.

She was careful—always careful. But not careful enough.

A man had been watching the eastern passage. He had seen her disappear into the abandoned wing of the palace. And she had not gone alone.

Kaelith's fingers tightened around the railing.

She was still moving in the dark, still meeting with unknown allies.

Still lying to him.

His jaw clenched. He had given her time—too much time.

She had tested his patience, and now, he would make his next move.

Kaelith turned to the shadowed figure waiting behind him.

"Find out who she met tonight." His voice was quiet, but cold. "I want their name, their face, and their allegiance."

The spy bowed. "And if we find them, my prince?"

Kaelith's gaze darkened.

"Make sure they never meet her again."