A Warning Unspoken

Seraphine felt the shift the moment she stepped into her chambers.

The air was too still. The silence too heavy.

And then—she saw him.

Kaelith stood by the window, bathed in silver moonlight, his arms crossed over his chest. His expression was unreadable, but his presence alone sent a chill through her veins.

He was waiting for her.

Seraphine did not hesitate. She removed her cloak with practiced ease, letting it slip through her fingers as though she had nothing to hide. "You're still awake?"

Kaelith's gaze didn't leave her. "I could ask you the same."

Seraphine smiled, slow and teasing. "Did you miss me?"

His smirk was sharp. "Should I have?"

She stepped toward him, closing the distance between them. "You're tense tonight, husband." Her fingers brushed against his sleeve. "Tell me, what troubles you?"

Kaelith caught her wrist, stopping her touch. Holding it just long enough to make a point.

Then, with deliberate slowness, he let her go.

Seraphine's pulse quickened, but she kept her expression serene.

Kaelith was warning her.

He knew she had left. He just didn't know why.

Not yet.

Seraphine tilted her head, feigning innocence. "You look at me as if you expect something."

Kaelith's lips curled, but his eyes remained cold.

"I expect many things from you, my love," he murmured. "But honesty is not one of them."

And with that, he turned and left, leaving her alone with the weight of his unspoken threat.