Fractured Defense

Seraphine moved through the palace halls, her steps steady, her expression composed. To any onlooker, she was the same as always—cold, calculating, untouchable.

But inside, she was unraveling.

Last night had been a mistake.

A devastating, intoxicating mistake.

She had let Kaelith in, let him touch her, claim her, and for a moment—just a moment—she had wanted to belong to him.

That was the most dangerous part of all.

Because Kaelith was not a man she could afford to love.

He was her husband, yes, but he was also the one person who could destroy her if he uncovered the truth.

Seraphine clenched her fists, willing herself to breathe.

She had spent years crafting this life, building her web of secrets and lies, ensuring that no one—not even Kaelith—could ever truly know her.

And now, with a single night, he had shattered her defenses.

It could never happen again.

She turned a corner, her mind racing with what needed to be done. She had to reestablish distance, regain control. She had to remind Kaelith—and herself—that this was nothing more than a game of power.

Because if she let her heart get involved…

She would lose everything.

To be continued…

---