A Queen’s Resolve

Seraphine stood in the quiet of her tent, her mind racing. Kaelith had shut her out, but that did not mean she would stay idle.

If he would not tell her the truth, she would find it herself.

Pulling a cloak over her shoulders, she stepped into the night. The camp was restless, soldiers moving with quiet urgency, preparing for what was to come.

Seraphine kept to the shadows, making her way toward the scout's tent. If there were answers to be found, she would start there.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of herbs and blood. The scout lay motionless, his breathing shallow. A healer glanced up, startled. "Your Highness—"

Seraphine raised a hand. "I need to speak with him."

The healer hesitated before stepping aside.

Seraphine knelt beside the cot, her voice low. "Tell me what you saw."

The scout's eyes fluttered open. His voice was weak, barely above a whisper. "Not men… Shadows. Moving like smoke. Eyes—burning red."

A chill crept down Seraphine's spine.

Whatever Kaelith was facing—it was more than just war.

To be continued…

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