Back to the Lion’s Den

Seraphine's breath burned in her lungs as she pushed forward, the palace towers finally appearing through the trees. Every step away from Kieran felt like a victory, but her mind raced with unease.

He had let her go too easily.

The thought sent a chill down her spine.

She slipped through the hidden servants' entrance, keeping to the shadows. Her dress was torn, her skin marked with the fight—but she didn't care. She had to reach Kaelith before Kieran made his next move.

The guards at the inner corridor stiffened at her appearance. One stepped forward. "Your Highness—"

"Not now," she snapped, brushing past them.

She found Kaelith in his study, pouring over maps. He barely looked up as she stormed in—until he saw her.

His gaze darkened. "What happened?"

Seraphine shut the door behind her, heart still racing. "I was ambushed."

Kaelith was on his feet in an instant, crossing the room. His hands found her shoulders, scanning her with sharp eyes. "By whom?"

She swallowed hard. "Kieran."

His entire body tensed.

Silence stretched between them. Then, voice low and edged with something lethal, he asked, "What did he want?"

Seraphine met his gaze. "Me."

Kaelith's jaw clenched.

And for the first time, true rage flickered behind his eyes.

To be continued…

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