Shadows in the Court

Seraphine kept the book hidden beneath her cloak as she slipped from the library. If someone was plotting to break the Shadowborn's prison, they wouldn't want this knowledge exposed.

Which meant she had to be careful.

She needed to know who would benefit from such a catastrophe.

Her first suspicion was the scholars, but they were too careful, too afraid of forces beyond their control. This required someone with power—someone who could move freely within the court.

And she had an idea where to start.

The royal archives held records of every scholar, mage, and noble who had studied the old magic. If she could find a connection, she might uncover the one responsible.

But as she turned a corner, she stopped short.

A figure stood in her path, eyes gleaming in the dim light.

They had been waiting for her.

To be continued…

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