A Well-Placed Distraction

Seraphine moved through the servant's quarters, careful to stay in the shadows. The east wing was always quiet at night, but the guards patrolled its corridors with unnerving precision.

She needed to lure them away—just long enough.

A few moments later, a flickering torch sconce in the west corridor burst into flames, the dry tapestry beside it catching fire.

Shouts rang out as guards rushed toward the commotion.

Seraphine wasted no time.

She slipped into the east wing, pressing herself against the cold stone walls. The forbidden chamber stood before her, its door slightly ajar.

Her pulse quickened.

Someone had been here recently.

Steeling herself, she stepped inside.

To be continued…

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