Shadows and lies

Chapter Ten – Shadows and Lies

Elyra's pulse pumped through her ears as Draven's words settled in the space between them. The flickering candlelight cast shadows along the walls, shifting as if they held secrets of their own.

You are not safe here.

Her throat tightened, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice steady despite the unease curling in her chest.

Draven studied her, as if weighing how much to reveal. Then, with a slow inhale, he turned away, moving toward the window. He pushed back the curtain slightly, his sharp eyes scanning the empty courtyard below.

"The palace is not what it seems," he said finally. "Nor are the people in it."

Elyra stepped forward, her nightgown whispering against the stone floor. "And that includes you, doesn't it?"

Draven let out a low chuckle, though there was no amusement in it. "It especially includes me."

A shiver ran down her spine. She had expected no reassurances, but hearing him confirm it made the air feel heavier. "Then why warn me?" she pressed. "Why tell me at all?"

Draven turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Because whether you believe it or not, I need you alive."

Her stomach twisted. "Why?"

A knock at the door cut through the charged air. Sharp. Demanding.

Elyra's breath caught. Draven's expression darkened instantly, and before she could move, he crossed the room in two swift strides. Without a sound, he pulled her against the shadows, pressing her back against the cool stone wall.

"Don't speak," he murmured against her ear. His breath was warm against her skin, but his voice was ice.

The door creaked open, and Elyra held her breath as heavy footsteps entered the chamber. A deep, unfamiliar voice filled the space.

"She was awake. I heard voices."

Her heart pounded. Who was this? And how had they been listening?

Silence stretched for a moment before Draven responded, his tone as sharp as a blade. "Are you questioning me?"

The man hesitated. "Of course not, Your Majesty."

"Then leave."

A pause. Then, retreating footsteps. The door shut, returning them in silence once more.

Draven stepped back, his hand brushing hers as he moved away. Elyra released a shaky breath, her pulse still racing. "Who was that?" she whispered.

Draven's jaw tightened. "Someone who should not be lurking outside your door."

Her chest rose and fell rapidly. "You knew he was listening."

"I suspected," he admitted. "And now I have confirmation."

Elyra swallowed. The warning, the watchful eyes none of it had been paranoia. She truly wasn't safe here.

Draven watched her closely. "You need to be careful, Elyra. You have no idea how dangerous this place can be."

She met his gaze, something unspoken crackling between them. "Then tell me."

Draven exhaled slowly, lifting a hand as if to touch her, but stopping short. "Not tonight," he said at last. "But soon."

Elyra clenched her fists, frustrated but unwilling to push further. She didn't trust him not fully. But tonight, he had been right.

As Draven moved toward the door, he glanced back, his expression unreadable. "Lock your door."

And then he was gone.

Elyra stood frozen in place, the weight of his warning pressing down on her. Shadows stretched across the chamber, swallowing the dim candlelight, and for the first time since arriving, she realized

She wasn't just a pawn in a dangerous game.

She was a target.