The moment Lady Selene Arkwright stepped fully into the corridor, the warmth she had worn so carefully in Lady Rhaelynn's presence evaporated like mist beneath the sun.
Her spine straightened.
Her steps slowed—measured, deliberate.
And her eyes, moments ago gentle and compliant, hardened into something sharp and ancient.
The palace corridor stretched ahead of her in pale stone and quiet echoes. Servants moved about their duties, bowing low as she passed, unaware that the woman gliding through their midst was not what she appeared to be.
Selene welcomed their ignorance.
She let out a slow breath, steadying herself—not because she feared what was to come, but because proximity always demanded caution. In proximity if caught unaware, might say much more than what's supposed to be said. She needs to weigh her words carefully before she says it.
Aurelia Flameborne, she thought coldly.
The cursed queen. The world-ender.
The Book of Evernight never lies.
