The celebration following the hunt was grand — lavish even by imperial standards.
Golden chandeliers glimmered overhead as nobles danced in jeweled gowns, and the scent of rare wines and roasted game filled the air. Musicians played melodies that tried to mask the tension that still lingered in the grand hall. But all eyes, knowingly or not, kept drifting toward one woman.
Seraphina.
She stood at the top of the grand staircase, draped in a midnight gown that shimmered like starlight. Her silver mask still concealed her face, but tonight… she didn't need it.
Power clung to her like perfume.
Whispers rippled.
"She tamed a divine beast."
"She didn't use light magic."
"Dark light? What is she really?"
And somewhere among the crowd, the heroine — Lady Elowen — smiled sweetly, holding a wine glass as if she hadn't just tried to bind the beast herself.
Seraphina descended the stairs like descending a throne, each step deliberate. She was headed straight toward Elowen.
Kael remained at her side, his usual composed features unreadable. But Seraphina could feel his unease. He'd noticed the same thing: Elowen was planning something.
"Lady Elowen," Seraphina said smoothly as she reached her. "What a pleasant surprise."
Elowen curtsied perfectly, her expression the picture of gentle admiration.
"I must offer my deepest thanks, Your Majesty, for saving me during the hunt. I was foolish to stray so far."
Seraphina tilted her head slightly, studying the girl. "Were you straying?" Her voice was soft, dangerous. "Or were you summoning?"
The glass in Elowen's hand trembled for the faintest moment.
"I—would never dare," Elowen said sweetly. "I'm far too inexperienced with magic."
"Indeed," Seraphina murmured. "It would be quite the scandal, wouldn't it, if a count's daughter was caught attempting a forbidden ritual?"
Kael coughed quietly — a warning. Too many ears were nearby.
Seraphina gave a slight smile and turned away, leaving Elowen fuming behind her polished innocence.
But as she stepped away, she felt it — a flicker of light magic brushing her neck like a whisper. A subtle attempt to scry her thoughts.
Seraphina stilled.
Then turned on her heel.
Her gloved hand lashed out, grabbing a nearby goblet of dark wine — and she hurled it at the source of the magic.
It hit a noblewoman two steps behind Elowen, who gasped in shock as the enchantment broke, exposing her enchanted ring — glowing faint white.
The crowd gasped.
"Lady Lysenne," Seraphina said coolly. "Snooping in your Empress's mind is treason."
The woman dropped to her knees at once.
"I—I was only curious! I swear!"
Elowen's eyes widened, but not with surprise. With fear.
Seraphina's voice turned icy. "Curiosity kills more than just cats in this palace. Guards."
The woman was dragged away. The crowd fell silent.
Elowen tried to speak. "Your Majesty—"
"Do choose your allies more wisely," Seraphina cut in, locking eyes with her. "Loyalty is hard to come by. I'd hate to think you're investing in fragile things."
And with that, she swept away — her divine beast now lying outside the hall doors, silent and watchful.
Up above, three pairs of eyes followed her:
— Riven, arms crossed, unreadable.
— Eren, with an amused smirk and wine glass half full.
— Lucien, fingers glowing faintly, as if calculating something only he could see.
None of them had pledged loyalty yet.
But now, they were watching.
So was the heroine.
And Seraphina… was preparing her next move.
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