The fortress buzzed with activity the next morning, servants rushing through the halls, their whispers sharp with urgency. I stood at my chamber's window, the Blade of Dusk gone but its weight still lingering in my bones. The whisper from the Chapel haunted me—You have altered a fixed point in fate—and Valthorne's scrutiny last night had only deepened my unease. The story was unraveling, and I was the tear in its fabric.
Elara appeared at my door, her face pale. "Mistress Lira, Lord Valthorne requests your presence in the training yard."
I nodded, pulling on Lira's leather gloves, their fit too perfect for a body that wasn't mine. The training yard was a wide, open space ringed by stone walls, weapons racks gleaming with swords and spears. Valthorne wasn't there, but a group of soldiers trained in the center, their blades clashing. I scanned the yard, my nerves on edge, when a figure caught my eye—a young man, lean and sharp-featured, leaning against a wall. His dark hair was tied back, his eyes scanning the crowd with a predator's focus.
My breath caught. I knew him. Kael, a minor character from The Fall of Kingdoms. He was a spy for the hero, Aric, infiltrating Valthorne's ranks in the novel's second act. He wasn't supposed to be here—not for months, not until the war council. Yet there he was, watching me with a faint, knowing smile.
I turned away, my heart racing. Another piece of the story out of place. First the Blade of Dusk, now Kael. My presence was breaking the timeline, pulling events forward like a tide. I crossed the yard, pretending not to notice him, but his gaze followed, heavy and deliberate.
"Lady Lira," he called, his voice smooth, almost playful. I stopped, forced to acknowledge him. He pushed off the wall, approaching with a grace that hid his danger. "You're Valthorne's apprentice, yes? I've heard… interesting things."
I forced a smile, channeling Lira's confidence. "And you are?"
"Kael," he said, bowing slightly. "A new recruit. Lord Valthorne's taken an interest in me, it seems."
I bet he has. In the novel, Kael's charm masked his betrayal. But why was he here now? Was he already spying, or was this another ripple I'd caused? "Welcome to the fortress," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "It's not an easy place to call home."
His smile widened, but his eyes were cold, calculating. "I'm used to difficult places. And difficult people."
I nodded, turning away, but his presence lingered like a shadow. He was suspicious, and worse, he was early. The story was accelerating, and I didn't know how to stop it—or if I even could.