The morning light was cruelly bright.
It poured through the tall palace windows, spilling across the marble floors and the golden banners that hung in the great hall. Servants hurried through the corridors, silent and tense, as if afraid their voices might draw attention from the wrong ears.
By the time Seraphina arrived, the court was already gathered. Adrian and Elysia stood before the throne, dressed in immaculate white and gold. Lucien waited a few paces away, the emblem of the Church gleaming on his shoulder.
The air felt heavy. Something was coming.
When Adrian raised his hand, the murmurs quieted. "This morning, the Holy Council has issued a decree," he said. His voice was steady, but she could hear the unease beneath it. "A series of irregularities in divine readings has drawn the Church's attention. Until these matters are resolved, Lady Seraphina Ardentia will remain under observation."
The words fell into the silence like stones into deep water.
"Observation?" someone whispered from the crowd.
Another voice followed. "That's what they say before exile."
Seraphina kept her expression still. Only her hands, clasped in front of her, betrayed her tension.
Lucien stepped forward, his tone calm and absolute. "This is not punishment. It is vigilance. The Light tests all who dwell near its flame. We seek only to understand why the relics have changed. The Lady will not be harmed as long as she cooperates."
Elysia turned toward Seraphina with a delicate show of sympathy. "Sister, surely you will not refuse the Church's request. It is for your safety as well."
Seraphina met her eyes. "Of course. Safety is such a fragile thing in this palace."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "You will remain within the palace grounds until the investigation concludes. Guards will ensure no one disturbs you."
Her voice was quiet. "Including myself, I assume."
"Do not make this harder than it must be," he said softly.
She smiled faintly. "It already is."
Lucien inclined his head. "The Church will begin its inquiry tomorrow. Rest while you still can."
As he turned away, she caught the faintest flicker of something in his eyes, regret, maybe, or warning. She could not tell.
The audience ended soon after, but no one spoke to her as she left the hall. The nobles who had once smiled at her now looked away. A few even crossed themselves as she passed.
By the time she reached her chambers, her pulse was a dull roar in her ears.
Cale was waiting just inside the door, his hand already on his sword. "What happened?"
"They've decided to watch me," she said, closing the door behind her. "Like a wild animal they're not ready to cage."
Elias sat at her writing desk, parchment and ink before him. He looked up sharply. "Observation? That's not an inquiry. It's a threat in ceremonial clothes."
"I know," she said. "Lucien was the one who delivered it."
Cale's expression darkened. "He's the one who summoned you last night, isn't he?"
She hesitated, then nodded.
Elias rose from his seat, eyes narrowing. "What did he say?"
Seraphina walked to the window. The gardens below were quiet, the fountain frozen solid even in morning light. She traced the glass with her fingertips. "He told me why the Church fears me. They think I carry the power of Equinox. A goddess who defied their Light. A heretic in divine form."
Elias's voice was barely above a whisper. "Equinox. The goddess of twilight and balance. The Church erased her scriptures centuries ago."
"Yes. Because she gave power to those abandoned by the Light. The Church calls her false. Lucien calls her dangerous."
"And what do you call her?" Cale asked.
Seraphina turned from the window. The morning light caught the faint silver in her hair, making it glimmer like frost. "I call her honest. She never promised salvation, only choice."
Elias's gaze softened. "That is exactly why they fear you."
Silence settled between them. The fire in the hearth burned low, its warmth barely touching the edges of the room.
"They will watch everything I do," Seraphina said quietly. "Every word, every step, every breath. One mistake, and they will have reason to destroy me."
Cale straightened. "Then we won't give them that chance."
Elias looked between them. "We will need to be careful. If the Church is looking for signs of corruption, any use of your power will expose you."
"I know," she said. "But I will not stay silent forever."
Cale frowned. "Seraphina."
She met his eyes. "I survived the dungeon. I survived betrayal. I survived fire. I will not be undone by a few frightened priests."
Her voice was calm, but the mark on her palm glowed faintly beneath her glove, a quiet pulse of silver light.
Elias saw it and stepped closer. "You're changing again."
"I can feel it," she admitted. "Every time I defy them, it grows stronger. It feels alive."
"Then you must learn to control it before they force you to."
She nodded slowly. "I will. But not here. Not while they're watching."
Cale leaned against the door. "Then we'll find a way. Elias can research what the Church destroyed, and I'll make sure you're safe until then."
Seraphina smiled faintly. "You both sound as if you've already chosen a side."
Elias met her gaze. "We did the moment they tried to burn you for breathing."
The tension in her chest loosened, just a little.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Cale looked away, his tone gruff. "You don't have to thank us. Just promise me you won't face them alone again."
She looked out the window once more, watching the frost glitter in the sun. "I can't promise that. But I can promise I won't die quietly."
The three of them stood in silence, the sound of bells echoing faintly from the chapel below.
Outside, the Church's banners fluttered in the wind. The Light's symbol gleamed against the rising sun.
And in the shadow of that brilliance, something darker stirred, quiet, patient, and waiting to be born.