Chapter 86 – The Woman Who Watches Without Fear
POV: Seraphina
Seraphina stood alone on the highest balcony of the fortress, her hands resting lightly against the cold stone railing as she gazed over the sprawling grounds below.
From this height, she could see almost everything.
The training yards where warriors sharpened their skills from dawn until dusk. The winding stone paths connecting the various wings of the fortress. The guards patrolling along the walls. The servants moving between buildings carrying baskets, supplies, and messages. Every corner of the stronghold existed beneath her watchful gaze.
Normally, the sight brought her a sense of order.
Today, it brought questions.
The fortress had changed.
At first, the change had been subtle enough to escape notice. A delayed conversation here. A distracted guard there. An unusual silence spreading through hallways that were usually alive with activity.
Most people would have overlooked it.
