tions, called upon trusted allies, and doubled the security on her trade routes, yet the shadows of treachery seemed to grow thicker with

warning of battles yet to come. For the first time in days, her thoughts drifted to her past life, to the moment when everything was wrenched away. That haunting betrayal, the dagger's kiss, and the

was lit by a solitary chandelier, its soft glow casting long shadows across the mahogany fu

my lady?" he asked

cross from her desk. "Sit, Gér

efore him. His sharp eyes met hers, a silent ex

into the southern r

ted, my lady, the attacks are far too coordinated to be mere banditry. These are targe

, her eyes scanning the lo

faction within the neighboring Veridian Guild may be involved.

enough for him to betray her in their previous life; he sought to undermine her even now, in

as steel. "Staff it with my most trusted guards. If the

hat of Marcus Kane? He's been seen con

e on him. Marcus is a man who thrives in

to bolster her security forces, were housed. Dressed in a simple cloak to conceal her identity, she strode through the dimly lit corridors, h

oming from one of the chambers. Pausing ju

gruff voice said, "but Marcus Kane

ssing herself against the wa

caravans fall," another voice replied. "Says he has a way

trating her downfall while pretending to be a loyal ally.

, but also strategically. Confronting Marcus now would tip her hand, and she couldn't af

The two women sat beneath a grand oak tree, the estate's lush greenery providing an illusion of seren

e said, her tone light yet probing. "I h

d practiced. "Secrets, my dear Elaine

úcia over the rim of her cup. "Oh, just a feeling

ments, but she quickly recovered. "Resourcefu

ing. "Because I can't help but wonder why Edmon

down with a faint clink. "Edmond and I share a mu

at you're far too intelligent to act without purpos

Lúcia smiled once more, a hint of defiance in her expression. "You always were per

her own, though it lacked warmth. "An

lowly coming together, revealing a web of deceit that stretched farther than she had anticipated. Edmond's involvement with the Ver

es didn't: the knowledge of their betr

letters contained coded instructions to prepare for a counterstrike against her enemies. She couldn'

t crest, a knock at the door drew her attention

mmanding as always. He carried a folded piece of p

lady," he said. "It arr

ad the contents. It was a warning from one of her spies, detailing an imminent attac

expression unreadable. "Thank

thoughts. The timing of the message was suspicious, as was Marcus' inv

ey could outmaneuver her, they were gravely mistaken. She would meet their a

ng, and Elaine was read

the cool night breeze. The outpost was heavily fortified, with guards stationed at every corner

t sound reached her ears-the rumble of hooves and

archers took their positions, and the soldiers prepared for battle. Elaine hersel

with precision, their formation indicating professional training. But Elaine's forc

She had trained relentlessly since her rebirth, determined never to be caught off guard ag

d been repelled. Several had been captured, as per Elaine's orders. She stoo

s hands bound and his mask removed. To her surprise, he

"Who sent you?" she de

iance evident. But Elaine would

hat her enemies would stop at nothing to see her fall. But she w

chance, and she wo