The ride back to the palace was quiet, the kind of silence that pressed against the air and made every heartbeat sound too loud. The sun had barely risen, its pale light cutting through the mist that curled around the castle towers.
Seraphina held the glowing amulet in her hand, its warmth fading, but the unease it left behind refused to leave. "It stopped," she murmured, glancing at Lorin beside her. "But that light… it wasn't just a warning. It felt alive, like it was trying to speak."
Lorin nodded, though his jaw was tight. "It felt the same when the witch attacked last time. It's sensing something again—something dark."
Kael, who had ridden ahead of them, slowed his horse and turned. "Then we need to be careful. The palace feels different already."
When they entered through the great gates, the guards' eyes followed them—whispers echoing in their wake. Even the air inside the corridors seemed to hum with hidden tension.
As they approached the council chamber, muffled voices could be heard through the heavy doors.
"Do you hear that?" Seraphina asked softly.
Lorin and Kael exchanged glances, both listening. Inside, the voices grew clearer.
"The betrothal will solidify our power," one councilor said. "House Veylor's armies would stand with us. The princess will serve the kingdom through this union."
King Alaric's voice came next—calm, but strained. "Then it is decided. The announcement will be made soon."
The words hit Seraphina like a strike. She stepped forward, her voice shaking. "Father?"
The guards opened the doors for her. Lorin and Kael followed close behind.
King Alaric turned sharply from his seat at the head of the table. His crown caught the morning light as he said, "Seraphina, you should not be here now."
"I should," she said, her voice breaking. "I heard everything. You can't do this. You can't choose my life for me."
"This is not about choice," he replied firmly. "This is about survival. The witch grows stronger, and alliances will keep this kingdom alive."
Seraphina's eyes filled with tears. "How?? How will alliances stop the witches magic? and what about love? What about what I want?"
Her voice echoed off the walls, and suddenly, the amulet at her neck pulsed violently—flashing gold. The wind stirred in the room, rattling the maps and banners on the walls.
"Seraphina!" Kael exclaimed, moving toward her as the magic sparked in the air. "You need to calm down."
She shook her head, her breathing quick and uneven. "He can't do this!"
The amulet's light flared brighter, trembling like it would burst. Kael reached her side quickly, taking her hand. His tone softened. "Breathe. Slowly. Don't let it take over. You'll cause destruction if you lose control."
Seraphina closed her eyes, forcing herself to steady her breath. The light from the amulet dimmed gradually until it became still again.
Lorin took a step forward, his eyes burning. "Your Majesty, with all respect, this isn't right. The witch's influence—"
"Enough," Alaric interrupted sharply. "You forget your place, guard. You will remain silent."
Lorin's fists clenched at his sides, but he said nothing.
Kael looked between them, tension rising like smoke in the room. "Your Majesty, something feels wrong. You're making decisions that aren't entirely your own."
Alaric's eyes darkened. "You would accuse your king of weakness?"
Kael didn't flinch. "No. I'm saying someone may be poisoning your mind."
The king slammed his hand on the table. "Enough! This discussion is over."
The hall fell silent. The air grew colder, heavier.
Seraphina looked at her father one last time, her voice soft but full of ache. "You're letting fear decide for you."
She turned and left the chamber, Kael and Lorin following close behind.
And far away, hidden within her dark tower, the witch smiled through her crystal orb, her laughter curling like smoke. "Let love crumble under duty," she whispered.
But deep beneath her mockery, the orb trembled once again.