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CHAPTER 22
~Seraphina's POV~
Elder Mauris' Private Estate – East Wing Parlour
The scent of lavender drifted through the lavish room. A fire crackled softly in the hearth, but it did little to warm the chill coiled in my spine.
Mira sat beside me, hands folded primly in her lap, but I could feel her tension as clearly as my own. Every so often, she glanced at the elder pacing the edge of the rug—each pass slower, heavier.
Elder Mauris had been silent for the past full minute. The only sound was the ticking of the grandfather clock and the shifting of his robe.
Finally, he stopped.
He turned toward us with an expression carved from stone. "This… news you've brought me," he said slowly, "is deeply troubling."
I dipped my head. "We thought you should be made aware, Elder. Before things spiral beyond repair."
He nodded once, then gestured for us to continue.
