The palace corridors buzzed with whispers, but none dared approach the Empress directly. Seraphina moved like a shadow herself—graceful, controlled, yet burning with silent fury. The golden-eyed stranger, who introduced himself as Kaelen, had not left her side since their encounter. His presence was unsettling but undeniably powerful.
In the private chamber, Kaelen unfolded a tattered parchment. "This is a map of the hidden sanctuaries," he said, pointing to cryptic symbols scattered across the kingdom. "Your parents protected these places. Each holds a piece of the truth about the curse and the heroine's lies."
Seraphina's eyes hardened. "Then we have work to do."
As they plotted their first move, a sudden knock echoed at the door. Lucien entered, his usual calm replaced with concern. "There's news. The Divine Beast was spotted near the eastern border—disturbed and restless."
Seraphina's heart quickened. The beast was a symbol of the kingdom's balance; its agitation meant the delicate peace was shattering.
"We must move quickly," she said. "If the heroine's forces awaken the beast against us, the kingdom will burn."
Kaelen nodded. "I will lead the way."
As they prepared for the journey, Seraphina couldn't shake the feeling that shadows were closing in—not just from Evelyne, but from deeper, darker forces yet unseen.
The game had truly begun.
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