Chapter 17 – Cassian’s Warning
The moon hung low and swollen over the marble towers of Velandria’s palace, casting long shadows across the quiet halls. The Selection buzz had settled into a simmering anticipation, but Eira felt only the cold weight of unease pressing at her chest. The Trial of Truths had shaken the delicate mask she wore. The magical artifact had shown more than she dared reveal, and Alric’s eyes lingered too long on her—eyes that now held questions and suspicion.
She needed answers.
The footsteps that echoed through the hallway were light, tentative. When Eira turned, her breath caught. A figure appeared, translucent yet unmistakably real in the flickering torchlight—a man in faded noble’s attire, his presence ethereal and chilling.
“Cassian.”
Her voice was a whisper
