The city gathered before the bells finished ringing.
Not in panic.
In curiosity.
That was worse.
Seraphina stood at the edge of the balcony, watching the crowd form below—slowly at first, then all at once, like water finding a channel. Banners were raised. Guards repositioned. Officials took their places with rehearsed ease.
Everything was prepared for reassurance.
Everything except the variable they could not control.
Her.
“Remember,” the councilwoman said behind her, voice smooth with restraint, “this is not a confrontation.”
Seraphina did not turn.
“It never is,” she replied calmly. “Until it is.”
The councilwoman stiffened. “You will stand. You will be seen. You will say nothing.”
Seraphina smiled faintly. “You should be more precise. I won’t say anything you approve of.”
