Seraphine’s POV
They were already afraid of her. I didn’t need to create fear. I just needed to give it shape.
I stood just outside the council corridor, fingers resting lightly over my stomach, head slightly bowed, just enough to look fragile, not weak.
There was a difference.
And I had learned it well.
Voices carried through the doors.
Sharp.
Uneven.
Good.
That meant it was working.
One of the elders stepped out first, his face tight, eyes unsettled. He didn’t notice me immediately.
They never did at first.
Not until I let them.
“Elder Maren.”
My voice came soft.
Careful.
He turned, startled slightly before his expression shifted into something more composed.
“Lady Seraphine.”
I gave a small nod, lowering my gaze briefly like I wasn’t meant to be here.
“I didn’t mean t
