Some secrets are hidden for a reason.
And some are buried because the world is not ready to face them.
The palace had become quieter.
Not because the danger was gone.
Because everyone was waiting for the next attack.
Every smile felt forced.
Every greeting sounded careful.
No one trusted anyone anymore.
Three days after the council meeting, Captain Rowan knocked on my door just after sunrise.
“Lady Aria?”
I opened it.
His expression was more hopeful than it had been in days.
“We found it.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“The map?”
He nodded.
“It was hidden inside an old wine cellar beneath the palace.”
“Who took it?”
Rowan’s smile faded.
“We still don’t know.”
“But whoever stole it must have hidden it before they could escape.”
I grabbed my cloak.
“Take me to Kael.”
Kael w
