Celestine’s POV
I leave my mother’s estate with my spine straight and my expression perfectly composed.
The Veyra gates slide open behind me, wrought iron retreating like obedient servants, and I don’t look back as I step into my car. I never do. Looking back is for people who doubt their own footing, and doubt has never been my weakness. Calculation, patience, ambition—those are what have carried me this far.
Still, my fingers linger on the steering wheel a moment longer than necessary.
Mother’s words echo in the back of my mind.
This is only the beginning.
As if I needed reminding.
The small box is no longer in my hands. It’s back in her possession now, tucked away somewhere secure, somewhere shielded by wards and bloodline magic. I hadn’t intended to leave it there, not permanent
