The moment we stepped through the gates, I knew we had made a mistake.
Not because anyone attacked us.
Because no one did.
The silence was worse.
The Council’s territory looked nothing like Kael’s kingdom. There were no busy streets, no guards shouting orders, no merchants moving between buildings.
Everything was old.
Ancient stone towers surrounded us, their walls covered with faded silver symbols.
Even the air felt different.
Colder.
Heavier.
I wrapped my arms around myself.
“Do you feel that?” I whispered.
Kael glanced at me.
“Yes.”
Adrian looked around.
“Feel what?”
“Eyes.”
He frowned.
Then I noticed them.
People stood beneath the stone arches.
Council guards.
Servants.
Even ordinary-looking villagers.
They were all staring at me.
Not Kael.
Not Adrian.
Me.
I
