I didn’t trust Daniel.
Not in the woods. Not on the road. And especially not behind castle walls where shadows whispered louder than footsteps.
So when I saw him slipping through the side corridor near Amara’s chambers—again—I didn’t hesitate.
I followed.
He moved fast. Quiet. Like someone who’d done this before.
But I was faster.
I intercepted him at the north stairwell, blade drawn, body blocking the exit.
“Going somewhere, rat?”
He stilled, that same smug twist pulling at his mouth. “Lena.”
“You weren’t summoned.”
He raised his hands. “I was checking the perimeter wards. Idris asked me.”
I didn’t flinch. “You should’ve started with a better lie.”
His gaze flicked past me, just briefly—like he thought he still had options.
“Move,” he said.
I took a step forward instead.
St
