Ciel felt it before he saw her.
The air shifted as he crossed the outer courtyard, the fading light of dusk casting long shadows across the cobblestones. His boots made no sound, but every step felt deliberate—as if the world itself was listening.
Someone was watching him.
He didn’t need to turn to know who.
Agatha’s gaze burned from the far balcony that overlooked the training grounds. She stood behind the ornate balustrade, a vision of gold and cold elegance, her hair catching the last of the sunset like copper aflame.
Ciel did not stop. He did not bow his head. He simply continued forward, his silver eyes fixed ahead as if her stare were meaningless—yet inside, his instincts sharpened.
She wanted him to see her.
As he reached the archway leading back into the castle, a thought co
