Chapter 40 – Change and Surprised Seraphine.
Leon stepped in front of Seraphine's office door.
Polished oak. Reinforced hinges. The same place where most of his major life changes had begun with a single knock.
But before he could reach for the handle, the guard standing outside straightened.
Kaela_
The woman's gaze flicked over him—once, sharply—and for a brief second, her eyes widened in disbelief.
Just for a second.
Then her expression reset, face turning crisp and neutral again. A trained soldier's mask.
Still, Leon noticed the faint stiffness in her shoulders.
She nodded politely and stepped aside. "The commander is expecting you."
He inclined his head, saying nothing, and moved to enter.
But behind those calm words, Kaela's mind was racing.
That hair. Those eyes are different but... That walk. There's no mistake.
