The moon shone brightly above the castle, its pale light spreading across the stone corridors.
Corin had no business being near the guest wing this late, but the old stone corridor held one secret he couldn't resist. There was a small alcove that gave a clear view of the moonlit gardens. He had claimed it years ago as a secret place where he could relax and be alone with his thoughts.
He leaned against the pillar just outside it now, a dagger in his hand, slowly turning it between his fingers. He was pretending boredom had brought him here, when in truth, it was the solace this place offered.
That's when he heard footsteps.
A man in a robe came around the corner. He wasn't a guard. He didn't look like any servant he had seen. Corin straightened, his curiosity quickly turning into suspicion.
The man stopped at Lady Lara's door and looked up and down the hall, as if making sure no one was there.
Corin stayed still, slipping back into the shadows.
The man drew something from his sleeve. It looked like a letter.
Corin's suspicion deepened.
The stranger opened the door with surprising ease, slipped inside and disappeared from his view.
Moments later, he came out again, the letter was gone.
Corin kept still, his gaze following the man, wondering what was going on.
Just as the intruder turned the corner, Lara and Mira came down the hall and went inside the room, while Dorian stayed behind to stand guard.
Suddenly, low voices echoed from the far end of the hall. Corin went still, his heart already starting to race.
Many guards appeared.
It was his father who led them as they entered Lara's room and began searching.
He could here voices.
"By order of Queen Maravelle, this chamber is to be searched immediately. Step aside."
"Why are you tearing through everything without any explanation," Dorian was saying. "What's happening here?"
"That doesn't belong to me. I've never seen that letter before." Lara was saying.
"You don't have the right to accuse her based on a rumor and a planted note."
"I'm not accusing," Aedric said without raising his voice. "I'm obeying orders. The Queen will decide what comes next."
Corin watched as they left the room one of the guards was saying to his father in a low tone, "…the letter proves her guilt, she's been working with the enemy all along."
Although his father didn't respond, Corin's blood ran cold.
Something twisted in his gut, an uneasy coil of fear and disbelief. That letter, it had been planted. He'd seen it with his own eyes.
He waited until they passed, then ran.
Fast.
Down the hall, past the cold stone walls and flickering torches. He didn't stop until he reached his room. Closing the door behind him, he leaned against it, breathing hard, as if the truth might pound its way out of his chest.
His head spun. He became confused.
He was only thirteen. No one would believe him - not the queen, not the council, not even his own father. And if he spoke up, it could even cost him his life.
But he'd seen it.
He knew what he saw.
He sat on the edge of his bed, clutching the dagger he forgot he was still holding. The metal was warm in his palm. He stared at the floor, mor confused than ever.
He didn't know what to do next. But one thing was certain, he couldn't stay quiet forever.
....
Lara stayed silent as the guards took her down the narrow stairs under the palace. The air turned even more colder. Her hands were tied, though she hadn't fought back.
When they reached the bottom. One of the guards pulled open the iron door. It creaked loudly.
The cell was small, with only a wooden bench and some straw in the corner that looked old and dirty.
"Inside," he ordered.
Lara walked in and the door closed behind her with a heavy clang.
She stood still for a moment. A rat rustled in the corner, but she ignored it.
She thought of Dorian. He had been furious, demanding answers, even fighting them, refusing to stand down, until a blade cut him, poisoned with wolfsbane. Fearing for his life, Lara begged them to stop and treat him, promising she would do whatever they wanted. Only then did they relent. Yet, despite his rank, they dragged him away and threw him into another cell without treating him.
All for standing up for her.
Eventually, Lara sat on the floor. Her wrists ached, but she welcomed the pain. It meant she was still alive and there was stil hope.
No one told her what would happen next. Only that a letter was found. It spoke of treason and the Queen had ordered her locked up until Thornak returned and the council convened.
She rested her elbows on her knees and stared at the floor. It was clean enough, yet the stench of mildew clung to the air.
Her mind felt strangely blank, for she had no way to prove her innocence. Not yet anyway. And Thornak… would he believe her.
Lara exhaled. There was nothing to do now but wait.
....
She did not know how long she had been there when she heard footsteps. They did not sound like the heavy boots of guards. These were lighter and more careful.
She raised her head and saw Selene.
"Well," she said smiling brightly. "How quickly the mighty fall."
Lara didn't answer.
"You thought you could stand among us. No wolf. No bloodline. Nothing. And now, look at you. Caged like the stray you are."
Her words cut sharper than she wanted to admit, but Lara kept her chin high.
Selene leaned closer and whispered. "When Thornak returns, he'll see you for what you are. A traitor. You don't belong here. You never did."
Lara lifted her chin, refusing to shrink. "I am innocent and you know it."
Selene's smirk deepened. "Then prove it." She walked toward the staircase without a backward glance. "Enjoy the rats."
A single tear slid down her cheek as her thoughts wandered to her brother. Would he be all right?