Back at the castle, dawn painted the spires gold, but I felt no warmth. My chambers were a temporary sanctuary as I processed the night's events. Riven had slipped off to "scout" (probably to steal something), and Sylvara had vanished into the forest, promising to meet me later. The system's new quest loomed: infiltrate House Valthorne's estate. Easier said than done. They were a minor noble house in the novel, barely mentioned, but now they were summoning shadow beasts? Something big was brewing.
A knock at my door jolted me. "Lady Elara," the maid called. "His Highness requests your presence in the war room."
Kael. Of course. I adjusted my gown—black today, with silver embroidery to match my shadows—and steeled myself.
The war room was all dark wood and maps, with a massive table carved with the kingdom's borders. Kael stood at its head, armored in black, his expression unreadable. Beside him was Liora, looking out of place in a borrowed gown, and a hulking figure I hadn't expected: Torren, a beastkin warrior with wolf-like ears and scars crisscrossing his arms. In the novel, he was Kael's loyal shadow, a silent brute with a tragic backstory.
"Lady Elara," Kael said, his voice clipped. "You've been busy."
I raised an eyebrow, ignoring the flutter in my chest. "Have I, Your Highness?"
"Don't play coy," he said, tossing a dagger onto the table. Its blade was coated in black ichor. "This was found in the forest. Near an altar. Care to explain?"
My heart skipped. Riven's dagger? Or another clue? I kept my face neutral. "I don't know what you're talking about. But if it's about shadow beasts, I'd say you're the one who needs to explain. They're tied to the throne's curse, aren't they?"
His eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise betraying him. "Bold accusation."
"Bold truth," I shot back. "Unless you think I'm summoning monsters in my spare time."
Liora spoke up, voice soft but firm. "The beasts attacked me. If Lady Elara says she's uninvolved, I believe her."
Kael's gaze flicked to her, softening for a fraction of a second. Ugh, the heroine effect. Torren, silent until now, growled, "The forest reeks of dark magic. Whoever's behind this is close."
The system pinged: [Ally Scan: Torren Ironclaw – Beastkin Affinity. Disposition: Suspicious. Potential Ally Score: 50%.]
Kael leaned forward, hands braced on the table. "Elara, you're either a fool or a liar. Which is it?"
I stepped closer, shadows flickering at my feet. "Maybe I'm just better at this game than you think."
The air between us crackled again, and for a moment, I thought he'd grab me—or kiss me. Both seemed equally dangerous. Instead, he straightened. "Prove it. Join the investigation into House Valthorne. Refuse, and I'll assume you're guilty."
[Quest Accepted: Infiltrate House Valthorne's Estate]
[Bonus Objective: Gain Kael's Trust – 10% Progress]
"Fine," I said, smirking. "But don't cry when I outshine you."
Torren snorted, a rare sound. Liora looked between us, confused. Kael just stared, his expression unreadable but intense.
As I left the war room, the system whispered: [Warning: Time Loop Anomaly Detected. Proceed with Caution.]
A time loop? The novel never mentioned that. My stomach twisted. Whatever House Valthorne was doing, it was bigger than shadow beasts. And Kael? He was either my greatest ally—or my worst enemy.
To be continued...
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