For a heartbeat, Seraphina looked like she might protest again — cling to him, beg him to stay — but the seriousness in his eyes stopped her. He wasn't just some wandering fighter anymore. He was something greater — something the world was beginning to take notice of.
"Fine…" she whispered, trying to hide the tremor in her voice. "But you'd better come back. I still have things to say to you."
"I know," he said, smiling faintly. "And like I said before, I haven't forgotten. I'll give you your due attention soon."
He pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingering just long enough to calm her restless heart before stepping back. She watched him go, feeling a quiet ache she didn't understand.
****
That night
Seraphina stood alone in her chamber when the letter arrived — a sealed parchment carried by no visible messenger, its edges glowing faintly with royal wax. The air itself seemed to still, heavy with something unspoken.
