Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Seraphina (to herself): The east wing is colder than I remember. Not just the air.

The silence. The stillness. It’s like living in a mausoleum.

Lady Mirelle (Maid): My Lady, should I prepare the bath?

Seraphina: Yes… and bring my crimson nightgown. The silk one.

Lady Mirelle: The one you said you’d never wear?

Seraphina: Plans have changed.

[Later – Seraphina’s Chambers, Candlelight]

Seraphina (to herself): Last time, I avoided him. Feared him. This time, I’ll go to him willingly.

I need to see more. Understand more.

[Door creaks open – Kaelrith’s Private Study]

Kaelrith: You again?

Seraphina: Am I not allowed to visit my husband?

Kaelrith: You’re not scared of me. That’s suspicious.

Seraphina (smiling softly): Should I pretend to tremble?

Kaelrith: It would be more believable. Why are you really here?

Seraphina: To talk. To know the man beneath the legend.

Kaelrith (laughs darkly): And what do you expect to find? A tragic soul longing to be saved?

Seraphina: No. But perhaps… a man who’s never truly been seen.

Kaelrith: Careful, Seraphina. You’re playing with fire.

Seraphina (stepping closer): Then maybe I was meant to burn.

[Silence. A shift in the air.]

Kaelrith (voice quieter): You’re not the same girl I married.

Seraphina: You noticed.

Kaelrith: Your eyes… They’ve seen war. Seen betrayal.

Seraphina (softly): And yours have seen too much death.

Kaelrith: This isn’t a fairy tale. I won’t become some shining knight just because you smile at me.

Seraphina; I don’t want a knight. I want you. All of you. Even the darkness.

Kaelrith: Then you're either lying… or you're more dangerous than me.

[Sudden gust – the candles flicker, then extinguish]

Seraphina:What was that?

Kaelrith (coldly): The wards are weakening.

A spirit crossed the threshold.

Seraphina (alarmed): A spirit?

Kaelrith: Blackthorn is cursed. Didn’t they tell you?

Seraphina: No. But I’m beginning to understand. This marriage wasn’t just political.

It was a trap.

Kaelrith: Smart girl.

Seraphina:So they wanted me dead. Again.

Kaelrith (surprised): “Again”…?

Seraphina: (covering quickly) Just a figure of speech.

Kaelrith: Hmph. You’re not what I expected.

Seraphina: Neither are you.

[Pause. Their eyes meet in the dark.]

Seraphina (to herself): This castle hides more than spirits. Secrets. Pain. Power. And him. I must learn it all—before the past repeats itself.

Seraphina: Goodnight, Kaelrith.

Kaelrith: You should fear me, Seraphina. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

Seraphina (smiling as she leaves): We’ll see who regrets what.

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Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath the Mask

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