Shadows of the Golden Court Chapter 5: The Ball of Silent Blades

Velvet music filled the air as courtiers danced beneath golden chandeliers. But under the shimmer and silk, danger crept like a second heartbeat. Tonight, the court would watch. Tonight, Seraphina would be tested.

Outside

Raven Silven Role: Shadow Enchantress

You still have time to turn back.

Seraphina Vale (Main FL) Role: Princess

(fixing the silver clasp on her cloak)

Seraphina Vale (Main FL) Role: Princess

No. They need to see me. All of me.

Elira Frostvale Role: Princess of the N

(waiting by the entrance): You look like a flame walking into a storm.

Seraphina Vale (Main FL) Role: Princess

Smirking): Good. I hope they choke on the smoke.

Masked nobles twirled to the rhythm of lies. Every smile hid an agenda. Every toast, a veiled threat. In the center of it all, she arrived—no jewels, no crown. Only fire in her eyes.

Damon Alaric Role: The Cold CEO of a Te

(approaching with a cold grin): You’ve caused quite the stir, girl. The council whispers your name like a curse.

Seraphina Vale (Main FL) Role: Princess

Then I must be doing something right.

Damon Alaric Role: The Cold CEO of a Te

(offering his hand): Dance with me. Let them think you’re mine.

Seraphina Vale (Main FL) Role: Princess

Turning away): They’ll soon learn I belong to no one.

A figure slipped through the shadows. Cloaked. Uninvited. Eyes locked on the girl from the prophecy.

Raven Silven Role: Shadow Enchantress

There. Near the balcony. The assassin.

Elira Frostvale Role: Princess of the N

(hand on dagger): Do we stop them?

Raven Silven Role: Shadow Enchantress

No. Let’s see if she’s ready.

The masked assassin moved fast. A brush of fabric. A flash of steel.

Seraphina Vale (Main FL) Role: Princess

(thoughts): So it begins.

？？？

Your blood ends this prophecy before it begins.

A clash of metal. Sparks flew. Raven had moved—faster than thought. His blade met the assassin’s in a deadly kiss.

Raven Silven Role: Shadow Enchantress

(through clenched teeth): Not tonight.

The music died.

Nobles froze.

The court stared.

And Seraphina stood tall—unshaken.

Seraphina Vale (Main FL) Role: Princess

Do you see now?

Seraphina Vale (Main FL) Role: Princess

I am not your pawn. I am the flame you tried to smother.

Elira Frostvale Role: Princess of the N

(To the court): She bleeds royal fire. And none of you are ready for what that means.

Thunder rumbled overhead. The glass dome shimmered. In the rafters, something moved—slithering. Watching. Waiting.