Chapter 28. Blood and Fire

Then—

A flicker of light.

Not firelight.

Blue. Cold. Faintly humming.

The glow drifted closer, revealing a figure draped in velvet. Slender. Graceful. Her silhouette smooth and practiced.

Lila’s second personal maid.

But she wasn’t alone.

Hovering behind her was a shimmering shape—half-hidden, almost invisible, like smoke wearing armor.

The maid paused at the chamber’s mouth.

She tilted her head slightly.

And whispered, “I know you’re there.”

Maren’s heart slammed against her ribs.

Jace raised his dagger, ready.

But the maid didn’t enter.

She knelt and set something gently on the floor. A sealed envelope, tied with black twine. Her voice was soft.

“I’ve done what I can. Don’t waste it.”

Then she turned—and vanished, the strange figure melting into the dark with her.

Jace exhaled shakily. Maren’s hands were still trembling as she reached for the envelope.

It bore the crest of t