Chapter 41 Gathering Storm

• The tension in the air was palpable as Ariella paced through the war room, her thoughts as scattered as the scrolls and maps strewn across the table. The list Kael had uncovered was a dagger to her heart. Some of the names were familiar—trusted allies, long-time servants to the crown. The thought that they might be working for The Shade was unthinkable, yet the evidence was irrefutable.
• As Ariella scanned the names, her mind raced. Who could she trust now? Her enemies were everywhere, hiding in plain sight, cloaked in loyalty while pulling the strings of Elandor’s downfall. The kingdom had become a house of mirrors—every reflection distorted, every face hiding a secret.
• She stopped at one name. Captain Marius Veridian, a veteran of the king's guard, had been a friend to her late father. He had sworn his allegiance to her when the king passed, yet his name appeared on the list of traitors.