A tremor passed through the lanterns hanging in the East Wing corridor, their light casting dancing shadows across stone arches. Rain tapped against stained-glass windows, its steady rhythm echoing in the hush. Selene and Aro stood before the massive oak door to the old archives, shoulders brushing in shared purpose.
"This is it," Aro said softly, voice steady despite the tension threading the moment. He lifted the tarnished crown pin between two fingers—bearing the cold, unmistakable sigil of the Crown Prince.
Selene's chest tightened. He tried to kill someone for that badge… for me. She met Aro's eyes. His gaze held steady clarity, an anchor: We'll do this together.
Inside, shelves of aged tomes lined the walls. Dust fell when Aro tilted the pin in the lantern's glow. "This belongs to him," he whispered. Selene nodded, her fingers brushing his as she held a charred scrap of parchment—the only other clue they'd found.
Their hands lingered, breaths mingled. The next moment could untangle everything—or unravel it. Instead, mutual understanding and quiet trust filled the space between them.
A rustling behind them made Selene spin. Iris emerged, scroll in hand, framed by the dim lantern light. Relief and dread warred in her eyes. "I couldn't leave you chasing ghosts," she said, voice low but firm.
They crowded around an ancient table, lantern glow highlighting forged lines on official documents—the Crown Prince had manipulated the exam results. Merely another attack from his arsenal.
"He's trying to ruin your standing, Selene," Aro said quietly. "He wants you out of this kingdom."
A low gust rattled the lantern. The flame trembled—then died, plunging them into darkness. Selene's throat constricted. Iris's voice cut through: "Stay close."
Aro bent to relight the lantern. When the glow returned, Iris and the pin were gone. Only the three dusty wax seals and the faint pulse of runes remained.
Footsteps echoed down the corridor outside. Somewhere in the stone halls, a presence lurked.Selene's heart hammered. Aro's hand curved around hers. They weren't alone.