(Sebastian's POV)
The castle was quiet again. Too quiet.
It always was after court ended for the day, when the nobles slithered back to their chambers and the guards returned to their rotations. Only the echoes of ambition remained, bouncing off marble walls like ghosts with unfinished business.
Sebastian stood at the tallest tower window, his arms crossed behind his back.
From up here, the world looked peaceful.
But he knew better.
"Still brooding?" came Kael's voice behind him.
Sebastian didn't move. "I don't brood."
Kael chuckled, stepping into view. He wore his usual smirk and deep blue cloak—the one he only wore when he planned to stir trouble disguised as duty.
"Fine," Kael said, dropping onto a velvet chaise. "You contemplate with intensity. My mistake."
Sebastian shot him a look.
Kael shrugged. "Don't mind me. Just trying to lighten the air. It's heavier than your father's expectations in here."
That earned a faint twitch of the prince's lips. Almost a smile. Almost.
But it faded just as quickly.
"I heard what the council said," Kael continued, pulling a scroll from his belt. "About Windholt."
Sebastian turned his gaze back to the horizon. "Let them handle it."
Kael whistled. "You? Letting others do your work? Must be serious."
"There's no proof," Sebastian said sharply. "Just rumors. Whispers about 'unsettling magic' and 'a girl with ocean-blue eyes'."
Kael raised a brow. "That's oddly specific for rumor."
"And conveniently timed," Sebastian added. "Right when border tensions are rising. Someone's stoking fear."
Kael unrolled the scroll. "Reports say there was a light in the woods. Some say it scorched the earth. Others say it healed it."
Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "Impossible."
Kael leaned forward, smirking. "You know what I think?"
"No. But I'm sure you'll say it anyway."
"I think you're bored."
Sebastian turned fully now. "Excuse me?"
"Come on, Seb," Kael said, standing. "You're pacing towers and snapping at shadows. You've banned magic, outlawed witches, and yet something out there has your name written all over it. You want to go."
"I want peace in this kingdom."
"And maybe a little action."
Sebastian didn't respond.
But Kael saw the flicker in his eyes.
"You could send someone," Kael said, shrugging. "Me, for instance. I'll be subtle."
"You? Subtle?"
"Offensive. But fair."
Sebastian sighed, the weight of the kingdom heavier than ever on his shoulders. His father's health was deteriorating, Elara was getting restless about her arranged union, and now... this.
A girl in Windholt.
Magic.
He closed his eyes briefly.
His mother's face flashed in the darkness. The soft voice. The spells she whispered only when no one was listening. The scream that night...
He opened them again.
Cold. Sharp. Focused.
"Go," he said quietly. "Take two guards. If there's anything out of place—anything—bring the details directly to me."
Kael grinned. "As you wish, Your Royal Brooder."
"Kael?"
"Yes?"
"Don't engage."
"Where's the fun in that?"
---
(Freya's POV)
Something was wrong with the air.
Not like before.
This was different.
It was as though the forest was holding its breath. The birds didn't sing. The trees didn't sway. Even the wind—usually her silent companion—had gone still.
Freya stepped onto the porch with narrowed eyes.
She felt it.
Someone was coming.
Someone not like the witches.
And they were closer than she thought.