Page 16 of Crowned In Venom

Just as I settle into the chair, there is a shift in the air.

Subtle.

A flicker of tension that sends the smallest ripple down my spine.

My fingers tighten against the armrest.

Something is wrong.

Then—a sound.

Faint. A whisper of movement from outside the chamber doors.

I am on my feet in an instant, blade in hand before I even realize I have drawn it.

The noise is slight, barely audible against the crackling of the fire.

But it is there.

Someone is outside.

Listening. Watching.

I move silently, crossing the chamber, pressing my back to the cool stone wall beside the door. I listen.

Nothing.

But I know what I heard.

My grip tightens on the hilt of my dagger.

If someone thinks they can sneak into my chambers without my knowing, they are about to learn their last lesson.

I wait.

A breath.

Two.

Then, I throw the door open?—

And the hall beyond is empty.

Or so it seems.

The hairs on the back of my neck rise.

I am being watched.

I step into the corridor, my footsteps silent against the stone. The torches flicker along the walls, casting restless shadows.

Too quiet.

Then—

A whisper of movement.

Down the hall.

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