Selvaris had been waiting for quite some time now.
She stood beneath the shadow of a crumbling arch, dressed plainly—like a merchant's wife or a traveling noble in disguise.
But there was no mistaking her.
Even in humble cloth, her poise radiated power.
The dusk painted her features in bronze and shadow, and her eyes, sharp as ever, scanned the narrow street for any sign of movement.
She checked the letter again, her lips tightening.
This is the place.
Her fingers made a subtle motion—almost like brushing hair behind her ear.
In response, the five magicians hidden in the surrounding alleys shifted.
Rank 3, all of them.
Talented. Loyal. Dangerous.
And herself—Rank 4, one of the strongest mages in the capital.
She had come prepared.
She didn't believe Kael could leave this place alive.
Not if he had hurt her daughter.
A footstep echoed.
Calm. Unhurried.
From the far end of the street, a boy approached, walking as if he had all the time in the world.
Kael.
