Ariella felt the heavy burden of power wrap around her like a second skin. She had taken her throne, gained control of the remnants of the Order, and removed anyone who opposed her.
But power had its costs.
She anticipated enemies.
She expected battles in the shadows and murmurs of rebellion.
But she never imagined betrayal from within.
A Hidden Threat Among Them
The estate was unnaturally quiet that night, with the London air thickening with the scent of impending rain. Ariella sat in her study, going over information from her new network, tracking rumors of a powerful figure lurking in the dark.
Someone was testing her. Observing. Waiting.
Leo leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "You've been staring at that file for an hour."
Ariella didn't lift her gaze. "Something feels off."
Carter entered the room, his usual calm demeanor replaced with tension. "We've had a breach."
Ariella finally looked up. "Where?"
