**Avery**

“Take care of him,” I instruct, standing to make way. The healer kneels beside Jace, his hands moving efficiently as he

assesses the butler’s injuries.

James pulls me aside, his expression grim. “This changes everything. If someone’s after a key, it could be related to

Victoria’s plans. We need to figure out what it is and where it’s hidden.”

I nod, my mind already turning over the possibilities. “Donn could help. He knows the palace better than anyone. Maybe

he’s heard something about a key.”

James’s eyes narrow. “We’ll find him. But first, we need to secure Jace. He’s not safe here.”

I agree, my heart is heavy with worry. Jace is more than just a butler—he’s a friend, a confidant, and now, a target. I watch

as the healer helps him to his feet, his arm draped around the man’s shoulders for support.

“We’ll take you to your chambers,” James says, his voice firm. “You’ll be safer there.”

Jace nods weakly, his eyes meeting mine. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m sorry… I failed to protect you.”

“You didn’t fail,” I assure him, squeezing his hand. “You’re alive, and that’s what matters. Rest now. We’ll handle the rest.”

As they escort Jace from the throne room, my mind is a whirlwind of questions and fears. Who attacked him? What is this

key they’re after? And how does it tie into Victoria’s plans? The answers feel just out of reach, but I know one thing for

palace feels different

we are being watched, that danger lurks in every shadow. I glance at James, seeing the same determination in

feels in

Donn,” he says, as if reading my thoughts. “And we’ll get to the

Together. It’s a promise, a vow, and a source of strength.

enough. I also need to check in on the

when we arrived.

out Donn, our search leading them to the palace’s hidden library, a place few know exists. The Raven is

though his eyes

remarks, his

far from the truth, given the

on pleasantries. “Jace was attacked. Someone’s after a key. Do you know anything

turning thoughtful. “A key,

to an ancient artifact, something Victoria’s

steps forward, his voice sharp. “What kind of artifact?

knowing light. “Rumor has it, it’s a relic

to whoever possesses

it for years.”

she’ll be unstoppable to most anyone short of

his tone grim. “Which is why we need to find it first. And I think I

demeanor. “There’s an old map, hidden in

easy. The archives are guarded,

“We’ll get it.

James. Very well, let’s go. But be warned—the archives are a maze, and the

mission, as we navigate the

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