CHAPTER 71: THE BAND OF SILENCE

PHOENIX waited until everywhere was silent. She stood before the mirror in her chamber, resting her hands on the edge of the vanity as she studied her reflection.

She looked calm, poised, and beautiful in a way that had been cultivated for years—polished by expectation, sharpened by ambition. No one would ever guess what lay hidden beneath the silk sleeve at her wrist.

It's time to make use of ancient band her mother gave her.

She lowered her arm and inhaled ...