POV: Seraphina

The war room glowed with soft lamplight as I traced my finger across the map one final time. Every piece was exactly where I needed it. Every lie had been believed. Every trap had been set.

"My lady, the forces are in position." Commander Vance stood at attention near the doorway, his armor gleaming in the dim light.

I smiled, slow and satisfied. "Excellent. And the timing?"

"Midnight. Two days ahead of the schedule we fed to Karl Blackwood."

Perfect. Karl thought he ...