One month.
Selene had been in the castle for one month, and her routine was as established as any long-term servant's. Wake before dawn. Work in the kitchens or serve in the halls. Learn the castle's rhythms. Study the nobles and guards. Map escape routes and weaknesses.
Her disguise was secure. No one questioned her story. No one suspected she was anything other than Sera Ashwood, a packless orphan grateful for steady work.
She should have felt confident. In control. Ready to move forward with her mission.
Instead, she felt confused and increasingly unsettled.
Because something was changing. Something she didn't understand and definitely didn't want.
Her wolf had become restless.
At first, Selene thought it was just the stress of living a lie, of being constantly on guard. But as days passed, she realized the restlessness had a pattern.
It happened whenever she was near the King.
