"If Serina's here, she's already heard about the chaos I've been causing," Aiden thought as he approached the sect's towering gates. "No point sneaking in. I'll do this the direct way."
Stepping forward, he allowed his presence to leak slightly. Instantly, the guards at the entrance tensed.
"State your purpose!" one of them demanded, gripping the hilt of his sword.
Aiden remained calm. "Tell Lady Serina that Aiden wishes to speak with her."
The guards exchanged nervous glances before one of them turned and hurried inside. The other remained, watching Aiden warily.
Minutes passed. Then, from within the sect, a figure emerged—a woman clad in elegant red robes, her presence commanding yet serene.
Serina.
Her eyes locked onto Aiden's, sharp as ever. "You should know better than to walk into my sect unannounced, Aiden."
Aiden smirked. "What can I say? I'm in a hurry."
She studied him for a long moment, then gestured. "Follow me."
