Chapter 11: Rising Suspicion
The morning sun cast long shadows across the estate, but the usual hum of activity felt heavier, as if the very air carried the weight of unease. Amara stood on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, her hands gripping the cool stone railing as she watched soldiers patrol the grounds with an urgency that hadn't been there before. Kael had ordered increased security after their recent encounter with Darius, and it was clear the soldiers were taking no chances.
She turned away from the scene, her mind racing. Darius's veiled threats still echoed in her thoughts, each word a warning she couldn't ignore. If Kael suspected an imminent attack, he wasn't sharing the full extent of his concerns. That left her with no choice but to find answers herself.
Inside the war room, Kael stood over a table cluttered with maps, reports, and a half-empty goblet of wine. Norman was at his side, pointing to various points on a map of the estate and its surrounding lands.
"The patrols are stretched thin," Norman said, his tone grim. "If they come at us from multiple fronts, we'll struggle to defend the estate and the villages."
Kael grunted, his jaw tightening. "We don't have the luxury of guessing. Focus on the weak points near the forest. That's where they'll likely strike first."
As Norman marked the map, Kael's thoughts strayed to Amara. He'd noticed her watching the soldiers earlier, her expression troubled. She had a habit of involving herself in matters she didn't fully understand, and while her determination was admirable, it was also dangerous.
Meanwhile, Amara made her way to the servants' quarters, her steps brisk and purposeful. She had decided to speak with Celia, who had proven resourceful in uncovering information in the past.
She found Celia in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Harkin with inventory. Celia raised an eyebrow as Amara approached. "You're looking particularly determined today, my lady. What's the plan?"
Amara folded her arms. "I need information. Darius is planning something, and I refuse to sit idle while Kael deals with it alone."
Celia smirked, setting down a sack of flour. "You've got nerve, I'll give you that. But getting intel on Darius isn't easy. He keeps his dealings quiet."
"Then start with the villagers," Amara said. "There's always gossip. Someone must have seen or heard something about his movements."
Celia tilted her head, considering. "All right. I'll ask around discreetly. But you'd better be ready for whatever I find."
Amara nodded, her resolve firm. "Thank you, Celia. I'll be ready."
Later that afternoon, a commotion in the courtyard drew Amara's attention. She hurried outside to find a group of soldiers gathered around a cart that had been abandoned near the estate's gates. The cart was laden with scorched wood and torn fabric, as if it had been attacked by something fierce.
"What happened here?" Amara asked, stepping forward.
One of the soldiers, a grizzled man with a scar across his cheek, turned to her. "We found it on the road leading from the western villages. No sign of the driver, but these marks..." He gestured to the claw marks gouged into the side of the cart. "It's like those monsters we dealt with before."
Amara's stomach twisted. "Do you think it's connected to Darius?"
The soldier shrugged. "Hard to say, my lady. But it's strange timing, to say the least."
Kael arrived moments later, his expression darkening as he examined the cart. "Move it to the stables," he ordered. "I want it inspected thoroughly. If there's any clue to who did this, I'll find it."
Amara stepped closer to him. "Do you think this is a message?"
Kael glanced at her, his eyes hard. "It's a warning. And it means we're running out of time."
That evening, Kael and Amara sat in the study, the tension between them palpable. The discovery of the cart had unsettled both of them, but neither was willing to admit it aloud.
"You can't keep shutting me out," Amara said finally, breaking the silence. "I want to help, Kael. Let me."
"You've done enough," Kael replied, his tone sharp. "This isn't a game, Amara. Darius is dangerous. If you make a mistake, it could cost lives."
Amara's temper flared. "Do you think I don't know that? I'm not a child, Kael. I've proven that I'm capable, and I won't stand by while you fight this alone."
Kael leaned forward, his voice low. "And what happens when you're the one he targets next? Do you think I can focus on protecting this estate if I'm constantly worrying about you?"
The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotion. Amara's breath caught, but she refused to back down. "Then trust me to protect myself. Trust me to do what's right for the people under our care."
Kael's gaze softened, just for a moment. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. But promise me you won't act recklessly. If you put yourself in danger again—"
"I won't," she said quickly, relief washing over her. "I promise."
Late that night, Celia returned with news that made Amara's blood run cold. She had overheard a group of traders talking about mercenaries gathering near the border—mercenaries with ties to Darius.
"They're well-paid and well-armed," Celia said, her tone grim. "And from what I gathered, they're planning something big."
Amara thanked her, her mind racing. She had to tell Kael immediately. If Darius was mobilizing mercenaries, it meant the threat to their lands—and their people—was more dire than they had realized.
---
As Amara made her way to Kael's chambers, the estate fell into an uneasy quiet. Outside, the patrols continued, their torches flickering in the dark. But unseen by all, a shadow moved among the trees, watching, waiting.
Darius's plans were already in motion. And the Vyren estate was about to face its greatest challenge yet.