Aria remained in the shadows until the corridor was empty.
She did not move. She simply watched.
Celine’s guards followed the same routine every evening. One stayed near her door while the other went to report to the head guard. A servant passed through with blankets, food, or water. Then, for a short moment, the corridor became less crowded.
That was all Aria needed.
She had learned something important over the past weeks. She did not need to attack Celine herself. She only needed to make other people do exactly what she wanted.
Aria returned to her room and closed the door. The maid who had helped her before was waiting inside.
“You called for me, My Lady?”
“Yes. Sit.”
The maid obeyed, looking nervous. Aria studied her. “Do you remember what I told you?”
“That I should not ask q
