Chapter 120: The Unraveling Web

The sun had barely kissed the horizon, and the castle was already a hive of activity. Emily stood at her balcony, the morning air crisp with the promise of a new day. Seraphina's words from the previous night still echoed in her mind, offering both comfort and a harsh reminder of the reality they faced. "Trust is a double-edged sword," Seraphina had said, her voice soft yet firm, "but without it, we cannot lead." Emily had nodded, understanding the wisdom behind the words but struggling with the practical implications. How could she trust when betrayal lurked in every shadow?