The breakthrough came from an unexpected source.
A woman appeared at the Citadel gates one morning, claiming to have information about the Ash Covenant's inner circle. She was young—barely out of girlhood—with dark hair and frightened eyes that darted nervously between the guards.
"I need to speak with the Dragon Queen," she said. "It's urgent."
Seraphina received her in a private chamber, with Kestrel at her side and Pyre's consciousness alert through the bond. The girl knelt, trembling, as Seraphina studied her with new senses that could detect lies as easily as firelight.
"Your name," Seraphina commanded.
"Lira. I was... I was one of them. The Ash Covenant." The girl's voice shook. "But I want out. I want to help you stop them."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because I know who's in the inner circle. I know what they're planning." Lira looked up, meeting Seraphina's eyes with desperate sincerity. "And because they killed my sister. She wanted to leave, like me. They made an example of her."
Through the bond, Seraphina felt Pyre's assessment. She speaks truth, little flame. Or at least, she believes she does.
"What do you know?" Seraphina asked.
"The inner circle has five members. Three nobles, one merchant, and one..." Lira hesitated. "One Dragon Lord."
The revelation struck like a physical blow. A Dragon Lord—one of the Queen's own inner circle—was part of the conspiracy.
"Who?"
"Lord Blackwood. He's been with the Covenant for decades. He's the one who's been feeding them information, warning them before your raids." Lira's voice was steady now, her fear giving way to determination. "He's also the one planning the final strike."
"What final strike?"
"They're going to attack during the Summer Festival. When the entire court is gathered in one place." Lira's eyes widened. "They have a weapon—something they've been developing in secret. Something that can kill dragons."
The implications were staggering. If what Lira said was true, the Ash Covenant wasn't just planning an attack—they were planning a massacre.
"Where is this weapon?"
"I don't know. Only the inner circle has that information." Lira leaned forward. "But I can help you get to Blackwood. I can get you into his confidence."
"You'd be risking your life."
"My life is already forfeit if they find out I'm here." The girl's jaw tightened. "Let me help you. Let me help you destroy them."
Seraphina looked at Kestrel, who had been silent throughout the exchange. His expression was grim, but she could see the calculation behind his eyes—the same strategic thinking that had made him such an effective trainer.
"It's too risky," he said finally. "She could be a double agent. This could be a trap."
"It could be," Seraphina acknowledged. "But if she's telling the truth, we have an opportunity we can't afford to miss."
She turned back to Lira. "I'm going to trust you. But understand this—if you betray us, there will be nowhere in this world you can hide from me."
"I understand." Lira bowed her head. "Thank you, Dragon Queen."
The planning that followed was intense and exhaustive. The Summer Festival was three weeks away—not much time to prepare, but enough to set a counter-trap. If the Ash Covenant wanted to make their move during the festival, Seraphina would be ready.
But first, she needed to confront Lord Blackwood.
The Dragon Lord was one of the most respected members of the Court—older, distinguished, with a reputation for wisdom and fair dealing. The idea that he had been working against them all along was almost unthinkable.
But unthinkable didn't mean impossible.
Through the Whisperers, Seraphina began her own investigation, gathering evidence that would corroborate Lira's claims. And piece by piece, the picture became clear.
Lord Blackwood had been with the Ash Covenant for decades. He had risen through the ranks of the Dragon Lords while secretly feeding information to the enemy. And now, with the barrier stable and Seraphina established as the Dragon Queen, he was ready to make his final move.
The Summer Festival would be their battleground.
And this time, Seraphina would be ready.