{"Let them conjure storms and awaken beasts—if they touch my son, I'll show them what a true sea witch is capable of." }
My gaze drifted to Lady Nerisca sat poised like a serpent waiting to strike, her silver goblet untouched, eyes calm but too calm. I saw through that stillness. I felt the threads of old magic curling around her like seaweed around bone. "Lady Nerisca," I said slowly, each syllable laced with cold magic, "how curious that the bloodline of the Sea Witches would rise in the same tide that stirred my wards in Drevina."
She arched a brow, feigning elegance. "Curious things happen often when old powers sleep, Ysara. You, of all people, should know that."
"Don't toy with me." My voice dropped like an anchor, hard and final as I walked in and went to stand beside Thalindra. "Something was summoned. I felt it in the marrow of the water as the storm rose, It was not a rift or natural, It was intent. Someone with sea magic tied to your line called into the Deep."
