"The Serpent unwinds when the Starling sings. Protect the true heir of the Shadowed Bloom." I read the cryptic note again, the paper trembling slightly between my fingers. Dawn was breaking outside the windows of Alaric's study, where we had spent most of the night surrounded by books, maps, and family records.
"This has to be the key," Alaric muttered, running his hand through his disheveled hair. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, but his gaze remained sharp and focused. "Honoria wouldn't have risked leaving this note without good reason."
I placed the note carefully on his desk. "We know the Serpent must refer to the Night Weavers. Their symbolism has been consistent throughout."
"Yes, but what about the Starling and this Shadowed Bloom?" Alaric paced the length of the room, his movements restless. "The note implies there's an heir we need to protect, but is that Lysander or someone else entirely?"
