.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.Chapter 7 – Shadows and Secrets.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.

The palace was silent after the chaos of the intruder. The nobles returned to their rooms, murmuring about the strange captured figure and the symbols he had carried. But Marlene knew that the true threat had not gone, and that every shadow could hide eyes that were watching her.

Max walked by her side, firm and attentive, as if he could read every one of Marlene’s thoughts. Her choice had strengthened the trust between them, and she could feel it: he was not just another knight, but an ally who would not betray her.

“Do you trust me, Miss Volkov?” Max asked in a low voice, as they moved through corridors lit by chandeliers. “Because if we are going to investigate the intruder, I will need you to be honest with me.”

Marlene nodded slightly, her heart pounding.

“I trust you, Max. But we must be discreet. Any false step and… everything could collapse.”

[Kira: Side quest progress: 20%. Affinity with Max reinforced +1 heart.]

[Objective Status:

❤❤❤Dante Inovov (3 of 5 hearts).

❤❤❤❤Max Smirnov (4 of 5 hearts).]

They approached the palace’s archives room, a place where only those closest to the council had access. Marlene whispered as she opened the door:

“If the intruder knows my true identity, he must have left clues… something that reveals who sent him.”

Max examined the documents scattered on the table.

“There are records of unusual visits in recent days. Some names are crossed out, others barely appear. But look at this,” he said, pointing to a parchment with strange symbols. “It’s similar to the ones the intruder was carrying.”

Marlene frowned.

“Then someone in the palace could be involved… or watching our every move.”

A noise behind them made both of them turn instantly. Dante was there, elegant and silent, his gaze fixed on Marlene. His presence was intense, and although he did not speak immediately, Marlene felt a shiver run down her spine.

“I see that Miss Volkov has become quite active tonight,” Dante commented in a serious voice, measuring every word. “And what plans do you and Sir Smirnov have?”

Max stepped forward, firm and protective.

“We are investigating the intruder, Your Highness. You can rest assured.”

Dante arched an eyebrow, missing no detail.

“Interesting. It seems you chose strength over influence…” he murmured, more to himself than to the others.

Marlene swallowed, aware that her two worlds were colliding in the same corridor. Her choice had strengthened one bond, but it had also piqued the crown prince’s curiosity.

“Your Highness…” she said delicately, controlling the tension in her voice. “We are protecting the kingdom. Nothing more.”

[Kira: Quest progress: 50%. Affinity with Dante stalled. Maintain your villainess facade.]

As they reviewed more documents, Marlene found a small folded parchment that did not match any official record. She unrolled it carefully and read: “The eye that watches does not always belong to whom it appears. Protect your secret, Volkov, or you will fall prematurely.”

Marlene’s heart skipped a beat.

“This… is from the intruder,” she whispered. “Someone is supporting him from within.”

Max looked at her seriously.

“Then we must move quickly. Every minute we spend without discovering him is time the enemy gains.”

Dante moved a little closer, his presence as imposing as ever, but now mixed with something more: intrigue and… perhaps a touch of jealousy.

“I see you have chosen Max for this task,” he said. “I hope your choice doesn’t cost you more than necessary.”

Marlene smiled faintly, hiding her anxiety:

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Everything is under control.”

[Kira: New mission unlocked: Discover who is behind the intruder. Quest progress: 60%.]

As the trio worked, Marlene felt the tension grow. Every shadow could be an enemy, every ill-spoken word could be a betrayal. But she also felt an invisible thread that united her to Max: trust, strength, and loyalty. The novel was alive, dangerous, and exciting, and her strategy was beginning to take shape.

The parchment glowed softly under the candlelight, as a reminder that the truth was there, waiting to be unearthed. Marlene took it in her hands, determined: she would not allow her identity to fall into the wrong hands.

The system meowed softly:

[Kira: Excellent. Main quest progress 65%. Intruder’s clue secured. Keep investigating, human. Every decision counts.]

And as the night went on, Marlene knew that the intruder’s shadow was just the first step. What came next would test her wit, her courage, and the loyalty of those around her. Every corner of the palace seemed to hold hidden secrets, and every whisper of the nobles could be a clue or a trap. Her heart pounded, mixing fear and excitement; she knew that every decision now would have irreversible consequences. Max by her side offered her security, but also reminded her how vulnerable she was in this world that was not her own. And Dante, with his intense gaze, seemed to watch her as if he wanted to decipher her every thought, every gesture. Marlene understood that she had to be more cunning than ever: one false step and her true self would be revealed, and with it, her destiny in this novel would become even more complicated. The night was just beginning, and the game of shadows and secrets promised challenges that would test her to her last breath.

                                                                                                                      ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥to be continued˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥