Ahcehera had always been sharp. Ever since she lost her powers, she learned to rely on instinct and subtle observation, paying closer attention to the shifting winds and unspoken currents in the kingdom. Recently, she noticed something off about the Sirius Kingdom's usual peace.
It started with whispers, unusual movement along the northern walls, guards reporting faint scents of sulfur, and shadows that flickered against the sun. As she passed through the corridors of the palace, her gaze swept over the soldiers stationed around the perimeter, and then to the common folk passing through the busy square.
Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of a man cloaked too heavily for the warm weather, his eyes flickering unnaturally with a red sheen. The people didn't notice. But she did. The traces of demonic energy left behind were almost negligible, but not to her.
