Chapter 130

SERAPHINA The three days following the temporal cascade felt like a countdown to an execution I couldn't see coming. Every routine briefing, every casual interaction with committee members, every seemingly innocent request for "additional documentation" of our capabilities carried the weight of impending betrayal. I found myself studying Lady Vex's face during our morning reports, searching for tells that might reveal when she planned to spring whatever trap they were constructing. Her polished smile never wavered, but through our bond, I felt Ruvan catching micro-expressions that suggested barely contained anticipation. "Guardian Seraphina," she said during our fourth post-cascade briefing, "I've been reviewing your flame-work during the historical layer resolution. Your ability to distinguish between authentic and false timeline threads shows remarkable intuitive precision." "Thank you," I replied carefully, knowing praise from Lady Vex was never simple appreciation. "I'd like to arr