Annalyn POV
The message came through one of the outer guards just before noon.
Not a threat. Not a demand. A request, formally worded, asking for a meeting in the inner courtyard at my earliest convenience. Signed with Camila's name.
I read it twice, then went to find Lucas.
He was in the corridor outside the study, already holding a copy. Someone had moved fast.
"She's asking," he said. "Not demanding."
"I noticed."
"That's different from everything we've seen from that body until now." He looked at me carefully. "The ghost is letting Camila lead."
"Which means Camila wants something," I replied. "Something she believes she can only get by asking me directly."
"Or the ghost wants something and is using Camila's voice to get it."
"Either way, I'm going." I folded the note and set it on the side table. "Alone."
Lucas opened his mouth.
