Chapter 29: Fractured Allegiances

The clang of steel rang through the grand hall, filling it with the deadly sound of battle. Akin moved swiftly, dodging a spear thrust, aimed at his chest before bringing his sword down in a sweeping arc. The rebel soldier collapsed in a heap, but Akin barely had time to recover before another lunged at him. His focus was unyielding—he couldn't afford a single mistake.

The betrayal by Lord Greyer stung like a fresh wound. After everything they had gone through to save him from the rebels, the man had thrown his lot in with them. Akin's heart pounded with fury, his every movement fueled by the sense of betrayal that gnawed at him. But there was no time for anger now. If he didn't win this fight, they would all die here, and the rebellion would claim yet another victory.

Akin caught a glimpse of Greyer at the far end of the hall, standing back as the battle raged. The man looked torn, guilt etched on his face, but his fear of the rebels had clearly won out. Greyer had chosen the wrong side, and Akin wouldn't forget that.

"Hold the line!" Akin shouted to his men, cutting through another rebel as they tried to flank him.

Elyndra fought alongside him, her movements graceful and deadly. Her twin daggers flashed in the dim light as she weaved between enemies, striking with precision. Every slash, every stab was executed with the cold efficiency of a seasoned warrior.

"We need to finish this quickly," Elyndra said between strikes. "More could be coming."

Akin gritted his teeth, blocking a heavy blow before countering with a swift jab that left his attacker crumpled on the floor. "Agreed. We can't afford to be cornered."

The tide of the battle was beginning to shift. Akin's men fought with renewed vigor, pushing the rebels back step by step. But despite their advantage, Akin knew the longer this dragged on, the more precarious their situation would become. Greyer's estate was large, and there was no telling how many more rebel forces were hidden nearby.

Akin's sword met another rebel's blade with a harsh clang, the force of the strike reverberating up his arm. His muscles burned with the effort, but he didn't relent. He pushed harder, using the momentum to knock the rebel off balance before delivering a swift, killing blow.

The rebel forces were thinning, but they fought fiercely, their loyalty to the rebellion—or perhaps their fear—driving them onward. Akin's own men fought with a desperate fury, knowing they were fighting for their lives.

As the last few rebels fell, Akin's breath came in heavy gasps. The hall was littered with bodies, blood smeared across the once-immaculate stone floor. His men stood victorious, though battered and weary. But Akin's eyes were locked on Lord Greyer, who remained at the far end of the hall, watching the scene unfold.

Akin wiped the sweat and blood from his brow, his sword still clutched tightly in his hand. He moved toward Greyer, his footsteps slow and deliberate.

Greyer's face paled as Akin approached, the man clearly realizing the gravity of his situation. His fear was palpable, and for a brief moment, Akin felt the urge to strike him down where he stood. This man had betrayed him, betrayed the Valion family, and nearly cost them everything. But Akin stopped himself, forcing the fury to subside.

"Greyer," Akin said, his voice low but filled with cold anger. "You've betrayed your king, your country, and your honor."

Greyer took a step back, his hands raised in a futile attempt to placate Akin. "Akin, please… I didn't have a choice. The rebels… they threatened everything I have. My family, my people…"

Akin's eyes narrowed, the disgust clear in his gaze. "There's always a choice."

Greyer swallowed hard, the guilt and fear warring on his face. "I—I only did what I thought was best for my estate. For my people."

Akin clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin. "You sided with traitors and murderers. How is that what's best?"

Greyer's voice trembled as he tried to explain himself. "The rebellion is everywhere, Akin. They have control of so much now… I didn't see how we could win."

Akin's hand tightened on the hilt of his sword, though he kept his voice calm. "So you chose to side with them. To protect yourself. And now look where that's gotten you."

Greyer's eyes flickered to the fallen rebels scattered across the hall, his expression one of desperation. "Please… there's still time. We can still make this right. I'll help you, Akin. I'll rally my forces and fight with you. I swear it."

Akin stared at him for a long moment, the fury still simmering beneath the surface. He wanted nothing more than to punish Greyer for his cowardice, for nearly getting them all killed. But he knew that killing Greyer wouldn't solve anything. They still needed his forces. And despite his betrayal, Greyer's loyalty—if it could be regained—was crucial to the fight against the rebellion.

"If you truly want to make this right," Akin said slowly, "then you will gather your forces immediately. We march on the capital as soon as possible."

Greyer nodded quickly, relief washing over his face. "Yes, of course. I'll summon my men. I'll do whatever you need."

Akin stepped back, his gaze still hard. "But understand this, Greyer. If you betray me again, I won't hesitate to end this."

Greyer swallowed hard and nodded, his fear evident. "I won't, Akin. I swear."

Akin turned away, the anger still gnawing at him. Greyer's betrayal was not something he would easily forget, but for now, he had to focus on the larger battle ahead.

Elyndra stepped beside him, her voice low. "You handled that well."

Akin gave a short nod, though the tension in his chest remained. "We need his men. As much as I want to punish him for what he did, we can't afford to lose more allies."

Elyndra's gaze flicked toward Greyer, who was now speaking with some of his surviving guards, his voice shaking. "Greyer's loyalty may still be questionable, but we'll need every sword we can get."

Akin sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.

The weight of everything that had happened was starting to catch up with him, but he couldn't allow himself to falter. The fall of Eldoria, his father's death, Seraphina's capture—it was all driving him forward, pushing him to reclaim the kingdom that had been stolen from him.

"We'll rest here for the night," Akin said, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his mind. "Then we gather Greyer's forces and march on the capital."

Elyndra nodded, though her expression remained guarded. "The capital will be heavily fortified. The rebels are expecting you to come back."

Akin's eyes darkened. "Let them expect me. I'm done running."

As the night fell and the stars began to twinkle faintly above the estate, Akin couldn't shake the feeling that the rebellion's reach extended far beyond what he could see. He knew the mastermind behind it all was still lurking in the shadows, pulling the strings.

And until Akin found him, none of this would truly be over.

But for now, he had a battle to fight. The final confrontation was drawing closer, and with each passing day, the stakes grew higher.

Akin stood at the window, looking out over the darkened landscape, his thoughts on Seraphina, his father, and the kingdom he had sworn to protect. The rebellion had taken everything from him, but they hadn't broken him.

Not yet.