Chapter 196: Threads of Deceit

The poisoning incident cast a heavy shadow over the sanctuary. Every glance carried suspicion, every whispered conversation felt charged with hidden intent. Mira stood in the central hall, watching as her people bustled past, their movements hurried and tense.

"Poison," Solen muttered, his voice laced with anger. "That's a coward's weapon."

"It's also effective," Mira replied, her tone measured. "And that's what makes it dangerous. Whoever did this wants us to fall apart before Kaelen even steps foot here."

Erynn, standing nearby, crossed her arms. "Do we have any leads? Anyone who might've had a reason to target the young soldier?"

Mira shook her head. "None yet. I've asked Elara to examine the water supply. If someone tampered with it, we need to know where and how."

Solen nodded. "Good. In the meantime, we need to address the morale issue. People are scared, Mira. They need to see leadership."

Mira sighed, the weight of her responsibilities pressing heavily on her shoulders. "Then let's give them what they need."

Later that day, Mira addressed the sanctuary's inhabitants from the central courtyard. The crowd gathered in tense silence, their faces a mixture of worry and resolve.

"We've faced many challenges before," Mira began, her voice carrying over the assembled group. "And each time, we've overcome them together. This poisoning is an attack, not just on one of our own, but on our unity."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "We cannot let fear divide us. Trust is our greatest strength, and we must hold onto it, even now. We will find who did this, and they will answer for their actions. But until then, we must stand together."

The crowd murmured in agreement, though the tension didn't fully dissipate. Mira stepped down, hoping her words had been enough to steady their resolve, even if only temporarily.

Elara returned that evening with her findings. "The water supply near the eastern gate was tampered with," she reported. "I found traces of belladonna near one of the barrels. Whoever did this knew what they were doing—they used just enough to incapacitate without killing."

Mira frowned. "A message, then. Not an attempt to assassinate, but to spread fear."

"Exactly," Elara agreed. "But it also means the culprit had access to the storage areas. That narrows the suspect list significantly."

"Who has access?" Erynn asked.

"Mainly the supply officers and a handful of healers," Elara replied.

Mira's heart sank. "Healers. That includes Syra."

The room fell silent, the implication hanging heavily in the air.

That night, Mira decided to confront Syra directly. She found the healer in the infirmary, tending to a wounded scout. Syra looked up as Mira entered, her expression calm but guarded.

"Mira," she greeted, wiping her hands on a cloth. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Mira hesitated, then stepped closer. "I need to ask you something, Syra. And I need you to be honest with me."

Syra tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

"The poisoning," Mira said, her voice steady but firm. "The belladonna was introduced through the water supply, and only a select few have access to those areas. Your name is on that list."

Syra's eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked genuinely shocked. "You think I had something to do with it?"

"I don't want to believe it," Mira admitted. "But I have to investigate every possibility. If you know anything—anything at all—you need to tell me."

Syra set the cloth down, her movements slow and deliberate. "I've been with this coalition since the beginning," she said quietly. "I've saved lives, Mira. I've watched people die in my arms. And now you're accusing me of betrayal?"

Mira felt a pang of guilt but forced herself to remain resolute. "I'm not accusing you. I'm asking for the truth."

Syra met her gaze, her eyes hard. "The truth is that I've given everything for this cause. If you don't trust me, then perhaps you've already lost."

Mira held her gaze for a long moment, searching for any sign of deception. But Syra's expression remained steadfast, and Mira felt a flicker of doubt in her own convictions.

As Mira left the infirmary, Erynn intercepted her in the hallway. "How did it go?"

Mira shook her head. "I don't know. Either Syra is innocent, or she's the best liar I've ever met."

Erynn frowned. "So, what now?"

"We keep watching," Mira said. "And we keep digging. If there's a traitor among us, they'll slip up eventually."

Unbeknownst to Mira, a shadowy figure moved through the sanctuary's lower levels that night. The figure paused outside a hidden compartment, retrieving a small vial of liquid before disappearing into the darkness.

Far from the sanctuary, Kaelen sat in his war tent, a faint smile playing on his lips. He held a sealed letter in his hand, one that had been delivered by a trusted courier.

"Everything is proceeding as planned," he murmured to himself. "Soon, they'll tear themselves apart, and we won't even have to lift a finger."