Shadows of Betrayal

Without Flisk to help them, their chance at securing weapons reduced dramatically. And so did their morale.

"This is encouraging!" Hans sarcastically remarked after Flisk departed, leaving them with unanswered questions. "But let’s face it—if I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t help us either. Look at us! A group of penniless rebels chasing a dream fueled by improbable odds. We’re riding on hope, and… it’s absurd!"

"We’ve already crossed the Rubicon, Hans.” Darius responded firmly, “There’s no turning back now. We knew this path would be difficult, but retreating isn’t an option. We must persevere and find a way forward."

"I'll convince Flisk," Julius added with determination. "He’s our best shot at securing the weapons we need."

And so they stayed at the tea house.

Two days passed, and they adjusted to life in Flisk’s tea house. Julius worked tirelessly to sway Flisk, though the shrewd businessman, focused on profit, was unmoved by their plight.

Within the tea house's embrace, the storm in their hearts began to yield. It was the quiet grace of the delicacies and the pure, angelic songs of the girls that, piece by fragile piece, their fires of vengeance began to cool down. Tom, perhaps more than any, felt at peace with the new taste of another life.

"How wonderful it would be if everyone could live like this," Tom remarked, watching the lively crowd enjoying drinks and games. "Look at them—how different are they from us? They laugh, cry, and feel just as we do. If only we could show them we’re not so different."

Peter scoffed, "Show them? Do you think words can undo years of oppression? This isn’t about emotions; it’s about power. The strong dominate the weak, and only brute force can change that."

“This isn’t about self-gratification.” Darius interjected, his tone steady, "We’re fighting for our future generations. We must not let ourselves be fooled by this false façade. Our people are still suffering out there."

A shadow passed over his face. He thought of Katherine—of the quiet life they once dreamed of, now impossibly distant

Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a striking woman who threw herself into Julius's arms, kissing him passionately before settling beside him.

“You’re back! I missed you,” she beamed, then turned to the stunned group. “Who are these people? Your friends?

The group froze in shock.

"Annie! What are you doing here?" Julius stammered, his face a mix of surprise and panic. "Guys, this is Annie. She’s, uh… a friend."

"You scoundrel!” Tom shot up, grabbing Julius by his shirt. “What’s going on here? What kind of ‘friend’ greets you like that?"

Peter and Hans quickly restrained Tom as Julius tried to explain.

"It’s not what it looks like! Annie is just… from a different culture. Kissing is a common greeting where she’s from."

"Don’t take us for fools!” Tom sneered, “What kind of culture is that?"

Annie stepped in front of Julius, hands on her hips. Her acting perfect. “Get away from my man, you beast!”

"Beast! How dare you!" Tom fumed,

“Enough!” Darius interceded before fists flew. He glanced at the golden identity band on Annie’s wrist and realized that she was a Cleft. Instantly, his demeanor shifted.

With a smooth step forward, he bowed slightly and took her hand. “Forgive my friend’s temper. My name is Darius Prowler. A pleasure to meet such a dazzling beauty.”

“Darius Prowler?” Annie echoed, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s Darius King,” Peter muttered. “Still hiding from who he is.”

The tension diffused slightly as they all sat together, cautiously avoiding sensitive topics. Annie revealed that she worked as an attendant at the royal palace.

Tom remained visibly agitated the entire time. Hours later, Annie took her leave, and Julius walked her out.

That’s when Peter saw an opportunity.

“This is it! If Flisk won’t help us, she might be our key. She has access to the palace, and that’s where the weapons are. It’s risky, but we don’t have another choice,” Peter suggested.

"The palace is too heavily guarded.” Darius hesitated. “One wrong move and we’re dead."

"We’re already running on borrowed time.” Peter countered, certain this was perhaps their one chance to procure the weapons. “This is our best shot."

The group decided to approach Annie discreetly, excluding Julius from the plan to avoid complications.

Meeting up with Flisk later, Annie wanted the full story behind Julius’s troubles. Their stay at the tea house was actually due to her mercy. Her true identity unbeknown to them.

“It seems your boy is in deeper than I thought,” Flisk said with a smirk. “Wanted posters will soon label them as rebels, thieves, and murderers. My sources tell me Titus is hunting them as well.”

"Titus? Why is he after them?" Annie asked, her voice tight with curiosity.

Flisk leaned back, folding his arms. "They’ve crossed too many lines. Damaging the General’s Chronotite mine sealed their fate. Your mother won’t take kindly to this either. If she finds out I’ve been sheltering them, it’s my head on the block."

Annie sighed, "I’ll find a way to save him. Just keep him safe here for now. As always, your discretion is appreciated."

Flisk sighed. "You’re playing with fire, Darla. Don’t expect me to rescue you when this all burns down."

As Annie left for the palace to strategize, the group debated their next move.

Cornered,

Torn between loyalty, ambition, and survival