3: The Betrayal

One fateful day, the Hero, named Cedric, called for a secret meeting. Aric arrived, sensing an unusual tension in the air. The meeting was held in a secluded part of the forest, Suddenly, a group of monsters ambushed them. Aric fought valiantly, but he soon realized that Cedric, Elara, and Lyra were not fighting to protect him. Instead, they were subtly guiding the monsters towards him, ensuring he bore the brunt of the attack.

In the chaos, Cedric struck the final blow. With a swift and calculated move, he drove his sword through Aric's back. The pain was excruciating, and Aric fell to the ground, his vision blurring. As he lay there, struggling to breathe, he saw Elara and Cedric standing over him. Elara's face was a mask of cold indifference, while Cedric's eyes gleamed with triumph.

Cedric: "Aric, you have been a valuable member of this party, but your presence is no longer needed. You are a threat to my ambitions, and I cannot allow that."

Aric: "Cedric, what are you saying? We've fought together, bled together. How can you betray me like this?"

Cedric: "It's simple, Aric. I want to be the sole hero of Eldoria. Your strength and honor are obstacles in my path to glory."

Aric listened in stunned silence, his mind racing. He had always trusted Cedric, believing him to be a noble leader. The realization that Cedric had been plotting against him all along was a bitter pill to swallow. But the worst was yet to come.

Elara, who had promised her heart to Aric, stood by Cedric's side. Her eyes, once filled with love and warmth, were now cold and distant. Aric's heart shattered as he watched her, unable to comprehend the betrayal. Elara had been his anchor, his reason to keep fighting. The sight of her standing with Cedric was a knife to his soul.

Aric: "Elara... why?

Elara: "I'm sorry, Aric. Cedric promised me fame and glory, a place by his side as the kingdom's most revered healer. I couldn't resist."

Aric: "Elara, how could you? I thought we had something real. Was it all a lie?"

Aric's mind flashed back to the moments he had shared with Elara. The nights spent under the stars, dreaming of a future together. The battles they had fought side by side, their bond growing stronger with each victory. He remembered the ring he had crafted for her, a symbol of his love and commitment. All of it seemed like a cruel joke now.

Cedric continued, his voice dripping with malice. He had promised Elara fame and glory, a place by his side as the kingdom's most revered healer. The Spearwoman, Lyra, also joined them, her loyalty swayed by Cedric's promises of power and recognition. Lyra, who had fought alongside Aric in countless battles, now looked at him with disdain.

Lyra: "Aric, you were always too naive. Cedric's vision is what this kingdom needs. You were just in the way."

As Cedric outlined the final details of his plan, Elara stepped forward. She looked at Aric, her expression unreadable. Then, in a moment that would haunt Aric forever, she kissed Cedric. It was a kiss of betrayal, a seal on their treacherous pact. Aric's heart broke into a million pieces as he watched the woman he loved kiss the man who had orchestrated his downfall.

Aric: "Elara... how could you?"

Elara: "I'm sorry, Aric. This is the path I've chosen."

Aric's legs gave way, and he fell to his knees. The pain was unbearable, a searing agony that tore through his soul. He had trusted them, loved them, and they had betrayed him in the most heinous way possible. As he lay on the ground, his life slipping away, he was consumed by rage and despair.

Just as darkness enveloped him, a blinding light appeared. Reaching out, he touched the light, and suddenly, he was transported back in time, one year before the betrayal. Realizing he had been given a second chance, Aric vowed to change his fate. He would not be the naive warrior who trusted blindly. This time, he would take control and exact his revenge.

To Be Continued...