Aiden's eyes blazed with fury as he glared at Lucien, who was still cackling maniacally. Easton emerged from the shadows, his face a mask of conflicting emotions.
"Easton, kill him!" Aiden commanded, his voice filled with rage.
But Easton hesitated, a flicker of guilt in his eyes.
Aiden's heart pounded in his chest as he realized the truth. His once-trusted friend had betrayed him and their kingdom. He lunged forward, ready to strike, but an unseen force held him back. His body refused to move, his muscles locked in place.
Lucien's laughter echoed through the cottage, a chilling sound. "Do you really think you can break through my defenses?" he taunted. "Aldrich was right about you. A loyal fool, to the end."
Aiden's anger flared. "Don't speak ill of the king!" he roared. "Easton, how could you?"
Easton's expression was cold and calculating. "I did what I had to do. The king was changing, becoming a threat. You were too blind to see it."