Chapter 56: Blades of Treachery

The Crimson Citadel stood tall against the night sky, its spires illuminated by the dim glow of the crescent moon. Inside, tension simmered beneath the surface. Lucian knew that despite outward unity, some among the council still harbored thoughts of rebellion.

Selene entered the war room, her steps confident and deliberate. "You called for me?"

Lucian stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains. "Marcus. He's been making moves—meeting with the Onyx Wolves."

Selene's eyes narrowed. "Are you certain?"

"Lyra intercepted a message. It was encoded, but the intent was clear." Lucian turned, his expression grim. "If Marcus aligns with the Onyx Wolves, we'll face war on two fronts. We can't allow that."

Selene crossed her arms. "So what's the plan? Confront him before he solidifies the alliance?"

Lucian nodded. "We intercept him before he reaches their territory. If he refuses to stand down... we eliminate him."

Before dawn, Lucian, Selene, and Lyra set out with a small group of trusted warriors. The northern trail leading to the Onyx Wolves' domain was treacherous, flanked by cliffs and dense forests. It was the perfect place for an ambush.

Selene dismounted and surveyed the area. "They'll pass through here. We have the advantage of higher ground."

Lyra took up a position on the ridge, her bow ready. Lucian remained below, waiting in the shadows. Minutes later, Marcus and his entourage appeared, their cloaks blending with the rocky terrain.

Lucian stepped forward, his voice echoing off the cliffs. "Marcus. We need to talk."

Marcus reined in his horse, his expression wary. "Lucian. I didn't expect to see you here."

"I know about your alliance with the Onyx Wolves," Lucian said coldly. "Turn back now, or this will end badly for you."

Marcus laughed bitterly. "You think you can stop me? The clans are tired of your rule, Lucian. They want freedom."

"This isn't about rule," Lucian said, his grip tightening on his sword. "It's about survival. The darkness we face is greater than any of our petty ambitions."

Marcus's eyes gleamed with defiance. "Then you'll have to kill me, because I won't stop." He drew his sword, signaling his men to attack.

Selene loosed an arrow, taking down one of Marcus's guards. Lyra followed suit, her arrows striking with deadly accuracy. Lucian engaged Marcus directly, their swords clashing with a ferocity born of years of rivalry.

The battle was swift but brutal. Outnumbered and overpowered, Marcus's men began to retreat. With a final strike, Lucian disarmed Marcus, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Breathing heavily, Marcus glared up at him. "Finish it. Kill me."

Lucian hesitated, his sword poised above Marcus's chest. Killing him would solve one problem but create many more. He knew that if he ended Marcus's life, others would rise in his place, driven by revenge.

"I won't give you the satisfaction," Lucian said quietly. "Leave the Crimson lands. If you return, there will be no mercy."

Marcus spat at the ground, his eyes burning with hatred. "This isn't over."

"We'll see," Lucian replied. "Now go."

As Marcus and his men disappeared into the distance, Selene approached Lucian, her bow still in hand. "You should have ended it."

"Maybe," Lucian admitted. "But for now, we've bought ourselves time. We need to prepare for what's coming, and internal conflict won't help us win this war."

Selene sighed but didn't argue further. Together, they turned back toward the citadel, the weight of what lay ahead heavy on their minds.