chapter 4

How can I lie to her like this? he thought, his fingers brushing against her shoulder as she stirred slightly in her sleep. He loved her—more than anything—but the Shadow Council's demands clawed at his conscience like a beast desperate to escape.

By morning, Hwaryn was gone again, called to duty before the sun had fully risen. Kaito stood at the window, watching her retreating figure until she disappeared into the horizon.

The house felt hollow without her, the silence pressing in on him. He clenched his fists, the decision forming in his mind like a sword being drawn. I have to face them. I have to end this.

The Shadow Council's meeting place was hidden deep within the forest, a crumbling ruin masked by thick foliage. Kaito's boots crunched against the underbrush as he approached, his heart pounding in his chest.

The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decay, and the faint sound of whispers carried on the wind. He hesitated at the entrance, a cold sweat forming on his brow. 

This is it. No turning back.

Inside, the chamber was lit by flickering torches, casting long shadows on the stone walls. Three figures stood in the center, their faces obscured by hoods. The tallest of them stepped forward, his voice low and grating.

"Kaito. We were beginning to wonder if you'd forgotten your duty."

Kaito squared his shoulders, meeting the man's gaze despite the fear gnawing at him. "I haven't forgotten anything. But I need to know why. Why are you doing this? What do you gain from meddling in her life?"

The figure chuckled, the sound echoing ominously. "You think this is about gains? This is about power, Kaito. The Swordmaster is a threat to our vision, and she must be dealt with. You, of all people, should understand that."

Kaito's stomach churned. "She's not a threat. She's—she's just doing her job. Protecting people."

"Protecting people?" another figure sneered. "Or enforcing the shackles of a corrupt system? Open your eyes, Kaito. She's nothing but a pawn, just like you."

His fists tightened, his nails digging into his palms. "I'm not a pawn. And neither is she. I won't let you hurt her."

The third figure stepped forward, their voice calm but chilling. "You misunderstand, Kaito.

We're not asking for your permission. You've always known your place. Don't make us remind you."

Kaito's breath hitched, his mind racing. What do I do? He couldn't betray Hwaryn , but defying the Council meant risking everything. His gaze flicked to the exit, the urge to run almost overwhelming. But he couldn't. Not this time.

"I won't help you," he said, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him. "If you want her, you'll have to go through me."

The room fell silent, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. The tallest figure tilted his head, his expression unreadable beneath the hood. "Brave words, Kaito. But bravery won't save you."

Before Kaito could react, the figure lunged, his movements swift and precise. Kaito barely had time to dodge, the blade grazing his arm as he stumbled back. Pain flared, hot and sharp, but he forced himself to focus. I can't die here. Not like this.

The other two figures closed in, their weapons gleaming in the torchlight. Kaito's heart pounded as he backed away, his mind racing for a plan. He was no match for them in a fight, but he couldn't give up. Not now.

"You're making a mistake," the tallest figure said, his voice almost pitying. "Loyalty to her will only get you killed."

Kaito's jaw tightened, his resolve hardening.

"Maybe. But I'd rather die than betray her."

The figures hesitated, their movements faltering for a moment. It was all the opening Kaito needed. He turned and bolted for the entrance, his legs pumping as he pushed himself to run faster. The sound of footsteps followed him, but he didn't dare look back. I have to warn her. I have to—

A hand grabbed his wrist, yanking him to a halt. Kaito spun around, panic surging through him as he came face to face with the tallest figure. "Running won't save you, Kaito ," the man growled, his grip tightening. "You can't escape us."

Kaito struggled, his mind racing. Think, think! But before he could react, the figure leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But perhaps… we don't have to be enemies. You still have a choice, Kaito. Join us, and we'll spare her. Refuse, and she dies. It's that simple."

Kaito's breath caught, his chest tightening. Join them? Betray her? His heart ached at the thought, but the fear of losing her was even worse. He clenched his fists, his mind torn. What do I do?

The figure's grip loosened slightly, his tone almost gentle. "Think about it, Kaito. You have until sunset to decide. But remember… choose wisely."

With that, the figure released him, fading back into the shadows along with the others. Kaito stood there, his body trembling as the weight of the decision bore down on him. How can I choose? How can I—

"Kaito ?"

He froze, his heart skipping a beat. No. He turned slowly, his stomach sinking as he saw Hwaryn standing at the edge of the clearing, her sword drawn and her eyes wide with concern. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Kaito's mind raced, his pulse quickening. She can't know. She can't find out. He forced a smile, his voice shaky. "I… I was just out for a walk. Needed some air."

Hwaryn studied him, her gaze piercing. "You're bleeding," she said, her tone sharpening as she stepped closer. "What happened?"

He glanced at his arm, the cut still seeping blood. "It's nothing. Just a scratch. I… tripped."

She didn't look convinced, her hand reaching out to touch his arm gently. "Kaito, you're shaking.

Tell me the truth. What's going on?"

His throat tightened, the words caught in his chest. I can't lie to her. Not anymore. But the thought of telling her the truth terrified him. What if she hates me? What if she—

"Kaito," she said softly, her eyes searching his.

"Talk to me."

He swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "I… I don't know what to do."