The Betrayal

That night, turmoil engulfed the estate. Amara's chamber was in disarray, the artifact missing from its concealed spot. Upon finding the empty satchel, a wave of panic washed over her. She dashed to James, who was already rallying his men. "It's gone," she gasped. "The artifact—it's vanished." James's face darkened with anger. "It was Marcus," he hissed, venom lacing his words. "I should have suspected he was in league with Eleanor."

Together, James and Amara galloped into the night, tracking Marcus's path. The thought of the artifact in Eleanor's possession filled them both with dread. The ride was tense, silence hanging heavily as they navigated the dimly lit woods. When they finally caught sight of Marcus near the rival noble's estate, James's fury reached its peak.