Unmasking the Betrayer

The chamber was silent except for the harsh breathing of the captured traitor. Evelyn's magic still held them frozen, suspended in the air like a marionette caught in invisible strings. Kael stepped closer, his golden eyes burning with fury.

"Remove the hood," he commanded.

Lysara, blade at the ready, yanked the hood back, revealing the face beneath. Gasps echoed through the chamber.

"It's you," Evelyn whispered, shock laced in her voice.

The traitor glared, their eyes filled with defiance. "You think you've won?" they spat. "You have no idea what's coming."

Kael's jaw tightened. "Who sent you?"

A cruel smile played on the traitor's lips. "You already know."

The Council of Elders. The realization sent a chill down Evelyn's spine. If the Council had infiltrated the fortress this deeply, then they were already at war.

Kael exchanged a glance with Evelyn. There was no room for hesitation. "Take them to the dungeons," he ordered. "We need answers, and we need them now."

As the guards dragged the traitor away, Evelyn exhaled, her mind racing. They had caught one, but how many more were lurking in the shadows? And how much time did they have before the next strike?

Kael placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch warm despite the cold dread settling in. "This is just the beginning."

Evelyn nodded. "Then we prepare. No more waiting."

The battle for the fortress had begun, and they would be ready.