Whispers of Betrayal

Lanassa paced the balcony of the palace, her hands gripping the stone railing.

Below, the city of Ambracia bustled with life, unaware of the storm brewing in her heart.

She had tried—tried to love Pyrrhus, tried to understand him.

But she was not a fool.

Pyrrhus would never change. He would always chase war, leaving her behind.

A shadow moved behind her.

A voice spoke. Low. Calculated. Dangerous.

"Your Majesty."

Lanassa turned.

Standing in the darkness was a messenger from Demetrius of Macedon.

She tilted her head. "You bring me a message from my husband's enemy?"

The man bowed slightly. "I bring you an opportunity."

Lanassa folded her arms. "Speak quickly."

The messenger stepped forward. "King Demetrius knows of your… troubles. He extends an offer."

Lanassa raised an eyebrow. "An offer?"

"To return to Macedon," the man said. "To rule beside him, as you were meant to."

Lanassa's heart pounded.

She had thought of leaving Pyrrhus before. But this was more than escape—this was revenge.

She turned toward the city once more, her mind racing.

"Tell Demetrius," she said finally, "that I will consider his offer."

As the messenger vanished into the night, Lanassa felt something shift inside her.

This was the beginning of the end.