CHAPTER 27: THE GATHERING STORM

The torches flickered along the stone walls, their glow barely pushing back the encroaching darkness that had settled over the castle. The weight of betrayal still hung thick in the air, wrapping itself around Evelynn like an unseen force, tightening with every breath she took.

Darius stood by the window, his golden eyes reflecting the moonlight. His hands were clasped behind his back, his body rigid. Though his wounds had not fully healed, he refused to appear weak—not now, not when everything was crumbling beneath them.

"You're not resting," Evelynn said softly as she stepped closer.

He did not turn. "How can I? The council is divided, our enemies circle like vultures, and now…" He exhaled sharply. "Now, we know there is a traitor among us."

Evelynn hesitated before reaching out, placing a hand on his arm. "We will find them, Darius. We will root them out before they can strike again."

A muscle in his jaw tightened. "And if it is someone we trusted?"

She swallowed hard. "Then we do what must be done."

A knock at the chamber door broke the silence. Lucien stepped inside, his expression grim. "Selene has more to say."

Darius turned sharply. "Bring her."

Moments later, Selene entered, her emerald eyes scanning the room before settling on Darius. There was no fear in her gaze, only cold certainty. "I have followed the trail as far as possible," she began. "Whoever betrayed you is careful, covering their tracks well."

Darius's fingers curled into fists. "You said it was someone close."

Selene nodded. "And now I have proof." She produced a small, folded piece of parchment, the wax seal broken. "This was sent from within the castle—an order for Kael's forces to attack during the battle. It speaks of the weaknesses in your defenses, of where to strike hardest."

Evelynn took the letter and unfolded it, her heart pounding as she read the damning words. "Who wrote this?"

Selene hesitated. "The handwriting was carefully disguised. But the language, the phrasing… it matches someone from the council."

Darius's expression darkened. "Who?"

Selene took a breath before uttering a name that sent a chill through the room. "Lord Rowan."

Silence fell like a heavy stone.

Lucien was the first to react, his voice low with disbelief. "Rowan? He has served this kingdom for decades."

"And yet he was the one who called for your removal," Selene countered. "The council fears you, Darius. They see your wounds, your exhaustion. Rowan took advantage of that fear and made a pact with Kael."

Darius turned away, his breath unsteady. "We trusted him."

Evelynn felt a pang of betrayal that cut deeper than she expected. Rowan had stood beside them through countless trials and had sworn loyalty to the throne. And now, he had sold them out?

"We need to act," Lucien said, his voice hard. "If he's still in the castle, we cannot give him the chance to run."

Darius turned, steel returning to his gaze. "Then we move now."

The great hall was eerily quiet when they entered. The nobles who usually filled the space with whispered plots and alliances were absent, leaving only a few scattered guards. Lord Rowan stood near the head of the long table, sipping from a silver goblet, oblivious to the danger creeping toward him.

When he saw Darius, Evelynn, and Lucien enter with armed guards, his expression barely flickered. He set down his goblet and straightened his robe, his silver-streaked hair catching the candlelight.

"Your Majesty," he greeted smoothly. "To what do I owe this late-night summons?"

Darius didn't waste time. He strode forward and threw the letter onto the table in front of Rowan. "Explain this."

Rowan glanced at the parchment, then back at Darius, his face unreadable. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Don't play coy," Evelynn snapped. "We know what you did. We know you betrayed us."

Rowan sighed, shaking his head. "Betrayal is such a strong word."

Lucien slammed a fist against the table. "Damn you, Rowan! People died because of you. And you stand there with no remorse?"

Rowan finally met Darius's gaze. "And how many more will die if you continue this foolish war?" He stepped forward, his voice lowering. "The council sees the truth, even if you refuse to. You are vulnerable, Darius. Your enemies sense weakness. You cannot hold this throne forever."

Darius's eyes burned with fury. "So you thought to sell me to Kael?"

Rowan's lips curled in a smirk. "I thought to save this kingdom from a war it cannot win."

Evelynn's breath hitched. He wasn't even denying it. He truly believed himself righteous in his treachery.

Darius drew his sword. "You have condemned yourself."

Rowan's smirk faded, but he did not plead. "Then do what you must, Your Majesty."

For a moment, Darius hesitated. A final chance, perhaps, for Rowan to show remorse.

But there was none.

With a swift motion, Darius plunged his sword through Rowan's chest. The older man gasped, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before his knees buckled. Blood stained his robes as he collapsed to the ground, his lifeless eyes staring at the ceiling.

Silence reigned once more.

Lucien let out a breath. "It's done."

Evelynn turned to Darius, who still gripped the bloodied sword. "Are you alright?"

Darius closed his eyes for a moment before exhaling. "No."

But he wiped his blade clean and straightened his shoulders. "We have purged the rot from within." His gaze turned toward the doors. "Now, we turn our attention to Kael. This war isn't over."

Evelynn stepped closer, resting a hand on his arm. "And we will fight it together."

He turned to her then, his golden eyes softening just enough to show the exhaustion behind them. "Together," he agreed.

As the guards removed Rowan's body and the council was summoned for an emergency meeting, Evelynn knew one thing for certain—this battle was far from over.

But for the first time in a long time, she felt hope.

And hope, she knew, was the most dangerous weapon of all.