CHAPTER 30: A WHISPER IN THE DARK

The candlelight flickered against the cold stone walls, casting restless shadows across the chamber. The night outside was quiet, deceptively so, as if the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for the storm to break.

Evelynn stood by the arched window, her arms wrapped around herself, gazing out at the courtyard below. The scent of damp earth and iron lingered in the air, remnants of the battle fought mere days ago. Despite their victory, a weight pressed against her chest-an unshakable feeling that danger still lurked in the corners of their world, waiting to strike again.

Behind her, Darius moved with practiced ease, removing his armor piece by piece. The metallic claws echoed through the chamber, each sound carrying the burden of war. When he finally spoke, his voice was rough, edged with exhaustion.

"You should be resting."

She turned to face him, her gaze searching his. "And so should you."

Darius exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair before sitting on the edge of the massive oak bed. "Rest does not come easily to men with blood on their hands."

Evelynn crossed the room and knelt before him, taking his hands in hers. His fingers were calloused, and strong, but they trembled slightly under her touch. "You carry the weight of this kingdom alone, Darius. You don't have to."

He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin with an intimacy that sent a shiver down her spine. "I know," he murmured. "But letting go is not so simple."

She closed her eyes, pressing into his touch. For a moment, there was nothing but the warmth of his hand, the quiet between them a fragile thing. But reality was never kind enough to allow peace for long.

A sharp knock at the door shattered the moment. Darius was on his feet in an instant, his body tense as a blade drawn from its sheath. Evelynn rose more slowly, already bracing herself for whatever news had come to disturb them.

Lucien entered, his expression grim. "We have a problem."

Darius frowned. "What now?"

Lucien shut the door behind him, his voice dropping lower. "Selene's sources have confirmed Kael's forces are regrouping faster than expected. They're planning a strike before dawn."

Evelynn's stomach twisted. "We barely had time to recover from the last battle. Our forces are still weak."

Lucien nodded. "And that's exactly why they're moving now. They think we're vulnerable."

Darius clenched his fists. "Then we make them regret underestimating us."

Lucien hesitated. "There's something else. The spies caught whispers of another betrayal within the court. Someone is still feeding Kael information."

Evelynn's breath caught. "Another traitor? We purged the council of Rowan's influence else would betray us now?"

Lucien's jaw tightened. "We don't know yet. But Selene is certain. Someone high up is working against us."

Darius exhaled sharply. "Then we deal with them the same way we did Rowan. No mercy."

Evelynn placed a hand on his arm, grounding him. "We need proof before we act. If we strike blindly, we risk tearing our court apart."

Lucien nodded in agreement. "Selene is working on it. In the meantime, we should reinforce the outer defenses. If Kael plans to strike at dawn, we need to be ready."

Darius's eyes burned with determination. "Then we prepare for war."

The night stretched long and merciless. Soldiers moved through the castle like silent phantoms, reinforcing gates, sharpening blades, and setting traps along the outer walls.

Evelynn found herself walking the corridors alone, her mind restless. The scent of burning torches mixed with the dampness of stone, created an almost suffocating atmosphere. She needed air.

She made her way to the training grounds, now eerily empty save for one lone figure standing in the moonlight. Selene.

The spy turned at Evelynn's approach, her emerald eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Couldn't sleep either?"

Evelynn crossed her arms. "No. And neither could you, it seems."

Selene offered a wry smile. "Spies don't sleep. We listen. And I have been listening."

Evelynn's heart pounded. "You found something, didn't you?"

Selene hesitated before nodding. "I know who the traitor is."

A chill swept through Evelynn. "Who?"

Selene exhaled. "It's someone close. Someone we never suspected."

Evelynn's fingers curled into fists. "Tell me."

Selene met her gaze, voice quiet yet firm. "Lucien."

Evelynn staggered back as if struck. "No. That's not possible."

Selene's expression was grave. "I wouldn't say it if I wasn't certain. He's been careful, but I found letters-coded messages hidden within the council chambers. His handwriting, his seal. He's been feeding Kael information for months."

Evelynn shook her head, her pulse roaring in her ears. "There must be some mistake. Lucien has been at Darius's side since the beginning. He saved his life more times than I can count."

"And yet," Selene whispered, "he is the reason we are losing this war."

Evelynn turned away, her breath coming in short gasps. She had fought beside Lucien, trusted him with her life. And now...

Selene stepped closer. "We have to tell Darius."

Evelynn swallowed hard, her mind racing. "If we accuse him without absolute proof, it could destroy what little trust remains in the court. Darius needs Lucien. He will not believe this easily."

"Then we get proof he cannot deny," Selene said firmly. "Meet me in the council chamber before dawn. We'll catch him in the act."

Evelynn forced herself to nod, though her heart was breaking. If Selene was right... then everything they had built was about to come crashing down.