CHAPTER 31: THE FRACTURED OATH

Evelynn's pulse pounded in her ears as she stepped away from the council chamber, the damning letters still burning in her mind. The evidence was irrefutable, yet it felt impossible to believe. Lucien, the man who had stood by Darius's side for years, had betrayed them. The weight of the revelation made her stomach churn. The castle walls, once a symbol of security, now felt like a cage closing in around her.

She walked briskly through the empty corridors, her thoughts racing. How long had this been going on? How many times had she trusted his advice, fought alongside him, and shared meals and conversations, all while he was feeding their enemy information? The air was thick with the scent of burning torches, their flickering glow casting ominous shadows on the stone walls. Every step she took felt heavier than the last.

She didn't go to her chambers. Sleep was out of the question. Instead, she made her way to the training grounds, where the crisp night air might clear her head. The moon hung high, casting a silver glow over the silent expanse. Evelynn tightened her grip around the hilt of her sword, drawing it from its scabbard with a slow, deliberate motion. She needed the distraction-something, anything, to keep her mind from spiraling into doubt and anger.

She struck at an invisible opponent, her blade slicing through the air. Again. And again. With each swing, she tried to channel her frustration, but it wasn't enough. The betrayal sat like a lead weight in her chest, suffocating and relentless.

"You're restless," came a voice from behind her.

Evelynn spun around, sword raised. Selene stood at the edge of the training grounds, arms crossed, her gaze sharp and knowing.

"You knew I'd be here," Evelynn said, lowering her weapon slightly.

Selene stepped closer. "I figured you wouldn't be able to sleep."

Evelynn exhaled sharply, wiping the sweat from her brow. "How could I? How do we even begin to process this?"

Selene's jaw tightened. "We don't have the luxury of processing, Evelynn. We act. We have to confront Lucien before he has a chance to cover his tracks."

Evelynn sheathed her sword. "Darius won't want to believe it."

"I know." Selene's expression softened for a brief moment before hardening again. "But he has to. We present the letters, and we don't back down."

Evelynn nodded. "Before dawn, then."

The hours crawled by. When the first hint of light touched the horizon, Evelynn and Selene made their way to Darius's chambers. They found him already awake, seated at his desk, poring over battle plans. He barely looked up as they entered.

"This better be important," he muttered.

Evelynn stepped forward, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. "It is."

Selene placed the letters on the desk. "We've found the traitor."

Darius's gaze snapped to them, his eyes narrowing. He reached for one of the letters, his fingers tracing over Lucien's seal as he read. Silence filled the room, thick and suffocating.

"No." His voice was quiet, but there was something dangerous beneath it. "This isn't possible."

Evelynn braced herself. "I didn't want to believe it either. But the evidence is here. Lucien has been feeding Kael information for months."

Darius clenched his jaw, his grip tightening around the parchment. "He's my closest friend. He's fought beside me for years."

Selene met his gaze, unwavering. "And he's been lying to you just as long."

Darius slammed the letter onto the desk. "Bring him here. Now."

Selene wasted no time. Within minutes, Lucien was escorted into the chamber, flanked by two guards. He looked as composed as ever, but Evelynn saw the flicker of calculation in his eyes as he took in the room's tense expressions, the scattered letters, and the weight of accusation in the air.

"What's this about?" Lucien asked, his tone measured.

Darius held up one of the letters. "Tell me this is a lie."

Lucien stepped forward, taking the parchment in his hands. His eyes scanned the words, and for the briefest moment, his expression faltered. Then, just as quickly, he let out a breath and set the letter down with deliberate care.

"This isn't my writing."

Selene scoffed. "Don't insult us, Lucien."

He looked to Darius, his voice softer now. "You know me. Do you think I would betray you?"

Darius hesitated. Evelynn saw it-the internal battle raging within him. But then his expression hardened. "I want to believe you. But I can't ignore the evidence."

Lucien was silent for a moment. Then, to their shock, he smiled. "Then you've already made up your mind."

Evelynn's blood ran cold. There was no outrage, no frantic denial-just calm acceptance. He wasn't trying to fight it. He knew he was caught.

Darius took a step forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Give me one reason not to execute you right here."

Lucien exhaled, tilting his head slightly. "Because killing me won't change what's coming."

The room tensed. Evelynn's fingers twitched toward her dagger.

Lucien's smirk widened. "You think Kael is the greatest threat we face? You have no idea what's coming."

Selene took a sharp step forward. "Then tell us."

Lucien chuckled, shaking his head. "You're not ready for that truth yet."

Darius's patience snapped. He lunged, grabbing Lucien by the collar and shoving him against the wall. "You don't get to decide what we're ready for."

Lucien's expression didn't change. "Then let me prove it."

Evelynn's heart pounded as the weight of his words settled over them. Whatever truth he held, it was bigger than the betrayal they had uncovered. And if he was telling the truth... they weren't prepared for the battle ahead.

As dawn broke over the castle, the air was thick with the unspoken promise of war.