CHAPTER 34: ECHOES OF THE PAST

The fire crackled in the hearth, its warmth doing little to chase away the chill that clung to Evelynn's skin. The weight of Selene's words still pressed heavily on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. Lucien-her ally, her friend-had betrayed them. And yet, she still couldn't bring herself to believe it.

She sat in the dimly lit council chamber, her fingers tracing the rim of the goblet before her, though she had no appetite for the wine within. Darius stood near the window, his silhouette tense against the moonlight, while Selene leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

"We need to be certain," Evelynn finally said, breaking the silence. Her voice felt distant as if it belonged to someone else. "If we act rashly if we accuse Lucien without undeniable proof, we could tear apart everything we've worked for."

Selene's emerald eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't have brought this to you if I weren't sure, Evelynn. I know betrayal when I see it."

Darius turned, his jaw tight. "And what would you have us do? Sit and wait while he continues feeding information to Kael?"

"No," Evelynn said firmly, meeting his gaze. "We lay a trap."

Darius crossed the room in a few quick strides. "A trap?"

"We let Lucien think we suspect nothing," Evelynn explained. "We watch him, follow his movements, and when he makes his next move, we catch him in the act. That way, when we confront him, there will be no doubt."

Selene nodded slowly. "It's risky but effective. If he senses even a hint of suspicion, he may disappear before we get our chance."

Darius clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "And what if he's already set something in motion? What if we're too late?"

Evelynn exhaled, forcing herself to stay calm. "Then we must act quickly."

A knock at the door interrupted them. Lucien's voice carried through the wood. "Darius, may I have a word?"

The three of them exchanged a glance before Darius schooled his features into an unreadable mask. He strode to the door and pulled it open. "Of course, Lucien. Come in."

Lucien stepped inside, his expression composed, though there was a tightness in his eyes Evelynn hadn't noticed before. Had she been blind to it all this time? Had the signs always been there, just beneath the surface?

"I just spoke with the outer sentries," Lucien said, his voice even. "There's been movement near the eastern ridge. Scouts report Kael's men may be testing our defenses."

Darius nodded. "We expected as much. I'll have the watch doubled."

Lucien hesitated for half a heartbeat before nodding. "That would be wise."

Evelynn studied him carefully. If he truly was a traitor, he was good at hiding it. Too good.

"Lucien," she said smoothly, "perhaps you and I could discuss our next course of action over a drink. It's been too long since we sat down as friends."

His eyes flickered toward her, searching, but then he smiled, though it did not quite reach his eyes. "I would like that."

Darius remained stone-faced as Lucien exited the chamber. The moment the door shut behind him, Selene let out a breath. "That was close."

Evelynn turned to them. "We watch him closely. If he is the traitor, he'll show his hand soon enough."

Darius exhaled sharply. "And if he isn't?"

Evelynn hesitated, her heart heavy. "Then we will have accused an innocent man."

The night stretched long and restless. Evelynn lay awake in her chambers, staring at the ceiling, the weight of their suspicions pressing down on her. Trust had always been the foundation of their cause, and now, that very foundation was crumbling beneath them.

A rustling outside her door caught her attention. She sat up, reaching for the dagger beneath her pillow. Silently, she crossed the room and pressed her ear to the wooden paneling.

Footsteps. Careful. Measured.

Not the usual patrol.

Her pulse quickened as she eased the door open a fraction, peering into the dimly lit hallway. A shadow moved toward the council chamber.

Lucien.

Heart pounding, Evelynn slipped out of her room, keeping to the darkness as she followed him. He moved with purpose, his steps soundless against the stone. When he reached the chamber doors, he glanced over his shoulder before disappearing inside.

Evelynn's grip tightened on her dagger. She crept closer, pressing herself against the wall just outside the chamber, straining to listen.

A faint rustling. Papers are being shuffled. A low curse under his breath.

Then-

A sharp intake of breath.

Evelynn risked a glance through the narrow crack in the door.

Lucien stood near the large oak table, a piece of parchment in his hands. His expression was taut, his brows furrowed as he read. Whatever was on that paper was important.

She had to know.

Summoning her courage, she stepped inside, her voice calm but firm. "Couldn't sleep?"

Lucien whirled, his hand dropping to the hilt of his sword before he saw her. "Evelynn." He let out a breath, forcing a smile. "You startled me."

She stepped closer, eyeing the parchment in his grip. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

He hesitated. Just for a moment.

"Checking our records," he said smoothly, rolling up the parchment. "Making sure nothing is amiss before tomorrow's strategy meeting."

Evelynn tilted her head. "May I see it?"

Lucien's jaw tightened. "It's nothing of consequence."

Her stomach twisted. "Then why not show me?"

His grip on the parchment firmed. "Evelynn-"

She reached for it, but he stepped back.

That was all the confirmation she needed.

Dread settled deep in her bones. "Lucien," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "tell me I'm wrong."

For the briefest moment, something flickered in his gaze. Regret? Guilt?

Then it was gone, replaced by cold resolve.

"I'm sorry, Evelynn," he murmured.

Then he moved.

Faster than she expected, he lunged for the side door. Evelynn didn't hesitate-she threw herself forward, tackling him just as he reached the threshold. They crashed to the ground, Lucien's breath leaving him in a sharp gasp.

"Guards!" she shouted, but Lucien twisted, knocking the dagger from her grip.

They struggled, his strength nearly overpowering her, but she fought with everything she had. If he escaped now, they would lose their chance to stop him.

Heavy boots thundered down the hall. Darius's voice roared above the chaos. "Seize him!"

Lucien made one last, desperate attempt to break free, but it was too late. Soldiers swarmed the chamber, swords drawn, surrounding him.

Evelynn scrambled to her feet, her chest heaving. She met Lucien's gaze, and for a fleeting second, she saw the man she had once trusted.

Then he was gone, dragged away in chains.

Darius placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did well."

Evelynn swallowed the lump in her throat. "Then why does it feel like I've lost something?"

Darius sighed. "Because you have."

The night was far from over, but one thing was certain war had just taken a new turn, and nothing would ever be the same again.