Chapter 39: WHISPERS OF TREACHERY

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Chapter 39: Whispers of Treachery

The dim glow of the torches flickered as Rio, Retina, and Iris walked away from the hidden chamber. The deal had been struck, but the tension in the air was far from gone.

A Silent Warning

"I don't trust them," Iris muttered, her sharp instincts on high alert.

"Neither do I," Rio replied, his voice low. "But for now… we need them. They'll lead us to the Land of Demons."

Retina's eyes narrowed as she glanced back toward the chamber. "Valen and Selira won't stay loyal for long. They're snakes waiting to strike."

Rio smirked. "That's why we'll be ready before they make their move."

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A Secret Path

Valen's servant guided them through an ancient corridor that led to a secluded section of the castle.

"This passage leads beyond the vampire territory," the servant muttered nervously. "But the path is dangerous."

"Good," Rio said, his eyes gleaming with resolve. "Danger is what we're used to."

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Unseen Threats

As they moved deeper into the corridor, Iris paused suddenly, her beast vision detecting movement ahead.

"Something's here," she whispered, her claws partially extending.

A faint growl echoed from the darkness, sending a chill down their spines.

"Ambush," Retina muttered, preparing her magic.

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The Trap Springs

Without warning, shadowy figures leapt from the walls, weapons drawn.

"Assassins!" Rio shouted, drawing his sword.

Iris lunged, claws tearing through the first attacker, while Retina unleashed a wave of dark magic, engulfing the corridor in a burst of energy.

Rio moved with deadly precision, A Thousand Slashes slicing through enemies before they could react. But the attackers kept coming, their movements coordinated.

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A Calculated Betrayal

"Valen's doing?" Retina growled, sending a surge of magic toward the remaining assassins.

"Maybe," Rio muttered, his eyes narrowing. "But this feels… different."

As the last assassin fell, a chilling voice echoed from the shadows.

"Well done, Rio Fate."

A figure emerged—Lord Valen himself, a sinister smile on his lips.

"I was merely… testing your strength," Valen said, his tone mocking. "And I must say, I'm impressed."

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A Dangerous Game

"Testing us?" Rio's eyes darkened. "You're playing with fire, Valen."

Valen chuckled. "Consider it a reminder, Rio. I don't trust you… and you shouldn't trust me either."

Rio clenched his jaw but kept his composure.

"Good," Rio murmured. "Because when you betray me… I'll be ready."

Valen's smile faded for a moment before he turned away.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," he said softly.

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Eyes Watching from the Shadows

As Valen disappeared, Rio's gaze remained fixed on the darkness beyond.

"Things are moving faster than I expected," Rio muttered.

"We need to be ready," Retina said softly.

"Always," Rio whispered, his eyes narrowing. "The real game… has just begun."

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To Be Continued…