Jackim_Ochieng

Fred Layton grows up invisible in a world ruled by money, privilege, and betrayal.
From the broken slums of Gravestone to the golden gates of Royal Crest University, Fred silently endures heartbreak, humiliation, and the ugly realities of school and campus life: sponsors, pregnancy scandals, drug wars, and ruthless competitions for love and power.
While others fight dirty for fame and fortune, Fred hides his pain, his plans, and his rising empire—until the final day the world finally bows to the boy they never saw coming.

THE BROKEN DREAMS

The city of Xandria stood beneath a thick layer of mist, an eerie blanket that seemed to hold the secrets of centuries. It was early morning, the sun barely casting its light through the clouds, as if it, too, hesitated to see the events unfolding. The streets were silent, save for the faint rustle of leaves that clung to the cobbled pathways. Fred stood at the edge of the marketplace, his figure cloaked in shadows, his mind swirling with the revelation from the previous night.

The mysterious letter, sealed with a symbol he recognized from his past, had given him no rest. The words were simple yet chilling: "Your destiny is entwined with the chaos you fear." It spoke of a power hidden deep within the heart of Xandria, a power that could either save or destroy everything he held dear. But who had sent it, and why now?

"Fred," a voice broke his thoughts. It was Lilia, her silhouette emerging from the fog, her presence both comforting and unsettling. She had been his ally, his confidant, and yet there was something different about her today. Her normally calm demeanor was tinged with urgency. "We need to talk. It's about the prophecy."

Fred's gaze hardened. The prophecy. It had followed him for years, like a shadow that refused to leave. "The heir to the throne will either save the world or plunge it into darkness." It was a burden he hadn't asked for, yet one that clung to him like a second skin.

"What about it?" Fred asked, his voice steady but with an edge of impatience.

Lilia stepped closer, her eyes darting to the crowd as if she were afraid of being overheard. "It's not what you think. The prophecy is a lie. It's been manipulated by the very people you trust."

Fred's heart skipped a beat. "What are you talking about?"

"The Elders, the ones who've controlled this city for centuries," she continued, "they're the ones behind the chaos. They've been feeding you lies, shaping your destiny to suit their needs."

Fred's mind raced. The Elders—those powerful figures who had always been revered, whose word had shaped the very foundation of society. Could they really be behind all this?

"You're saying they've been using me?" Fred asked, his voice low.

Lilia nodded. "Everything. The trials, the tests—they were never meant to prepare you. They were meant to control you. And now, they're going to use you to unleash a force far greater than you can imagine."

Fred clenched his fists. This was no longer about finding his place in the world. This was about survival. And the stakes were higher than ever.

"Then we need to stop them," he said, determination in his voice.

Lilia's face darkened. "It's not that simple. The Elders have already set their plan into motion. And there's someone else—someone you don't know—who's playing a much larger role in all of this."

Lilia's eyes softened. "I can't say just yet. But trust me, you'll know soon enough. All I can tell you is that the next step in your journey will take you to the very heart of Xandria. There, you'll face the truth—and a choice that will change everything."

Fred felt a chill crawl up his spine. This was bigger than he had ever imagined. The pieces were all falling into place, but there was one question that still burned in his mind.

"Where do we go from here?" he asked, his voice steady.

Lilia smiled, but it wasn't a comforting smile. "We go to the Citadel."

Chapter 183: The Veil of Deceit