Chapter 67 – Secret Pact with Dorn Valek

The atmosphere inside the royal council chamber was icy, the cold seeping into the bones of everyone present. Flickering torches cast restless shadows that danced across the dark, heavy tapestries adorning the stone walls. At the center of the room stood Kaelian, motionless, feeling the invisible weight of countless eyes — the sly, ever-watchful gaze of power pressing down on his shoulders. He was no longer the naive child who had first stumbled into this palace. Yet, he was not yet the master of the game he desperately aspired to become.

The council had been suspended ever since the failed assassination attempt that nearly cost Kaelian his life. Suspicion rippled beneath the surface, alliances wavered, and now, with the King lying grievously wounded upstairs, the court held its breath — waiting for the inheritance to be decided, or torn apart.

But beneath this official unrest, another game unfolded in the shadows, more dangerous, more subtle: a game of secret pacts, fragile alliances woven between opposing interests.

It was in this tense context that Kaelian had arranged a clandestine meeting with Dorn Valek — the court's most feared and influential advisor. A man whose piercing gaze and icy smile had dismantled many careers before Kaelian's very eyes.

**

The Meeting in the Shadows

The corridor where they met was deserted, lit only by a single lantern hanging from the wall. Its flame flickered uncertainly, like a warning.

Kaelian felt his breath quicken — not from fear, but anticipation. He needed this man. Dorn Valek was a pillar of stability, power, and above all, information in this masquerade of a court.

"I didn't expect you to agree to see me so quickly," Dorn said, leaning casually against a pillar, arms crossed. His voice was calm and measured, echoing softly in the silence.

Kaelian shrugged with a smirk. "I'm not one to ignore an opportunity, especially when it might save my skin."

Dorn chuckled darkly. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts alone won't keep you afloat among the sharks in this court."

"That's why I came to you," Kaelian replied, locking eyes with Dorn in a silent challenge.

The counselor pushed off from the pillar and took a few steps toward him. "Very well. Let's talk."

**

A Pact with Ambiguous Terms

Kaeilian placed a sealed parchment on a nearby table, the royal seal gleaming faintly in the lantern light. "Here's what I propose. You and I form an alliance. I bring my intelligence, my understanding of the court's games, and privileged access to the magical knowledge I uncovered at the Academy. In return, you guarantee me protection and political backing."

Dorn raised a single brow. "You've grown up, bastard. You speak like a noble."

"Not a noble yet," Kaelian corrected. "But a survivor. And soon, a major player."

Valek turned away, contemplating. Slowly, he motioned Kaelian closer to a small table illuminated by a dim lamp, scattered with documents and maps. "What you don't know could kill you. There are factions at court that will stop at nothing to keep their power — Queen Virella, your half-brother Théor... and others you haven't met yet."

Kaeilian nodded. "I'm aware."

"That's why you'll owe me unwavering loyalty. Not just in words, but in deeds. This pact is a double-edged sword."

A heavy silence filled the air until Kaelian extended his hand.

"I accept."

Dorn grasped it firmly, his sharp eyes gleaming with a new light. "Then we have an agreement."

**

A Heavy Secret to Bear

The following days were a whirlwind of political preparation and shifting shadows. Kaelian soon realized that Dorn was not merely an ally, but a brutal and demanding mentor. He unveiled buried secrets and conspiracies Kaelian had never even dreamed of.

One moonless night, Dorn led Kaelian through a hidden door behind the royal library. The room beyond was a trove of power: parchments, arcane artifacts, and strategic maps covered every wall.

"This," Dorn whispered, "is what I call the arsenal of power. You won't survive the coming war without mastering these weapons — even the forbidden ones."

Kaeilian lingered over an ancient grimoire, its worn leather cover etched with strange symbols. His heart quickened. Forbidden magic… again.

"I'm no fool, Dorn. I know what you're offering is a chance — but also a chain."

The advisor nodded. "There will be sacrifices. Sometimes you'll have to lose yourself to win. But the game is worth the price."

**

Queen Virella in the Crosshairs

Shortly after their pact, Kaelian received vital information from one of Dorn's spies: Queen Virella was plotting a move to eliminate him once and for all. She intended to manipulate events to have him accused of an unforgivable crime.

The stakes climbed higher. Kaelian knew it was time to test his new ally.

"Dorn, the Queen is moving her pieces. If I fall, all is lost."

The counselor smiled coldly. "That's why we must act swiftly."

A daring plan took shape. They would turn the tables, making the Queen believe her own camp was betrayed. Using confidential intelligence and forbidden magic, they orchestrated a political poisoning operation.

**

The Trap and Its Consequences

During a royal audience, tension crackling like lightning in the air, Kaelian displayed strategic brilliance. Before the assembled nobles, he presented fabricated evidence exposing a close advisor to the Queen as a traitor, throwing the court into upheaval.

Eyes shifted away from Kaelian, suspicion spread elsewhere, and for a moment, he gained precious breathing room.

But Kaelian knew the respite would be brief.

"This is just a shadow game," he confided to Dorn in another secret meeting. "The Queen won't stay idle for long."

"That's true," Dorn replied. "But with this pact, you've crossed a threshold. You're no longer a pawn. You're a player."

**

One Last Secret Before the End

As they parted in the darkened palace halls, Dorn laid a firm hand on Kaelian's shoulder.

"Remember, bastard, power is never given. It's taken. And sometimes, you must become the worst enemy of those who wronged you."

Kaelian watched the man disappear into the silence of the corridors. The weight of the pact settled heavily on his shoulders. But he also knew this was a unique opportunity.

He was ready.

The game had changed.

**

Cliffhanger

As Kaelian returned to his chambers, a shadow moved stealthily behind him. A sealed letter, bearing a mysterious, unfamiliar insignia, was discreetly placed on his desk. It bore no signature. The message within could change everything...

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