The night was unusually quiet, the kind of silence that made Amanda’s instincts scream that something was wrong. She tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword as she and Elias moved stealthily through the dimly lit corridors of the castle. The war was looming closer, and the air was thick with tension. Rumors of an impending betrayal had spread among the nobles, and Elias was determined to uncover the truth before it was too late.
“I don’t like this,” Amanda whispered, glancing at Elias. “This feels like a setup.”
Elias nodded, his golden eyes scanning the hallway ahead. “It probably is. But we need answers.”
As they reached the entrance to the war chamber, a sudden noise made Amanda freeze. A faint rustling sound, barely audible, yet enough to send a shiver down her spine. Elias put a hand on her shoulder, signaling her to stay put, while he slowly pushed open the heavy wooden door.
Inside, the room was dark except for a single flickering candle on the long oak table. Scrolls and maps were scattered across the surface, evidence of hurried planning. But the most unsettling sight was the figure standing by the window, dressed in dark robes.
“Well, well,” the figure said without turning around. “Took you long enough.”
Amanda’s heart sank as the figure finally turned to face them. It was Lord Belmont.
“You,” Elias growled, stepping forward. “You’re the traitor.”
Lord Belmont smirked. “Such harsh words, Your Highness. I prefer the term ‘opportunist.’”
Amanda clenched her fists. “You sold out your own people?”
Belmont chuckled. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic. I simply made a deal. The enemy promised me power, wealth, and a seat beside their king. And all I had to do was hand over one insignificant little hero.”
Amanda’s stomach twisted. “You mean me.”
Belmont spread his arms. “You catch on fast.”
Elias reached for his sword. “You won’t get away with this.”
“Oh, but I already have,” Belmont sneered, snapping his fingers. The doors behind them slammed shut, and within seconds, armored soldiers emerged from the shadows, surrounding them with drawn weapons.
Amanda’s eyes darted around the room. “Okay, not gonna lie, this is bad.”
Elias smirked. “Really? I was just thinking this is a perfect warm-up.”
With that, he lunged at the nearest soldier, his blade flashing in the candlelight. Amanda didn’t hesitate, dodging an incoming strike and using her momentum to kick one of the soldiers square in the chest. The room erupted into chaos, the clash of steel ringing through the air.
Belmont, however, simply watched, an amused expression on his face. “Foolish. You really think you can fight your way out of this?”
Amanda barely dodged another attack, rolling across the floor to grab a fallen dagger. “We can sure as hell try!”
Elias fought like a man possessed, taking down soldier after soldier, but they just kept coming. Amanda was holding her own, but exhaustion was beginning to creep in. They needed an escape—fast.
Then, a loud crash echoed through the chamber.
The doors burst open, and a new wave of fighters stormed in. But they weren’t enemies. They were allies. Leading them was none other than General Kael, his massive war axe swinging through the enemy ranks with brutal efficiency.
“Looks like we made it just in time,” Kael said with a grin.
Amanda exhaled in relief. “Remind me to bake you a cake after this.”
Elias took advantage of the distraction, driving his sword through the last remaining soldier. Belmont, realizing his plan had failed, snarled and backed toward the window.
“You think you’ve won?” he hissed. “This is far from over.”
Amanda raised her sword. “Surrender now, or we’ll make you.”
Belmont laughed. “I don’t think so.”
With that, he threw something to the ground—an explosive smoke pellet. The room filled with thick, choking smoke, and by the time it cleared, Belmont was gone.
Elias cursed under his breath. “Coward.”
Kael stepped forward. “We need to move. If Belmont was working with the enemy, they’ll strike soon.”
Amanda nodded, gripping her sword tighter. “Then let’s end this before it begins.”
As they left the chamber, Amanda couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far worse. The shadows of betrayal were growing darker, and she had a sinking feeling that before this was over, she would have to make an impossible choice.
And she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it.