The great hall of Volnyr Hold was draped in twilight, shadows pooling beneath the soaring pillars. Tonight's council meeting had been called with an urgency that sent whispers spiraling through the corridors.
Vaeron sat at the head of the long oak table, flanked by Lady Ysera and Ser Jorven, his closest allies. Mylara stood silently near the door, eyes sharp, ready for any sudden movement.
The Unveiling
Vaeron's voice cut through the heavy air. "We have uncovered a serpent among us — a Black Scale agent embedded deep within our ranks."
A gasp rippled through the gathered lords and ladies.
He gestured to Mylara, who stepped forward, producing the ledger stolen from the Black Scale informant. She held it out for all to see.
"This ledger names one of your own — Lord Ronnel, master of the city's defenses," Mylara declared. "He has been feeding secrets to our enemies."
All eyes snapped toward Lord Ronnel, a grizzled man whose steely gaze faltered for the briefest moment.
The Confrontation
Vaeron's voice was cold steel. "Lord Ronnel, your loyalty is in question. Speak truth now, or forever hold your silence."
Ronnel's face twisted in fury and fear. "You accuse me with nothing but shadows and whispers! I have defended Volnyr Hold with my life!"
"Yet the enemy knew of our troop movements before we moved," Vaeron countered. "Our defenses were compromised repeatedly. Your hand is stained with betrayal."
The Shattering
Ronnel's allies shifted uneasily. Whispers erupted. Then, in a sudden, violent outburst, Ronnel drew a concealed dagger and lunged toward Vaeron.
In a heartbeat, Ser Jorven intercepted, steel ringing as he blocked the strike. Mylara moved like lightning, driving a dagger through Ronnel's side.
The hall exploded into chaos. Guards rushed forward, seizing Ronnel as he struggled, eyes blazing with hatred.
The Aftermath
As Ronnel was dragged away, Vaeron's heart pounded—not from the danger he'd faced, but from the bitter truth revealed. The Black Scales had burrowed deeper than he feared.
Lady Ysera placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "This is but the first snake you've uncovered. The web is far wider."
Vaeron nodded grimly. "Then we cut it out—no matter the cost."