Amid the sound of water cascading down the rocks, everyone settled onto the stones around the waterfall. Evo sat on one positioned slightly higher than the others, ensuring he had a clear view of the entire group — and that they could all see him as well.
Once they got comfortable, silence fell. All eyes turned to him. Evo crossed his arms, tapping his finger rhythmically as he stared at the sky. His mind was overflowing with thoughts — how should he approach the topic? How should he speak? What should he reveal, and how should he reveal it?
It sounded simple… but it wasn't.
One wrong word and everything could collapse.
Everything needed to flow perfectly for his plans to work.
He spent a few seconds staring at the blue sky, where a few clouds drifted lazily.
– How am I supposed to say everything I need to… without dragging consequences along with it? – Evo wondered.
From below, they watched him quietly. His internal conflict was obvious, and it was clear the subject would be far more serious than any of them expected. No one dared utter a sound. They waited for him to gather his thoughts.
– All right. – He finally aligned everything in his mind and spoke aloud, signaling he was ready.
– First, I need to be absolutely sure about something. – He lifted his gaze, scanning each of them.
Luneth, as his assistant and the one who usually kept everything in order, asked:
– Veyrath, what exactly is the doubt you want to clear with us?
Evo raised a finger toward the sky, emphasizing the importance of the coming topic.
– I want to be sure that, no matter what I say here today, you will remain by my side. If I can't be sure of that… then I can't proceed with this meeting.
His words carried weight — and uncertainty. The matter was clearly delicate.
But they had already committed themselves to the Order. If their leader still doubted, then maybe it was time to reaffirm their resolve.
– Judging by how cautious and tense you are… the problem must be quite serious. – Sevran commented.
– Yes, Sevran, it is very serious.
– But even so, I've already said it: I'm with you no matter what. Otherwise, what's the point of being in this Order? – Sevran affirmed, leaving no room for doubt.
He looked at the others — they all nodded in agreement.
– Everyone here feels the same. I have no doubt about that. – Harrr… – He sighed. – I don't know why you're so cautious, but go on. Tell us everything you need. Don't hide anything.
Veyrath saw their sincerity. No more reasons to hold back.
– Very well. – He nodded.
– But you need to understand something. Everything I'm about to say… I have no way to prove it. I only know — with full certainty — that it's true. You may think it's madness, or that I'm overthinking things… but I'm not.
His voice was firm, cold, and steady.
– All right, we're listening. – Kaelith said from his corner.
Evo continued:
– The first thing you need to know is… there's a traitor among us.
Silence.
Then, all at once:
– What did you say?!
– Exactly what you heard. There's a filthy traitor among us.
Those words struck like lightning. Some lost their breath, others stiffened, chills running down their spines. A traitor was the last thing they expected — especially because everyone there had been handpicked by Director Freya. They were supposed to be the most trustworthy.
Glukkk! – They all swallowed hard as Evo stared into the forest.
– Veyrath… is that even possible? – Sevran asked cautiously.
– I told you — I can't prove it, but I'm certain. There is a traitor.
Sevran, the most rational among them, tried to process the information. If there really was a traitor… then the situation was far more dangerous than they imagined.
– A traitor… how could that even happen? – Velra trembled as she spoke.
Silentia stayed quiet, her thoughts locked behind her expression of disbelief.
But Luneth was the one who looked the most devastated. She already knew. It was obvious — the only person Evo had forbidden her to invite.
– N-no… it can't be… right? This is a lie… – She covered her mouth with trembling fingers.
Seeing her reaction, Evo confirmed:
– It's true, Luneth. You know I gain nothing by lying about this. Quite the opposite — having a traitor at my side only puts me at risk.
– But why would he betray us?! It makes no sense! – she protested.
Evo shrugged lightly.
– I don't know either. That's something you'd have to ask him personally. But that's off the table… at least until tonight. – he replied, tilting his head.
Luneth's mind was chaos. It sounded insane — none of it made sense. But she also knew Evo didn't lie. He despised people who did.
The others watched the heated exchange, confused. Only Silentia had begun piecing everything together.
Velra cut in, unleashing her frustration:
– Who the hell are you two talking about?! Who is this traitor?! – She growled, desperate for an answer.
Before Evo could respond, someone else stepped forward:
– Take a good look around… and see who isn't here. – Silentia broke the silence, staring into Velra's furious eyes.
Velra scanned the group, her gaze shaking as she noticed the absence.
Sevran pointed out the obvious:
– Where is Umbra?
– He's really not here… – Kaelith confirmed.
– We were so focused on everything else that we forgot he even existed. And he doesn't help either… with that faint presence of his, sometimes I forget he's part of the Order. – Kaelith added.
Luneth lowered her head, biting her lip. Silentia looked away, disappointed.
Velra, shocked, finally processed the reality. Betrayed by her own trust — the pain hit hard.
Veyrath decided to end the confusion:
– I was the one who told Luneth not to call him.
All eyes turned to him. And now they truly saw it — Veyrath's expression was terrifying. His eyes radiated cold malice and deep hatred. His face hardened into something dark and merciless.
If he was affected like that, they needed to brace themselves.
– Veyrath… so you're saying the traitor is Umbra? – Sevran asked.
– Correct. – He nodded firmly.
– Then continue. Let's hear everything before we discuss anything. – Luneth said, regaining sua postura.
Evo felt grateful. Those interruptions had been draining him.
– I'll say everything I need to, then I'll explain the plan. Please save your questions for the end.
Everyone settled, staring at him in silence.
– Now that you know who he is, you must also know he's involved with the Wanderers — and that someone close to him is involved as well.
They clenched their fists. The Wanderers were their enemy — the whole reason the Order existed. Learning that a comrade had been a hidden enemy… was devastating.
– And who is the person working with him? – Kaelith asked.
Evo crossed his arms.
– Tell me… does anyone here know Umbra's real identity?
They looked at one another. No one did.
– Very well. Umbra's real identity is Talier, a first-year student from class Mithryl. The same class as mine.
– Wait… you're saying—?! – Luneth widened her eyes.
– Yes. Exactly what you're thinking.
The accusation was dangerous. Kalistro was important within the academy. If they were wrong…
– Veyrath, be careful—
– I know exactly what I'm saying, Luneth. – Evo cut her coldly. – I can't prove it, but I'm certain of everything.
While they argued, the others discussed among themselves.
– Talier… isn't he supposed to be Instructor Kalistro's prodigy? – Velra asked.
– Yes. A very promising young man. – Sevran added.
Kaelith whistled.
– Fiuuu… the kid is the favorite of the big-shot instructor.
While they focused on the superficial part, Silentia understood the critical point. She stared at Evo, horrified.
– He's saying Instructor Kalistro is actually a member of the Wanderers… No, no, I must be imagining things. Because if that's true… – Harrr… – She held her forehead. – We're in serious trouble.
After Evo explained everything, ele avançou para o próximo tópico.
– As I said, Talier — or Umbra, whichever name you prefer — and his so-called mentor, who is employed by this academy, are both members of that terrorist group. I know it's hard to hear, but I trust that all of you will make wise decisions moving forward.
– Now comes the most important part.
He paused dramatically.
– The Wanderers will attack the Spring Ball tonight.
Everyone tensed. Sevran quickly cut in to avoid panic.
– If what you're saying is true, then time is our enemy. It's far too late to plan a counterattack. – he affirmed.
– You're right. Planning anything now would be a waste of time. – Evo agreed.
Sevran then asked the most rational question:
– Leader, if you're so certain… why didn't you tell the director? She'd easily deal with those people.
Veyrath shook his head. It wasn't that he didn't want to. Freya and Ravina wouldn't believe him easily — and even if they did, they would try to handle everything alone. They wouldn't let him participate.
And if they went alone again… he would lose them again.
He would watch them die in front of him — powerless.
He would never endure that again.
– Even if I told them… nothing would change. – he declared.
He had asked the Five for help only because he knew he couldn't do everything alone.
– Trust me. I know those two. They'd tell me not to worry, that they'd finish things quickly. – He spoke a half-truth, hiding the most painful part.
– Freya definitely would. – Luneth agreed.
With that, Sevran let the matter go.
Evo inhaled deeply.
– Now, pay attention. I'll explain exactly how we'll move tonight. And please… – He paused, exhaling slowly. – Harrrr… don't ask me how I know what will happen. Because I don't know myself.