The sun rose over Dawnveil, spilling gold across the valley. Villagers hurried along the stone paths, whispering excitedly. Today, the "hero" was arriving.
Aurel Veyron walked through the gates with a calm smile, his silver cloak trailing behind him. His eyes were gentle… almost too gentle.
Aurel Veyron
"Good morning, friends. I heard your town is in trouble. I'm here to help."
The crowd relaxed instantly. His voice had that effect.
An elderly woman stepped forward, trembling.
Elder Merra
"Bless the stars… Aurel the Brave! Please, you must save us—the forest beasts have grown hostile!"
Aurel placed a hand on her shoulder with practiced grace.
Aurel
"No harm will reach Dawnveil while I stand with you."
Inside, his hidden ambition flickered.
Another town adores me. Another step toward influence… They'll never suspect the truth.
A young guard jogged up, helmet crooked.
Guard Fenric
"Sir Aurel! A beast was spotted near the well. A massive one!"
Aurel nodded slowly, as though weighing heroic responsibility.
Aurel
"Then let us face it together. Lead the way."
They hurried down the dusty road. At the well, a horned wolf-creature snarled, claws scraping stone.
A little girl hid behind a barrel, shaking.
Little Lysa
"Is… is the monster gonna eat us?"
Aurel knelt beside her, offering a comforting smile.
Aurel
"Not while I'm here. Stay behind me, alright?"
He stood, drawing his gleaming sword. The creature lunged, but with one swift, elegant motion, Aurel struck it down. The wolf collapsed.
The villagers erupted in relieved cheers.
Villager Rowan
"He saved us! Aurel truly is a hero!"
Aurel cleaned his blade, letting the praise sink into him like warm sunlight.
Aurel
"Protecting you all is my duty. And my honor."
But his thoughts whispered something very different:
Yes… trust me more. Believe in me completely. When the time comes, you'll follow me anywhere.
Elder Merra bowed deeply.
Elder Merra
"Dawnveil is yours to command, Aurel. What do you need from us?"
Aurel's smile widened — perfectly heroic, perfectly false.
Aurel
"For now? Only your faith. That is enough."
The chapter ends with the villagers cheering their "hero"…
while Aurel's shadow stretches long across the ground.