Volume 1 — Chapter 12: The Betrayal Within
The clearing was quiet now, but the tension lingered like a living thing. The magical mist from the forest still shimmered faintly, concealing Lyriana and Aryn from the council's hunters. Yet neither of them dared relax—every shadow, every sound, could signal a new threat.
Aryn knelt beside the ancient altar, examining the faintly glowing runes. "This place," he said, voice low, "was once used by the royal line to commune with the Moonlit Throne. The prophecy… it starts here."
Lyriana stepped closer, tracing the carvings with her fingers. The symbols pulsed faintly, reacting to the touch of her bloodline. "So it's true," she whispered. "The council… they've been hiding this from us."
Before Aryn could respond, a sudden movement caught her eye. From the edge of the clearing, a figure stepped forward—a familiar face: Serelis, one of the palace's most trusted guards, his expression calm but eyes cold.
"You shouldn't have come here," Serelis said, voice eerily steady. "The council sent me to bring the princess back… and to ensure the Shadowmarked does not survive."
Lyriana froze, disbelief choking her. "You… you were loyal to us!"
"I was loyal to the empire," he replied, drawing his blade. "But the empire's survival means the prophecy must remain hidden. If it's revealed, everything we know—everything the throne is built on—crumbles."
Aryn stepped in front of Lyriana, sigil blazing. "You will not harm her," he growled. "Not while I stand."
Serelis laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. "And what will you do, boy with a glowing mark? Magic alone won't save you from blades and loyalty forged over centuries."
Lyriana's heart pounded, fear and fury warring inside her. "Aryn… whatever happens… we face this together."
He took her hand, their fingers intertwining. "Always," he said, determination burning in his eyes.
The clash came fast—steel against magic, betrayal against love. The forest itself seemed to respond to the conflict, roots twisting to block Serelis, glowing mist shielding them from attacks. Yet for every advantage they gained, the danger only multiplied.
Lyriana realized then that their fight was more than survival. It was defiance—defiance of rules, of bloodlines, of a world that sought to control their hearts and destinies.
And as Serelis lunged again, Aryn's sigil flared brighter than ever, illuminating their faces in the moonlight. Lyriana met his gaze, feeling the strength of their bond.
No law, no crown, no betrayal… can break us.