The sound of water dripping echoed slowly within the dark prison cell.
Javien sat leaning against the cold stone wall. Both of his hands were still shackled with holy iron that blocked every flow of energy within his body.
For the first time after years of serving as a knight, he was incapable of doing anything.
He failed.
He failed to protect Lady Ophilia.
He failed to protect Olivia.
And more painfully...
he failed to defend his own name.
Javien closed his eyes.
Outside the cell, the sound of the guard's footsteps grew distant. Yet, amidst the silence, a voice he had heard years ago returned to play in his mind.
"If one day you are trapped, do not look for the nearest exit."
"Look for the path that your enemy would never suspect."
Javien's eyes opened slowly.
His gaze fell toward the stone floor in the corner of the cell.
There, something hidden lay unknown to anyone. Something he hoped he would never have to use in his entire life.
