Episode 31
761 Words
The Traitor Among Us
The news spread through the Hidden Village before sunrise.
A traitor.
The word alone was enough to shatter the fragile sense of safety they had rebuilt after the assassin's attack.
Every warrior reported to the training grounds.
No one was allowed to leave the village.
Kael stood before the gathered soldiers, his expression unreadable.
His sharp eyes moved from one face to another.
These were wolves who had fought beside him.
Some had followed him into battles where death seemed certain.
Now one of them had sold the alliance to the enemy.
Ronan stepped forward.
The injured scout is awake.
He says he recognized the person who attacked him.
Where is he?
The healer's cottage.
Kael nodded.
Take me there.
Inside the cottage, the wounded scout struggled to sit upright.
Bandages covered most of his chest, and every breath brought visible pain.
When he saw Kael, he tried to bow.
Kael stopped him.
Rest.
Just tell me what happened.
The scout closed his eyes, forcing himself to remember.
I was returning from the northern ridge after checking the enemy's movements.
Near the old bridge, I saw someone meeting a stranger dressed in black.
I hid behind the rocks.
They exchanged a map.
The scout swallowed painfully.
I recognized the man from our own camp.
Before I could return, he discovered me.
He attacked without warning.
Did you see his face? Kael asked.
The scout nodded weakly.
Commander Tristan.
Silence filled the room.
Even Ronan looked stunned.
Tristan had served the Moon Kingdom for nearly fifteen years.
He had fought beside Kael's father and had earned the respect of every warrior in the kingdom.
Eryx shook his head.
That can't be true.
The scout met his eyes.
I wish it weren't.
Kael's jaw tightened.
Find him.
Immediately.
Within minutes, warriors searched every corner of the Hidden Village.
His cottage was empty.
His armor remained behind.
His horse was gone.
Ronan returned an hour later with a grim expression.
He's already escaped.
Kael slammed his fist against the wooden table.
The enemy now knows exactly where we are.
Outside the cottage, whispers spread among the villagers.
Some refused to believe Tristan was guilty.
Others feared more spies were hiding among them.
Trust began to crumble.
Lyria walked through the frightened crowd, offering comforting words wherever she could.
She stopped beside an elderly woman who clutched her grandson tightly.
Don't be afraid, Lyria said gently.
We'll protect this village.
The woman managed a small smile.
We believe you, Your Majesty.
Those simple words reminded Lyria why she could not allow fear to win.
Meanwhile, several miles away, Tristan rode through the forest without stopping.
His cloak was soaked by the morning rain, but he never looked back.
By sunset, he reached the edge of a ruined fortress.
Shadow warriors emerged from the darkness.
Instead of attacking, they lowered their weapons.
They had been expecting him.
The great iron gates slowly opened.
Inside the fortress, black banners hung from towering walls.
At the end of the hall sat the Shadow King upon his throne.
Golden eyes watched Tristan approach.
The former commander dropped to one knee.
My King.
The Shadow King remained silent for a long moment.
Then he spoke.
Did you deliver what I asked for?
Tristan removed a rolled map from inside his cloak.
It showed every entrance to the Hidden Village, including the secret tunnel beneath the cliffs.
He placed it at the foot of the throne.
Everything you requested.
The Shadow King smiled.
You have served me well.
Tristan lowered his head.
I kept my promise.
Now keep yours.
Protect my family.
For the first time, emotion crossed the Shadow King's face.
Not kindness.
Amusement.
He slowly stood.
Did you truly believe I would spare them?
Tristan looked up, confusion turning to horror.
You swore—
Before he could finish speaking, a shadowy blade pierced his chest from behind.
His eyes widened.
He collapsed onto the cold stone floor.
The Shadow King looked down at him without pity.
Those who betray their own king will always betray me as well.
He turned away as Tristan's lifeless body was dragged into the darkness.
A shadow messenger hurried into the throne room and bowed.
The Hidden Village still stands, my King.
The Shadow King's golden eyes narrowed.
Not for long.
At midnight...
We march.
Far away, beneath the peaceful glow of the moon, the Hidden Village slept, unaware that an army was already moving toward them.
By the time dawn arrived...
Their sanctuary would become a battlefield once again.
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