Fate betrayal

CHAPTER10

Chapter 10: The Secrets of Killian

ARIA's POV

Tension permeated Killian's office, pressing down on my chest like a stifling weight. The slight metallic tang of blood that lingered to me from the rogue attack mixed with the smell of ancient leather and polished wood. Killian's silhouette was framed by the moonlight as he stood by the wide window. Something colder and sharper replaced his normally calm manner—a man caught in the act of concealing too much.

My voice pierced the quiet like a razor as I said, "You're keeping secrets from me."

Killian's black eyes were unreadable when he turned to me. Aria, everyone has secrets. even you.

I refused to back down and crossed my arms. "Avoid deflecting. Before the attack, I listened to what those rogues had to say. Killian, they said your name. They were aware of you.

The glimmer of remorse in his eyes betrayed him as his jaw tightened.

"Have you not been making deals?" I pushed. "All this talk about keeping me safe, but you're collaborating with a dangerous person." Who is it?

Killian ran a hand through his hair and moaned. "That's not what you believe."

"Then give me an explanation," I insisted. "Because it appears that you have been playing both sides at the moment."

His voice fell to a low, measured tone as he took a step closer. "I've been considering both viewpoints. However, not for the reasons you believe.

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a mixture of dread and rage. "What even does that mean?"

Killian paused, his eyes darting to the papers scattered on his desk. Dispersed among the encrypted symbols, inscriptions, and maps were clues that I was unable to decipher. At last, he let out a long breath and motioned for me to take a seat.

With a calmer tone, he stated, "Ariana, this isn't just about you." "A conflict that has been simmering for a long time before your second opportunity is about to break out. Furthermore, the opponent is more than just rival packs or rogues. It's something far more sinister.

I scowled as my thoughts raced. "Ezekiel, the man who attacked." Isn't he involved in this?

Killian gave a somber nod. He is a vital member of the team. Ezekiel is more than just a rebellious leader. He belongs to a long-standing group that has been tampering with the mate bond system for centuries. They have managed to turn it into a weapon and use our bonds to manipulate us.

My world appeared to shift beneath me as the room tilted. "Manage us?" My voice was no more than a whisper as I echoed.

Killian's hard, unwavering gaze was fixed on mine. "Remember your early years, Aria. It wasn't natural—the suffering, the treachery, the insanity. The purpose of the mate bond is to bring us together, not to separate us. However, Ezekiel's group has perverted it, utilizing it to destabilize packs, transform partners into weapons, and wreak havoc.

Confusion and denial swirled through my mind as I shook my head. "How are you aware of all of this?"

Killian acknowledged, "Because I've been working from the inside out." "I've been breaking into their ranks, obtaining intelligence, and attempting to foil their schemes for years. It's a trap, this partnership you believe I'm forming. In order to destroy their network from within, I'm gaining their trust.

Like a storm cloud, the weight of his revelation descended upon me. His reserved demeanor, the tightness in his eyes, and the way he always seemed to be one step ahead were all explained by it.

"What kept you from telling me?" My voice quivered with a mixture of betrayal and rage as I asked.

Killian showed a rare sensitivity as his expression softened. Because you were safer the less you knew. There are eyes everywhere for Ezekiel and his people. If they thought you were complicit—

"I'm already involved," I said, suddenly getting to my feet. "Killian, they killed me in my first existence. Everything was destroyed by them. I was not protected then, and I will not be protected today by keeping me in the dark.

He tentatively but firmly grabbed for me. "You're correct. And I ought to have informed you earlier. But you must believe me now that you know. This battle cannot be won by us alone.

Even though there was no denying the fire in his eyes, it was insufficient to calm the raging emotional storm inside of me.

I answered, stepping back, "You haven't told me everything yet." "What else do you conceal?"

Killian's hesitation spoke louder than words, and his silence was deafening.

"I must know," I demanded. "What do you not tell me?"

His shoulders were tense as he looked toward the glass. "There is a prophecy," he finally stated. "One that has a direct connection to you."

My heart pounded in my ears as I froze. "What sort of prophecy is that?"

Killian paused as though considering the ramifications of what he had spoken. Aria, there's a reason why the Moon Goddess choose you. Rewriting your destiny is only one aspect of your second chance. The goal is to halt them. Your relationship with Darius is the secret to their demise and a weapon they fear.

The weight of his disclosure seemed to topple me as the room whirled. My voice was shaking as I added, "So this isn't just about me." "It concerns us all."

Killian nodded, his face solemn. And for that reason, Ezekiel is aiming for you. You will not be able to stop them if he is able to break you—break the bond.

The moment was broken by a knock on the door, and we both turned to face the sound.

With a tense voice, Killian yelled, "Enter."

With a creak, the door opened and one of his guards appeared, his eyes wide with terror and his face pallid.

The guard shook his voice and said, "Alpha." A breach has been discovered. There are rogues throughout the area.

Killian's features sharpened with a lethal edge, and his face darkened. "How many?"

"Dozens," said the guard. "Ezekiel is with them, too."

Killian turned to face me, his countenance a mix of fear and resolve, and the blood drained from my face.

"Remain here," he said in a stern tone.

"Like hell I will," I retorted, clutching the dagger beside me.

Killian started to argue, but he was interrupted by a loud explosion that shook the structure.

Smoke and turmoil engulfed the room as the windows broke. A figure appeared through the mist, his red eyes gleaming with evil delight.

Ezekiel's smile cut through the shadows like a knife. "Little Luna, did you really think I wouldn't find you?"