Chapter 57: The King's Decision
718 Words
Morning arrived with heavy tension hanging over the Lycan castle.
The bright sunlight shining through the tall windows of the council chamber did little to warm the cold atmosphere inside.
Every seat around the large stone table was occupied.
Generals.
Elders.
Advisors.
And at the head of the table sat King Kael.
Aria stood beside him quietly, feeling the weight of every pair of eyes in the room.
The council meeting had begun.
Elder Myra was the first to speak.
“The ritual discovered in the northern forest confirms our fears,” she said gravely. “Dark magic is being used within our territory.”
One of the generals slammed his fist on the table.
“That means the enemy has spies.”
Another council member shook his head.
“Or traitors.”
The word hung heavily in the air.
Aria shifted slightly.
Her mind immediately drifted to Darius.
As if summoned by the thought, the large doors of the council chamber suddenly opened.
Darius walked inside calmly.
“Apologies for being late,” he said with a casual smile.
He took his seat like nothing was wrong.
Kael’s golden eyes followed him carefully.
“We were discussing the ritual in the forest.”
Darius leaned back in his chair.
“Ah yes, the mysterious ritual that summoned another monster.”
His tone sounded almost bored.
Aria frowned slightly.
“How did you know about the monster?” she asked.
Darius looked at her with amusement.
“The entire castle is talking about it.”
Kael spoke before the conversation could drift further.
“The enemy is testing our defenses.”
Commander Roran nodded.
“That creature was stronger than the one that attacked the gate.”
One of the elders looked nervously toward Aria.
“And the Moon’s Chosen is their target.”
Another advisor spoke quickly.
“If the Devourer is truly hunting her, then the kingdom could be in danger.”
Aria felt her chest tighten.
Again.
The same argument.
They wanted her gone.
Kael’s hand slowly tightened on the arm of his chair.
“She is not leaving.”
His voice was calm but firm.
The council members exchanged uneasy glances.
“But Your Majesty—”
“I said no.”
Silence filled the chamber.
Darius suddenly chuckled.
Everyone turned toward him.
“Brother,” he said lightly, “you might want to consider their concerns.”
Kael’s eyes narrowed.
“And why is that?”
Darius folded his hands together.
“Because if the Devourer attacks the kingdom directly… thousands could die.”
His gaze moved slowly to Aria.
“All for the sake of one girl.”
Aria felt anger rise in her chest.
“I didn’t ask for any of this.”
Darius smiled faintly.
“No… but destiny did.”
Kael stood up from his seat.
The sudden movement made the entire room freeze.
“This meeting is over.”
“But Your Majesty—” one elder began.
Kael’s voice cut him off.
“We will strengthen the defenses, send more scouts, and prepare for war.”
His golden eyes hardened.
“But the Moon’s Chosen stays.”
No one dared argue further.
One by one, the council members began leaving the chamber.
Soon only Kael, Aria, and Darius remained.
Darius stood up slowly.
“You’re letting your emotions guide your decisions.”
Kael stepped closer to him.
“And you sound strangely eager to send her away.”
Darius shrugged.
“I’m simply being logical.”
Aria watched the two brothers carefully.
The tension between them felt like a storm about to break.
Finally Darius sighed and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he looked back at Aria.
His blue eyes gleamed with something unreadable.
“Be careful in the forest,” he said softly.
Aria frowned.
“I never said I was going to the forest.”
Darius smiled.
“That’s the thing about destiny.”
His voice dropped to a whisper.
“It always leads you exactly where you’re supposed to go.”
Then he left the chamber.
Aria slowly turned to Kael.
“Do you think he knows something?”
Kael stared at the closed door.
“Yes.”
His voice was low and serious.
“And I intend to find out what.”
- Writer
