Chapter 56: Secrets Behind the Throne
714 Words
The ride back to the castle was silent.
The moon hung high above the forest, casting pale light over the narrow path as Kael and the others returned from the ritual site.
No one spoke.
What they had seen in the clearing was enough to weigh heavily on everyone’s mind.
Commander Roran finally broke the silence.
“That hooded man knew exactly what he was doing.”
Kael nodded.
“Yes.”
Roran frowned.
“Which means he’s not just some wandering dark mage.”
Aria tightened her grip on the reins of her horse.
“He said the Devourer is coming.”
The words felt colder now than they had in the forest.
Kael glanced toward her.
“That means the ritual wasn’t meant to summon an army.”
“Then what was it for?” she asked.
“To test you.”
Aria blinked.
“Test me?”
Kael nodded.
“He wanted to see how strong the Moon’s Chosen really is.”
The thought sent a chill down her spine.
“So we basically walked into his trap.”
“Exactly.”
The castle gates soon appeared in the distance.
Torches burned brightly along the walls, and guards quickly opened the gate as the group approached.
But something felt different tonight.
Too quiet.
Too watchful.
As they entered the courtyard, Kael dismounted.
“Roran, double the night patrol.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And send scouts to search the forest again.”
Roran bowed before leaving.
Aria climbed down from her horse.
Her legs still felt shaky after the battle.
“You think that man could be inside the kingdom?” she asked quietly.
Kael looked toward the castle towers.
“If he has help… it’s possible.”
Just then, a familiar voice spoke behind them.
“You both look like you had an exciting evening.”
Aria turned.
Darius stood near the castle entrance, leaning casually against one of the stone pillars.
His expression was relaxed.
Almost amused.
Kael’s eyes hardened slightly.
“You’re still awake.”
Darius shrugged.
“Hard to sleep when half the kingdom is whispering about monsters in the forest.”
His gaze shifted toward Aria.
“And judging by the dirt on your clothes, I assume those whispers are true.”
Aria crossed her arms.
“You already knew something was happening.”
Darius smiled faintly.
“I know many things.”
Kael stepped forward.
“There was a ritual site in the northern forest.”
Darius raised an eyebrow.
“A ritual?”
“Yes,” Kael said. “And someone summoned another creature.”
Darius looked genuinely interested.
“That sounds… concerning.”
Aria studied his face carefully.
There was no fear there.
No surprise either.
Only curiosity.
Almost like he had expected this.
“You’re taking this very calmly,” she said.
Darius chuckled softly.
“My dear Aria, panic has never solved a problem.”
His blue eyes moved briefly to her glowing wrist.
Besides.
His smile grew slightly.
we have the Moon’s Chosen protecting us.
Aria felt uneasy again.
Something about his tone felt wrong.
Before she could respond, Kael spoke.
“We’re holding a council meeting in the morning.”
Darius pushed himself away from the pillar.
“I look forward to it.”
He walked past them toward the castle hallway.
But just before disappearing around the corner, he paused.
“And brother…”
Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Yes?”
Darius glanced back.
“If the Devourer truly is coming…”
His voice dropped to a quiet whisper.
“…then the kingdom will need to make difficult choices.”
Then he disappeared down the corridor.
Aria watched him go.
“Do you trust him?” she asked quietly.
Kael remained silent for a long moment.
Finally, he answered.
“He’s my brother.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
Kael’s jaw tightened.
“No.”
High above them, hidden in the darkness of the castle tower…
A raven suddenly took flight.
Its red eyes glowed briefly in the night.
And somewhere far beyond the forest…
A deep voice rumbled in the shadows.
“The Moon’s Chosen grows stronger.”
Dravoryx had felt the power of her silver blade.
And now…
He was coming himself.
- Writer
