Lord of Deception

Auron Starfire stood atop the Ivory Bastion, gazing over the vast capital of Solaris. The city stretched beyond the horizon, its golden towers reflecting the rising sun. The people below carried on with their daily lives, unaware that the world's balance was beginning to shift.

But Auron could feel it.

Something was wrong.

The weight in his chest, the unease in his gut—it all pointed to one man.

Kael Ardyn.

From the moment Kael had appeared in Solaris, he had been a mystery wrapped in deception. He spoke like a noble, moved like a warrior, and yet… he had no past.

And now, Elyndra—his beloved—was changing.

She was distant, her once-bright smile dulled. He had seen the way her gaze lingered in empty spaces, lost in thought. And worst of all, when he touched her… she no longer melted into him the way she used to.

Auron clenched his fists.

Had Kael done something to her?

Or worse—had she allowed it?

No. I refuse to believe that.

He had to act.

Turning on his heel, he marched down the castle halls, his golden cloak billowing behind him. He needed answers, and there was only one way to get them.

It was time to confront Kael Ardyn.

Kael's Quarters – A Game of Words

Kael sat in his lavish quarters, a smirk playing on his lips as he traced his fingers along the rim of his goblet. Aged Solaris wine, smooth and rich, filled the air with its scent.

But he wasn't savoring the drink.

He was savoring his victory.

Elyndra was breaking.

Her resistance had been strong at first, but no woman could fight against the inevitable. He had seen it in her eyes—the guilt, the confusion, the desire.

She had tasted sin.

And she would come back for more.

A sharp knock echoed through the chamber.

Kael's smirk widened.

Right on time.

"Enter."

The door swung open, revealing Auron.

His golden armor gleamed under the candlelight, but his expression was anything but righteous.

His eyes—normally filled with warmth—were now cold, calculating.

Kael leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine. "To what do I owe the honor, oh noble Hero?"

Auron stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I don't have time for your games, Kael."

Kael chuckled. "That's a shame. I do so enjoy them."

Auron's jaw tightened. "Stay away from Elyndra."

Kael stilled.

Ah.

So this was about her.

He placed his goblet down, rising slowly from his seat. "My dear Auron, you wound me. I have done nothing but respect Lady Elyndra."

"Don't play dumb." Auron took a step closer, his aura radiating restrained fury. "I see the way she looks at you. I see the way she avoids me."

Kael tilted his head. "And whose fault is that?"

Auron's eyes flashed with anger. "You're poisoning her mind. Manipulating her."

Kael smirked. "Funny. If she were so easily swayed, then perhaps your bond wasn't as strong as you believed."

Auron's fist clenched. "Say that again."

Kael leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"If she truly loved you… nothing I did would matter."

Auron snapped.

With a roar, he lunged forward, grabbing Kael by the collar and slamming him against the wall. The entire room shook with the force of his fury.

Kael merely laughed.

"Oh? Did I touch a nerve?"

Auron's grip tightened. "I don't know what tricks you're playing, but I swear on my blade—if you so much as lay a hand on her—"

"Then what?" Kael interrupted, his tone smooth as silk.

Auron hesitated.

Kael's smirk widened.

"That's the problem, isn't it?" His voice was low, dangerous. "You're the noble hero. You can't kill me without proof. You can't strike me down, no matter how much you want to."

Auron's jaw clenched.

He hated that Kael was right.

"Leave Elyndra alone," Auron warned again. "Or next time, I won't hold back."

Kael sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. If it puts your heart at ease, I promise…"

He leaned in, voice dripping with amusement.

"…I will only do what she allows."

Auron's eyes burned with fury, but he said nothing.

Because deep down, a horrifying thought took root.

What if she wanted him?

Auron released Kael with a shove, stepping back. "Stay away from her."

Then, without another word, he turned and stormed out.

Kael adjusted his collar, exhaling in amusement.

"That went well."

He poured himself another goblet of wine, watching the golden liquid swirl.

Auron's doubt had been planted.

And doubt was the seed from which all things crumbled.

Elyndra's Struggle

Elyndra sat by the palace gardens, her fingers absently tracing the petals of a silverrose.

Her mind was a storm.

Auron had confronted her earlier, his words laced with worry. He had tried to remind her of their love, of their promise to each other.

She had smiled. She had nodded.

But deep down, she knew.

She knew she was falling.

Falling into Kael's hands.

His touch still lingered on her skin. His words still echoed in her mind.

"One taste of sin, and you will never crave virtue again."

She squeezed her eyes shut.

She had always prided herself on her discipline.

Then why… why did she ache for him?

Why did she dream of his touch?

A shadow fell over her.

She opened her eyes—and froze.

Kael stood before her, dressed in a midnight-black coat, his expression unreadable.

For a long moment, neither spoke.

Then Kael tilted his head, smirking.

"You look troubled, my lady."

Elyndra swallowed hard.

"Kael… I can't do this."

He stepped closer, his voice a whisper.

"Can't do what?"

Her breathing quickened.

"Whatever this is," she said, looking away. "Whatever you're doing to me."

Kael reached out, his fingers grazing her cheek.

"And what am I doing, exactly?"

Elyndra shuddered. "You're… ruining me."

Kael chuckled darkly. "Oh, my dear… I haven't even begun."

His lips brushed against her ear.

"Tell me to leave."

Silence.

Elyndra should have spoken.

She should have pushed him away.

But she didn't.

And in that moment, she knew—she was lost.

To be continued.....