Lord of Deception

Selene stood by the grand balcony, her hands gripping the cold marble railing as the moon cast silver light over the darkened city. The capital, once a beacon of Lucian's strength, now felt like a prison. A storm of emotions raged inside her—a storm that had begun with Kael.

She had sworn to love Lucian. She had fought beside him, bled for him. Yet, in the depths of her heart, Kael's words had begun to take root like an insidious vine, twisting her thoughts, feeding her doubts.

Tonight, she had come here to think, to clear her mind. But as if summoned by her thoughts, she felt a presence behind her. The air shifted, carrying the faint scent of burning cedar—a scent she had come to associate with him.

Kael.

"You're still awake," he said, his voice low, smooth, and knowing. He stepped beside her, his crimson eyes reflecting the moon's glow.

Selene inhaled sharply but didn't step away. "I needed air."

Kael studied her, his gaze piercing through her defenses. "You needed clarity."

Her breath hitched. How does he always see through me?

She turned to him, trying to summon her usual strength. "I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't—"

"But you are," he interrupted softly. "And that means something."

Selene bit her lip. "I love Lucian."

Kael didn't flinch. He didn't rage, didn't mock her. He merely smiled. "Then why do you feel guilty every time you see me?"

She froze.

"Guilt doesn't come from loyalty," Kael continued, stepping closer, "It comes from desire."

Selene's heart pounded. She should have slapped him. She should have walked away. But she didn't. Because deep down, Kael's words resonated.

She had told herself she despised him, that she was merely playing along to protect Lucian. But the truth was far more dangerous—she was drawn to him.

Kael reached up, brushing his fingers along her jawline, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. "Tell me, Selene. If I'm the monster you claim I am… why haven't you left yet?"

Her lips parted, but no words came.

He leaned in, his lips ghosting over her ear. "You crave what I offer. Not just power… but freedom."

Freedom.

The word sent a shiver down her spine.

Lucian had always been the hero—the righteous, shining figure. But Kael… Kael was the one who made her feel seen. He understood the fire in her, the hunger she had always been forced to suppress.

Her fingers twitched at her sides. If she gave in now, if she let him kiss her, it would be over. There would be no turning back.

But wasn't she already past the point of no return?

Kael pulled back just slightly, his breath warm against her skin. "You don't have to decide tonight," he murmured. "But soon, you will."

And with that, he walked away, leaving her trembling in the moonlight.

Lucian's Defeat

Far from the capital, Lucian stood at the battlefield's edge, his armor stained with the blood of his men. The battle had been a disaster.

Kael's forces had anticipated their every move, cutting off reinforcements, striking where they were weakest. It was a massacre.

Lucian clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he gazed upon the broken bodies of his soldiers. They had trusted him. Followed him. And he had led them to ruin.

Kael was always one step ahead. It was as if he knew exactly where Lucian would strike, how he would react.

A chilling thought crept into Lucian's mind.

Is there a traitor among us?

No. That wasn't possible. His closest allies were loyal.

His thoughts drifted to Selene. She had been distant lately, troubled. He had assumed it was just the weight of war. But what if—

He shook his head. No. Selene would never betray me.

Would she?

Lucian turned to his remaining officers. "We regroup. We strike again."

But as he spoke, he realized the truth.

They weren't regrouping. They were retreating.

Kael had won this battle. And if Lucian didn't act soon… he would win the war.

To be continued.....