Lord of Deception

The Battlefield at Dawn

The sun barely crested the horizon when Lucian led his forces into the valley. His silver armor gleamed with the first rays of light, but his heart felt heavy.

His army was not at full strength. Many of his soldiers still bore wounds from their last defeat. Yet, he had no choice. Kael was growing stronger, and worst of all—Selene was missing.

He refused to believe she had abandoned him.

No.

Kael must have done something to her.

Lucian tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, Radiance, the holy blade said to be blessed by the gods themselves.

This will end today.

His forces marched with grim determination. They knew the risk of this battle, but they followed him regardless.

Yet, as they reached the outskirts of Kael's stronghold, something felt… wrong.

It was too quiet.

No banners flapped in the wind. No scouts patrolled the high walls.

It was as if Kael was waiting for them.

Lucian took a deep breath, raising his sword high. "Form ranks!"

His army moved into position, shields locked, swords drawn.

And then—

The gates swung open.

A lone figure emerged, stepping into the battlefield.

Lucian's heart stopped.

Selene.

The Moment of Truth

She was draped in a black and crimson robe, the sigil of Kael's forces embroidered over her heart. Not a prisoner. Not bound in chains.

She stood willingly at Kael's side.

Lucian's mouth went dry. "Selene…"

She met his gaze, and something inside him shattered. She wasn't the same.

There was no warmth in her eyes. No hesitation. Only a chilling resolve.

"What has he done to you?" Lucian whispered, taking a step forward.

Selene tilted her head. "He showed me the truth."

Lucian's grip tightened on his sword. "You swore to fight beside me. You swore you loved me!"

Her lips curled into something resembling a smile, but it lacked warmth. "And I did."

She raised her hand.

A thousand arrows darkened the sky.

Kael's Grand Design

From the high walls of his fortress, Kael watched the chaos unfold.

Lucian was hesitating.

Good.

Doubt had already begun to gnaw at him. He was a warrior who fought with his heart, and now that heart was shattered.

Selene was no longer his guiding star—she was Kael's.

And this battle was already over.

Lucian barely raised his shield in time as the volley of arrows rained down. His men were not so lucky—hundreds fell in an instant.

Kael turned to Selene, whispering so only she could hear.

"Do you see it now? The way he falters?"

She did not answer.

But she did not stop him, either.

Kael smiled. Perfect.

He raised his hand, and from the fortress, his own forces descended upon the battlefield like a tide of darkness.

Lucian roared in fury, trying to rally his men. "Hold the line! We fight for the kingdom!"

But his words lacked the same strength they once had.

Because even he was beginning to wonder if he still had something left to fight for.

Lucian's Last Stand

The battle was brutal. Kael's forces cut through Lucian's army with merciless efficiency.

And yet, Lucian did not fall.

His sword, Radiance, burned with holy fire as he carved through the enemy ranks. His movements were desperate, fueled by pain and fury.

And then, finally—

He reached her.

Selene.

She stood before him, sword drawn, blocking his path to Kael.

Lucian's breath came in ragged gasps. "Selene… move."

She didn't.

For the first time, doubt flickered across her face.

Kael had broken her—but Lucian had once loved her.

He reached for her, dropping his weapon. "Come back to me."

For a moment, just a moment, her fingers twitched at her side.

Then—

Kael's voice rang out. "Selene."

She stiffened.

Lucian's heart sank.

She turned away from him.

Kael stepped forward, placing a hand on Selene's shoulder. His eyes met Lucian's, filled with victory.

"You've lost."

Lucian roared, reaching for his blade—

Selene struck first.

A dagger, plunged deep into Lucian's side.

The world blurred.

He staggered, gripping the wound, staring at her in disbelief.

She stepped back, her face blank. "This is the path I've chosen."

Lucian collapsed to his knees.

His army was in shambles. His strength was fading.

And the woman he loved… had been taken from him.

Kael knelt beside him, whispering, "You were always destined to fail."

Lucian fell.

And as darkness claimed him, he heard Kael's laughter ringing in his ears.

To be continued.....