Chapter 26 - Nightmare of Betrayal
-Evening in the Audience Chamber; Imperial Sun Palace in Elmir-
56Please respect copyright.PENANAysBh8hwtA8
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the grand Audience Chamber of the Imperial Sun Palace in Elmir, tension hung thick in the air. The lavish room, adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the empire's glorious history, echoed with the Emperor's furious voice. His throne, a magnificent piece of craftsmanship, was momentarily abandoned as he leapt to his feet, his regal robes swirling around him like a tempest.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAjZMlUH2eLW
“Seriously, Cillian?” the Emperor bellowed, his voice reverberating off the marble walls, a mixture of disbelief and ire etched across his aristocratic features. His eyes, usually alight with authority, now blazed with indignation.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAIPtVaeif9e
Cillian, unfazed, leaned back against the plush cushions of the chair, a delicate porcelain teacup poised elegantly between his fingers. He took a leisurely sip of the steaming tea, his eyelids fluttering shut as he savored the warmth. “Of course, Your Imperial Majesty,” he replied coolly, his tone laced with a casual nonchalance that only deepened the Emperor's irritation. “Isn’t this how I was supposed to complete my task?”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAhIhMxApFuM
The Emperor's expression morphed into one of exaggerated disbelief, his brows arching dramatically. “I never commanded you to defy the King or seize his daughter! What possessed you to go so far?” He sank back into his chair, the ornate seat creaking under the weight of his frustration, fingers gripping the armrests tightly as if they were the only thing keeping him grounded.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAWpRBourtLl
Cillian, with a slight tilt of his head, regarded the Emperor with an icy gaze. “Defy the King? I merely conveyed what he ought to do,” he stated succinctly, his voice devoid of any warmth, as if discussing the weather rather than a matter of state.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAk2dS2jDBSR
A heavy sigh escaped the Emperor’s lips, the sound a mix of exasperation and resignation. “And where, pray tell, is the Princess now?” he inquired, his tone dripping with serenity, as if he were asking about the whereabouts of a lost sock rather than a royal hostage.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAFJc6f7zzSB
“Moonlit Edifice,” Cillian answered, his voice flat and devoid of embellishment.
56Please respect copyright.PENANA2QW1SX7OyT
The mention of the Moonlit Edifice, one of Cillian's many extravagant properties, hung in the air like a dark cloud. It was a place of opulence, its towering spires piercing the sky, adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of wealth and power. The gardens surrounding it were a riot of colors, with flowers blooming like jewels under the moonlight, and fountains that danced to the whispers of the night. To the Emperor, it was a stark reminder of Cillian's influence and the audacity that came with it.
"..." Oh, fantastic! I just assumed this kid was kidding, but surprise, surprise—I’m actually the punchline in this delightful little comedy act. How charming! The Emperor thought, a sardonic smile creeping onto his lips.
56Please respect copyright.PENANA9Dduxlrbex
“Why are you smiling, Your Imperial Majesty?” Cillian asked, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with the Emperor, searching for the hidden meanings behind the Emperor's expression.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAkPYDyjJctj
"Haaaa......, is there any reason other than the fact that my beloved son has committed an act so utterly incomprehensible? I’m still reeling from the shock,” the Emperor replied, his voice dripping with mockery. “Not only did you break off your engagement, but you also had the audacity to marry off your ex-fiancée to someone else.”
56Please respect copyright.PENANApbSwn1IBPd
Cillian’s expression remained impassive, his lips barely twitching as he responded, “I viewed her merely as a sister. Besides, the man I chose for her is a good match. There’s nothing for Your Majesty to concern yourself about.”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAxLGz6cOcjW
The Emperor’s face contorted into a mask of displeasure, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated the implications of Cillian's words.
-On the Balcony in Luxana's Room, Moonlit Edifice; Elmir-
56Please respect copyright.PENANAOTyVEEgerl
I stood on the balcony of my room, the cool metal railing biting into my palms as I leaned slightly forward, my gaze fixed on the moon. It hung there, colossal and luminous, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. The silver light bathed everything in an otherworldly sheen, yet a peculiar unease settled in my stomach. It was a feeling I couldn’t quite articulate, but it was there, lurking beneath the surface like a shadow waiting to pounce.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAnlNLCUZuRY
Ah, but I can almost hear you wondering what happened after I vanished with Cillian and the others. Why, pray tell, am I still here, trapped in this gilded cage? The answer is simple: It's IMPOSSIBLE!
56Please respect copyright.PENANAL4Zs6UsNRv
Let me paint a picture for you.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAPdyWkILklZ
The moment I materialized in this Moonlit Edifice, Cillian’s blade was still pressed against my neck. He retreated his sword, and with a dismissive shove, sent me sprawling onto the floor. I landed with a thud, the impact reverberating through my bones. As if I were a mere toy, he ordered two maids—who looked eerily like porcelain dolls—to tend to me while he gallivanted off. And here I am, left to ponder the depths of his motives. It’s almost endearing, really, how he pretends we’re strangers.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAqOj4l5y2Oy
I have three delightful theories to back up his behavior:
56Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZvbvTvqYt
Theory 1:
He’s still sulking over my refusal to help him break off his engagement. Apparently, the concept of let it slide and move on is a foreign one to him.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAXHvUWMVQcH
Theory 2:
He’s too busy polishing his reputation to acknowledge our past connection. Oh, how noble.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAYwfACY35jG
Theory 3:
Perhaps he’s being coerced into ignoring me. A classic case of “I’d love to chat, but my hands are tied.”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAldYnEvGvcs
Who knows? Maybe I’m completely off the mark.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAUr7vCb5n4h
Now, let’s discuss my attempts to escape. I’ve tried at least sixty times an hour, but alas, the gates of this Edifice are spellbound. No one enters or exits. There’s a protection spell around the place, which is why even the birds have the good sense to steer clear. From my balcony, I can see the towering gates and the dense forest beyond, but not a soul has dared to approach all day. Even Veles, who could slip through the tiniest of cracks, has been thwarted. And those doll-like maids? They haven’t uttered a single word since I arrived. Their only contributions have been a bath, a table laden with food ranging from the mundane to the extravagant, and a book they’ve insisted I read. They shadow me like specters everywhere, but my “everywhere” consists of a mere two steps back and forth within this room. SIGH.
But honestly? I miss Myla, Drake, and Veles. I truly do. They’re the only ones I could ever trust, even if they’re a handful. I love them like family, and the thought of them brings a genuine smile to my face.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAtJdeqG5QV9
I hadn’t realized I’d been standing there for fifteen minutes, lost in thought. Time to retire for the night, I mused, turning to shut the balcony doors. But just then, a sudden gust of wind slammed them wide open, sending a chill racing down my spine and my hair flying forward in a cascade of orange flames.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAqgtJHyRTfj
I didn’t want to turn around. I could feel it—the presence behind me was immense, suffocating, and utterly sinister.
56Please respect copyright.PENANABLUOd1yt3l
KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERK
56Please respect copyright.PENANALR4Ghb24xq
The sound sliced through the air like a knife. I spun around, my heart pounding, and my eyes widened in horror.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAMMHdy7rfZI
A wave of dread washed over me as the creature emerged from the shadows. It was a Harpy, a grotesque fusion of tattered feathers and glistening scales, radiating a stench so foul it could curdle milk. It hunched over, its wings unfurling like dark clouds, swallowing the moonlight and plunging the room into a suffocating darkness.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAty7gQYX9ta
Its gaze was predatory, sharp and calculating, revealing a twisted intelligence lurking beneath its monstrous exterior. As it advanced, its claws scraped against the floor, a sound that echoed like nails on a chalkboard, sending shivers down my spine. Every instinct screamed for me to flee, but I couldn’t afford to show weakness—not if I wanted to survive this encounter.
56Please respect copyright.PENANA7TGduRqDgc
With a guttural snarl, the Harpy lunged at me, its claws outstretched, glistening with malice and intent.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAVDllPVLywS
And then, in a heartbeat, blood splattered across my vision, painting the ground in a crimson hue. The world around me faded into a blur, I blinked, and the world seemed to slow down around me.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAboQRJtZvvw
As the harpy's lifeless body crumpled to the floor, I caught a glimpse of Cillian, his silvery-white hair shining in the moonlight. Half of his body was bathed in the ethereal glow, while the other half faced me, his blue eyes locked onto mine. His right hand, the one holding the sword, was bleeding, but he seemed unfazed.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAmne5pi6gUm
I walked towards the fallen harpy, kneeling down beside it, careful to avoid the pool of blood. Clasping my hands tightly, I shut my eyes and said a silent prayer for the creature.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAjlCs1Ftnlk
Cillian stood to my left. In a sudden, swift movement, he grabbed my left wrist, yanking me to my feet. His grip was tight, almost painful. "WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH YOU?" he screamed, his voice laced with anger.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAAaxDkKTLWP
I remained silent, my eyes never leaving his. My expression softened into a pleading look, but realizing what I was doing, I lowered my head, snatching back my wrist and crossing my arms defensively. I turned away, avoiding his gaze. Why was I doing this? I had hoped he would tell me what was going on, but it seemed like I was grasping at straws. I pushed that thought aside, feeling a twinge of disappointment.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAlMTDnTShsV
Cillian let out a sigh. "Luxana," he began, placing his left hand on my shoulder and leaning closer to my ear. "Listen closely," he whispered, his breath tickling my skin and sending a chill down my spine. "Want it, can't get it, came back and did it in another way," he continued, his cheek brushing against mine as he rested his head on my shoulder.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAhwCE5Rj8hM
"Xerxes," I blurted out, intentionally turning my head away from him.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAPRgCaUwSZw
"And?" Cillian pressed, his face still on my shoulder.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAgQG4JRVsFQ
Should I really trust him? I pondered. "What's His Majesty the King of Domino doing right now?"
56Please respect copyright.PENANAEdkQcd5Tvg
Cillian smiled, recognizing my attempt to steer the conversation. "He's just sitting with his bum glued to his throne, his legs stomping as if nature's calling, but he'd rather do it on the throne," he exclaimed.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAsPvZtDtvjP
I gave him a look of disgust. "You reek of blood," I exclaimed, covering my mouth with my hand. "Please wash up if you wish to continue our conversation," I said, turning my head away once more.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAOESQzkvZBD
"Hmm, I'm afraid if I take my eyes off you, you'd attract another beast," Cillian exclaimed, rising up.
56Please respect copyright.PENANA3vjaBtJpNU
What? I attracted the beast? Really? I pondered. "Don't worry about me and leave."
56Please respect copyright.PENANA8qbGmEH0ub
"Then wait for me," Cillian exclaimed with a smile, rushing off. Just as he left, the doll-like maids entered with cleaning supplies and began their work. They first locked up the balcony doors before proceeding with their tasks.
Hmm, this is weird. I attracted the beast? Sure, beasts are more active at night, but there's a protection spell around the Edifice. How did it get in? Is there some condition that needs to be met to break the spell, perhaps during the midnight hours like now, when the moon is at eye level? Possibly. But more importantly, what's up with Cillian's sudden change in behavior? Is he a daytime bad boy and a nighttime good boy? I don't know, and frankly, I don't care. Now that I've found a way to escape, I should leave tonight if possible.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAGjLl0TSwDZ
56Please respect copyright.PENANA3syBbz8mO6
The maids glided with unsettling elegance, their porcelain-like faces devoid of emotion. They paid me no mind, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAjbbvDyc9br
Just then, Cillian approached, freshly cleaned, a towel draped around his shoulders. His blue eyes burned with intensity. "Luxana," he began, his voice low. "We need to talk."
56Please respect copyright.PENANAzuJl5BTpCe
"I'm all ears," I replied, guarded.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAMeVoEQjYMN
"Not in this room," he whispered. "Follow me."
56Please respect copyright.PENANAyv10zrOZwL
Before I could respond, he turned toward the door. I hesitated but followed, convinced of his sincerity.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAoQdDftM0T8
We made our way through the dimly lit halls, the sound of our footsteps echoing. Cillian led me to a secluded alcove, his expression grave.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAQQ8na8mnMO
"Luxana," he began, his voice a whisper. "You're in danger."
56Please respect copyright.PENANABxisVUEs4Y
"What do you mean?" I asked, trembling.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAsXiFiFGaRG
Cillian grasped my shoulders. "The king wants you dead."
56Please respect copyright.PENANACTPvPexUos
His words made my heart lurch. "But why?"
56Please respect copyright.PENANAYiw72KzbG4
"I don't know," he admitted. "But you need to get out of here."
56Please respect copyright.PENANAHkxzJCJv2m
Before I could respond, a sudden commotion from my room caught our attention. Cillian grabbed my hand, and we ran.
56Please respect copyright.PENANALmr9fknXTx
We raced through the corridors, dodging servants and guards. My heart pounded as we ran. I had no idea where we were going, but I trusted Cillian.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAFigVlX2IUp
Finally, we reached a pair of imposing wooden doors. Cillian pushed them open, revealing a dimly lit staircase leading down. He pulled me inside and closed the doors behind us.
56Please respect copyright.PENANABt2sUDiKWK
As we ventured deeper, the atmosphere shifted, the air growing colder. Shadows danced along the walls, twisting as if alive.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAnMmdouQAQS
“Stay close,” Cillian instructed, his tone clipped. I followed. Each step felt heavier, as if the ground was trying to pull me back.
56Please respect copyright.PENANA1j3oTaw119
I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows. I stole glances at Cillian, but his face was set in grim determination.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAeX3huqyn0D
“Cillian,” I ventured, my voice trembling. “What’s going on?”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAYwSXFDtQsh
He glanced back, his blue eyes shining in the dim light. “We don’t have time for explanations. Just trust me.”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAANjdrJDwP9
We reached a narrow staircase spiraling downward. Cillian led the way, confident as we descended. A sinister energy pulsed from the walls.
56Please respect copyright.PENANA86Blt7D3ts
Finally, we reached a heavy iron door. Cillian paused, his hand on the handle.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAYeoBtoU9C2
“This is it,” he said, tense. “Once we go through, we’ll be outside.”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAFpL4z8Ikgr
Hope surged within me, eclipsed by foreboding. “What about the guards?” I asked.
56Please respect copyright.PENANABspOlk06bH
“They won’t be a problem,” he replied.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAVUvs7VIMrR
He pushed the door open, revealing a darkened courtyard bathed in moonlight. Freedom was so close I could taste it.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAFrXCWu4zHx
My heart raced as I turned to look at Cillian, who stood frozen, eyes wide.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAJWAeSuePRJ
“Cillian?” I called, confusion flooding my voice. “What’s wrong?”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAD1eaNS0yIE
He stepped closer, his expression shifting to something darker. “I’m sorry, Luxana,” he said, his voice low.
56Please respect copyright.PENANABhzY4Svhna
Before I could react, he lunged, gripping my wrist with a force that was both familiar and terrifying. “What are you doing?” I gasped.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAZWVoU7rmk3
“I have to do this,” he said, eyes locked on mine, filled with regret. “It’s for your own good.”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAqIoU6uNn2d
As the realization hit me, my heart sank. He wasn’t leading me to freedom; he was leading me to my doom.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAxfj8I5lMny
“Cillian, please!” I pleaded. “You can’t do this!”
56Please respect copyright.PENANAjWLjZOsyU4
But he shook his head, a sad smile on his lips. “I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”
56Please respect copyright.PENANA67LiNgmBle
In that moment, shadows thickened as the reality crashed down. I was trapped in a nightmare of betrayal. Cillian’s grip tightened, and I felt the cold bite of steel against my skin.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAWTLEpJhz4d
“Goodbye, Luxana,” he whispered.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAuYC9p7hy05
Then, he plunged the blade into my side, pain exploding through me. The courtyard faded into darkness, and I crumpled to the ground, the moonlight above a cruel reminder of my shattered hopes.
56Please respect copyright.PENANAGgUNl3oswF
As I lay there, the cold seeped into my bones. I was ensnared in a web of treachery that would haunt me for eternity. Cillian’s silhouette against the moonlight etched a haunting image in my mind, a chilling reminder of the betrayal that sealed my fate.
To be Continued...
ns 172.70.39.193da2