Betrayal: Yuri x Reader

Chapter Eleven - Where Is the Truth I Seek?

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-Yuri's POV-

"You're gonna regret this, Aelfric," Balthus grumbles.

"I accepted the regret I might have felt from this long ago. As long as she returns, nothing else matters. Yuri, if you think you'll be pulling anything funny, think again. The Knights of Seiros won't save you." Aelfric instructs the only of the Ashen Wolves not tied up, me.

"Well, that's a darn shame." I shrug, acting like I hadn't a care in the world. In reality, though, I felt as if the fates of everyone I knew were on my shoulders.

"Yuri, I could-" Hapi starts in a hushed voice, but I sternly shake my head, silently telling her, 'Not yet'. The girl would use her power to summon beasts with her sigh, but not until my command. I was confident that I had the situation under control. Now to wait for only a bit longer, as the clock's hands approached midnight.

A few of Aelfric's mages enter, and Aelfric commands them, "It is time. Take them. Your blood will pour forth, filling the Chalice of Beginnings. Let the ritual begin!"

In mere moments every one of the Ashen Wolves, including me, was stabbed, cut down far enough for our vibrant crimson blood to dribble to the cold, stone floor below. "You really are a fool..." I grimaced as unexplainable pain twisted my features as we were drained ever so slowly of our blood.

"You were diligent, Yuri. You kept me aware of all the Ashen Wolves' movements. As compensation for being such a good student of my flock, I will gladly hear any final words from you." Aelfic chuckled darkly.

"Heh, that's rich. If you knew me at all, you'd know these won't be my final words. I'm simply biding my time."

"For what..." He trails off.

"For the goddess's descent. Can you hear it? She's coming." I mock him, just as the clock hits twelve, and activates the loud tower bells.

"Bells? This late at night?" The monk asks, unbelieving.

"Yeah, you hear that, Aelfric? That's the sound of your demise." I choke out, placing a hand on the wound in my legs where blood gushed out at a concerning pace.

"I know it was you who sent me on that mission that ultimately led to me landing in Abyss. Overall, your performance was lacking. Lady Rhea has been on to you as well. Oh, and just so you know, I've been working for her since before I ever began working for you. She had me keeping an eye on you. Told me to inform her if you seem to be planning anything." I explain at an unhurried rate.

"You!" Aelfric growls.

I continue with a weak smile gracing my face, "But you took those I care most about hostage, which limited my options. You chained up the Wolves and kept a tight grip on my rogues in Abyss to ensure I wouldn't betray you. I deliberated on what to do next, knowing I'd have to rely on my own cunning to see this through, all while paying lip service to you. Until today. The day you pulled all your forces in so you could attempt this ritual. You're no villain, with that sticky conscience you call a heart tripping you up. Not like me."

"...I see. You were one step ahead of me all this time. It does not matter now. The ritual has begun. There's no stopping it now. You will all die. Just a bit longer." Aelfric regains his smug, cocky attitude, watching the goblet collect the blood that was being drained from the Ashen Wolves.

I frown. "Don't think for a moment--"

"That you're getting off easy, pal!" Balthus rips free of his rope bindings, his muscles finally being of use. I had tied them in a way they should be able to easily break free, but I suppose I overestimated them.