QUARTET ALLIANCE: LEND A HAND (Wild Duty & Judgement)

Chapter 64: Deceptive Royal Guard

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1:35 P.M

–Castle–

     Footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridors of the castle, bouncing ominously off the cold stone walls. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, a tangible manifestation of malevolent presence. 

     The figure passed by the towering guards stationed at intervals along the corridor, their eyes widened with fear, but their bodies remained rigid and immobile. 

     It was as if an invisible force had seized their muscles, holding them in a merciless grip. They dared not move, dared not even breathe too loudly, lest they attract the wrath of the sinister prince. 

      His heterochromatic eyes, cold and piercing, scanned his surroundings with a calculating intensity.

     This was his domain, a place where his dark will reigned supreme, and where any sign of defiance will be crushed. Swiftly and brutally.

      Veldra settled into his throne, the iron creaking under his weight. He let the silence linger for a moment longer, savoring the palpable fear in the air. His gaze shifted to the figure standing to the right of his throne—a man known only as Darius. 

      He was clad in dark armor with the symbol of the Stygian family emblazoned on his chest. He was the commander of Veldra's military forces.

     "Darius," Veldra's voice cut through the stillness like a blade. "How are the preparations so far?"

      Darius stepped forward, his head bowed slightly in deference. "Your royal highness, our armies are nearly ready. The troops are stationed along the border, and our siege weapons are in position. The scouts report no significant resistance from the enemy's outer defenses."

      Veldra's eyes narrowed, a predatory gleam flashing within them. "Good. And the spies within the enemy ranks?"

      Darius lifted his head, meeting Veldra's gaze. "They have confirmed the location of their command center. We have also identified key weaknesses in their supply lines. A swift, decisive strike will cripple their ability to mount a defense."

      "And what of their morale?"

      Darius hesitated for a moment before responding. "They are aware of our presence and the inevitability of our attack. Fear is spreading among their ranks. Desertions are becoming more frequent."

      Veldra leaned forward, his fingers drumming on the armrest of his throne. "Fear is a powerful weapon. Use it well. Ensure that our forces understand the consequences of failure. There can be no mercy for the weak."

      "Yes, your highness," Darius replied, his voice steady and resolute.

      "You may leave."

      He turned to leave, his armor clinking softly as he moved. The chilling silence returned, broken only by the distant howling of the wind outside the castle walls. But before Darius could take another step, Veldra's voice rang out once more, cold and commanding.

      "One more thing."

      Darius turned back, eyes attentive. "Yes, your highness?"

      "Aria Lixen is to be killed as soon as possible," Veldra ordered, his tone brooking no argument. "Her existence undermines my rule. I want no trace of her left. She must be eliminated."