The Colors of The Universe

Chapter 5: Betrayal and Liberation

Verina's frustration boiled over, her voice ringing through the small clearing outside the castle. "You better lose those feelings, Jayin! Remember what we came here for—to bring the soldiers of Angus back home!"

Jayin's teeth gritted together as he snapped, "What if I don't want to? What if I don't give a damn?"

Verina's eyes widened in shock at his outburst, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks. Her voice broke as she murmured, "You're just as bad as the enemy, then." With that, she turned and ran off, leaving the castle.

Jayin's eyes widened in realization. "Verina! Wait!" he called after her, but she didn't turn back. He banged his head against the hard glass bench he sat on, frustration and guilt warring within him. He sat up, knowing what he had to do.

That night in Calchuro's chambers, there was a noticeable change in the air. Calchuro, feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation, was unusually friendly with his stylists. They were surprised but enjoyed the rare conversation.

"I have a meeting with... someone special tonight," Calchuro confessed, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

Lebanon, the head stylist, raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Oh? Is it the same mystery person you've been seeing?"

Calchuro nodded, a slight blush on his cheeks. "Yes. We've been meeting for a while now."

The stylists exchanged amused glances, Lebanon even giving him a playful hip bump. "Good luck," she teased, making Calchuro chuckle.

As the night wore on, Calchuro waited anxiously for Jayin. Minutes turned into hours, and hope began to wane. Eventually, he couldn't hold back his disappointment and cried himself to sleep.

On the large balcony connected to Calchuro's room, Jayin listened to the muffled cries with a heavy heart. He sighed, waiting until he was sure Calchuro was asleep. After ten minutes, he slipped into the room, careful not to wake him. He stealthily swiped the keys to the dungeon off the bedside table and ran through the dimly lit halls until he reached the dungeon.

Unlocking the door, he was greeted by the sight of the captured guards and villagers. Their faces lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you," one of the villagers whispered.

Jayin nodded, leading them out through a back exit. They reached the ocean, and Jayin shapeshifted into a large blue dragon, fitting everyone on his back. He soared into the night sky, flying them back to Angus.

The next morning, Calchuro was awakened by a knock. Rubbing his eyes, he called out for the person to come in. Five knights entered, their faces grim.

"Your Majesty, the prisoners have escaped," one knight reported.

Calchuro's eyes widened in disbelief. He glanced to his bedside table, hoping to see the keys, but they were gone. His voice turned stern and icy. "Send more guards to investigate the entire planet. I want them found!"

Weeks went by, and Calchuro noticed the absence of his mystery figure. His eyes widened in realization as he connected the pieces. Tears filled his eyes, and he slid down a wall, burying his face in his knees.

Lebanon, the head stylist, entered and quickly moved to comfort him. "Calchuro, what's wrong?"

Through his sobs, Calchuro murmured, "I never gave us a chance. It was like he never wanted us to last."

Lebanon hugged him from the side, her voice soothing. "It's okay, darling. It's going to be alright."

Calchuro continued to cry, the weight of his actions and the realization of Jayin's betrayal crushing him. "Why didn't I see it? Why didn't I understand?"