×𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑-𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒×

Chapter 11: Secrets in the Shadows

The confrontation with Captain Roderic weighed heavily on Lyra’s mind as she made her way through the winding corridors of the castle. The possibility of betrayal from someone she had trusted for so long gnawed at her, but she knew she had to remain resolute. The fate of Aeloria depended on uncovering the truth.

The chamber where they would meet was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the walls. Elara was already inside when Lyra arrived, her expression calm but tense. She had taken great care to ensure that their meeting would remain secret, arranging for the guards to be posted discreetly at a distance to avoid arousing suspicion.

As they waited in silence, the weight of the situation pressed down on Lyra. She had replayed the conversation with Elara over and over in her mind, searching for any flaw in the evidence or any indication that Roderic could be innocent. But the more she thought about it, the more the pieces seemed to fit. Roderic had access to critical information, and if he had betrayed them, it would explain how Braden’s forces had been so precise in their attacks.

The door creaked open, and Roderic entered the room. He looked slightly puzzled by the meeting’s clandestine nature, but he masked it quickly with a respectful nod toward Lyra and Elara.

“Enchantress, Elara,” he greeted them, his tone as steady as ever. “You requested my presence?”

Lyra felt a pang of sadness as she looked at him, wondering how she could have been so blind if he truly were a traitor. But she pushed the emotions aside, focusing on the task at hand.

“Thank you for coming, Roderic,” she began, her voice carefully neutral. “We’ve asked you here to discuss a matter of great importance—something that could affect the very survival of Aeloria.”

Roderic’s brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded. “Of course. What’s the issue?”

Lyra exchanged a brief glance with Elara before continuing. “We have reason to believe that there is a traitor among us—someone who has been leaking our strategic plans to Lord Braden.”

Roderic’s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. “A traitor? That’s a serious accusation. Have you identified this person?”

Lyra hesitated for a moment, searching his eyes for any hint of deception. “We have our suspicions,” she said carefully. “And, unfortunately, the evidence points to someone close to the command—someone with access to highly sensitive information.”

Roderic’s gaze sharpened, and a hint of tension crept into his voice. “You suspect me.”

It wasn’t a question, but a statement of fact. Lyra felt a twist in her chest as she nodded. “Yes. We’ve uncovered evidence that suggests you’ve been in contact with someone outside the city—someone connected to Braden.”

For a moment, Roderic was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he let out a breath and spoke. “I see. I suppose it was only a matter of time before this came to light.”

Lyra’s heart skipped a beat. Was this an admission of guilt? She exchanged a quick look with Elara, who remained silent, letting Lyra take the lead.

“Roderic,” Lyra said, her voice tightening with emotion, “why? Why would you betray us after everything we’ve been through together?”

Roderic’s eyes softened, and there was a deep weariness in his gaze. “Betrayal isn’t always as simple as it seems, Lyra. Sometimes, it’s a matter of survival.”

Lyra felt a surge of anger and hurt. “Survival? You’re betraying your own people—your friends—for survival? You know what Braden’s forces will do if they succeed. How could you align yourself with that?”

Roderic shook his head, a bitter smile touching his lips. “You misunderstand. I never betrayed Aeloria. But I have been forced to walk a fine line—one that could easily be mistaken for treachery.”

Lyra’s confusion deepened. “What do you mean?”

Roderic took a deep breath, his gaze steady on Lyra. “There are those within Braden’s ranks who are not loyal to him—who would see him fall just as much as we would. I’ve been in contact with a small faction within his forces, working to undermine him from within. But to do so, I’ve had to appear as though I’m cooperating with him.”

Lyra blinked, trying to process this revelation. “So you’ve been… playing both sides?”

Roderic nodded slowly. “Yes. It’s a dangerous game, and one I didn’t want to involve anyone else in. But it was the only way I could gather the information we needed to protect Aeloria. The messages I’ve sent were intended to mislead Braden—to give him just enough to keep him off balance while we strengthen our defenses.”

Elara finally spoke, her tone skeptical. “That’s a convenient story, Captain. But how do we know you’re telling the truth now? How can we trust anything you say?”

Roderic met her gaze without flinching. “I know it’s hard to believe, and I have no proof that will convince you beyond a doubt. All I can offer is my word—and the fact that Aeloria still stands. If I were truly working for Braden, I would have done far more damage by now.”

Lyra studied Roderic’s face, searching for any sign of deceit. His words rang true, but the stakes were too high to rely solely on trust. She needed to be sure.

“Roderic,” she said slowly, “if what you’re saying is true, then you should have no problem sharing everything you know about Braden’s plans with us—every detail, every contact. We’ll need to verify your story.”

Roderic nodded without hesitation. “Of course. I’m willing to cooperate fully. I only ask that you understand the risks involved. If Braden finds out what I’ve been doing, it could put more than just my life in danger. There are others—innocents—who could be caught in the crossfire.”

Lyra felt a heavy burden settle on her shoulders. She wanted to believe Roderic, but she couldn’t afford to take any chances. “We’ll proceed with caution,” she said. “But know this, Roderic: if we find any evidence that you’ve been less than truthful, I won’t hesitate to act.”

Roderic inclined his head, accepting her terms. “I understand. I only hope that my actions, however questionable, will ultimately serve the greater good.”

With that, the meeting came to an end. Roderic was placed under discreet surveillance, his movements closely monitored while Lyra and Elara worked to verify his claims. It was a delicate operation, requiring the utmost discretion to avoid tipping off anyone who might be watching.