Shadow Betrayal: An Assassin's Story

2 - DECEPTION, TENSION AND REBELLION - 2

Raven's POV

I trail behind my father, our footsteps barely audible as they bounce off the cold stone walls of the dimly lit corridor. The air is thick, like a weight pressing down on my chest, making each breath feel labored. I know exactly where we're headed, and with each step, my feet feel heavier, as if the stone beneath them is swallowing me whole. The torches flicker, casting eerie shadows on the walls—twisting like skeletal fingers reaching out to drag us into the dark.

As we near the massive wooden doors, a familiar wave of unease curls around me, squeezing tighter with every step. I try to shake it off, but the feeling only deepens, cold and slithering, settling deep into my bones.

My heart picks up speed, thudding against my ribcage like the hammer of a blacksmith, relentless and loud. My palms are slick with sweat, my fingers trembling as I brace myself for what's to come. The door looms ahead, its surface carved with strange, almost ominous symbols, illuminated by the flickering torchlight. They seem to move, dancing, whispering things I'd rather not hear.

I sense my father's unease too. His jaw is tight, shoulders rigid as he grips the rusty handle. He hesitates for a moment, his electric blue eyes flicking toward me. There's concern there, buried under his usual determination. I try to meet his gaze, but my own falters, darting away under the weight of his scrutiny.

He sighs deeply and pushes open the door. A musty scent rushes out—stale, like decay mixed with forgotten memories. My feet remain rooted to the ground while he steps forward. The familiar dread gnaws at me, but I swallow it down, forcing my shoulders back and my expression into one of calm resolve. The fragile, weeping girl I used to be, the one who crumbled under the weight of her own tears, is dead and gone. I've risen from the ashes of my own suffering. No one will ever reduce me to that helpless, sniveling creature again. Especially not her—the one whose name is branded into my mind, like a scar that will never fade.

I step forward, crossing the threshold into the room, my gaze immediately locking onto the figure who has haunted me for so long. Morana. Her name is venom, and her presence is a shadow that darkens every corner of my life. As I step further in, the air thickens with tension, like a tangible thing pressing in on me from all sides. Her gaze is sharp, like ice—cold, calculating daggers that dig into my skin. But I refuse to flinch. I won't give her the satisfaction.

"Mother." The word is bitter on my tongue, dripping with contempt.

"Disgrace." Her voice is sharp, but I flash her a cold smile in response, knowing full well it will infuriate her. Good. Let her hate me—it fuels my resolve. Her eyes narrow, blazing with fury. I meet her gaze, unflinching. Bitch.

But before the tension can snap, a familiar voice slices through the air. "Raven! I'm so glad you're okay!" I whip my head towards the speaker, momentarily caught off guard. My eyes widen as I see the trio seated across from Morana. Their faces are etched with concern—Nasir's knowing look, Faolan's hooded figure, and then there's Kaemon, grinning like a fool.

"Raven, it's so great to see you! We were worried sick!" Kaemon's voice is cheerful, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere.

I mask my surprise, keeping my voice even as I acknowledge them. "Kaemon, Nasir, Faolan. I see you're all still in one piece." My tone is cool, detached, but a flicker of warmth lingers in my gaze. They're my family—the one I chose, the ones who stood by me when no one else would.

As I turn back toward my father, he gestures for me to sit. But I won't be ordered around, not by him or anyone else. Instead, I cross the room, standing beside Nasir, Faolan, and Kaemon. My silent refusal to follow his command is my own quiet rebellion.

The door suddenly flies open, and Reed stumbles in, his eyes searching the room until they find me. There's a flicker of warmth in his gaze, a small smile that tugs at the corner of his lips. I give him a reassuring nod, knowing he did what he could to protect me from Morana's cruelty, even if it wasn't enough.

"Sorry I'm late," he says, breathless. "Looks like I missed the reunion." His eyes dart between Morana and me, and I can sense his anger—his frustration at not being able to shield me from her all those years ago.

My father clears his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Now that we're all here, let's begin." His voice is calm, but there's an undercurrent of something else—regret? "First, I'd like to apologize for the way you were brought here, but—"

Before he can finish, Kaemon's loud voice interrupts. "Damn right, we deserve an apology! That guy knocked me out with a rock. Do you know how much my head hurt when I woke up? Do you!?"

I exchange a glance with Reed, both of us stunned. Was Kaemon really that reckless? I expect my father to lash out, but instead, a small, amused smile tugs at his lips. It's a shock—a man who would've cut down anyone for less now finds Kaemon's insolence amusing?

"Continuing on from that interruption," my father says with a chuckle, "I do apologize for the rough treatment. I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here, and that will be explained shortly."

I feign ignorance, even though I know full well why we've been summoned. Nasir and I share a glance, our secret knowledge kept tightly sealed.

My father's eyes rest on me briefly before he continues, "I need you four for a mission of utmost importance."

Kaemon leans forward, eager. "And why should we help you?" His voice is defiant, distrustful.

My father's smile widens slightly. "Because if you succeed, you'll be granted your freedom."

Kaemon's eyes widen, Morana's too, as if she's just now realizing her husband's intentions.

"And what exactly is this mission?" I ask, my voice steady. The sooner we hear it, the sooner I can leave Morana's suffocating presence.

"The Suncrest Kingdom," my father replies, his tone heavy with purpose. "I need you to kill the king."

The words send a shockwave through the room. Kaemon's jaw drops, Nasir's eyes meet mine, and Faolan remains unreadable as ever. Morana, however, is livid. She may have her own schemes, but this? This is beyond her plans.

As the room descends into chaos, I realize one thing: the game we're about to play is far deadlier than any of us anticipated. Our fates are now intertwined, and there's no turning back.

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Hope you enjoyed.

Word Count: 1135

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