Shadows Of Betrayal

Chapter Seven.

The tension between Kael and me felt like an impending storm. I had spent hours poring over the records in the leather-bound book, trying to reconcile Kael's story with the warnings I had received. But the more I read, the more conflicted I became.

I found Kael by the cabin, his arms crossed, a familiar smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "You're back," he said, his tone teasing. "Did the book change your mind?"

"No," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "It only made me realize how little I know about this whole mess."

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "So what now? You're going to keep hiding in the woods, hoping the dark lords magically disappear?"

I clenched my fists, feeling anger bubbling up inside me. "I'm not hiding! I'm trying to understand what I'm getting into. You make it sound so noble, but I have to wonder—who benefits from this? You? Narya? The random people who keep showing up? Or just the idea of a throne?"

Kael's expression hardened, his voice rising. "This isn't just about a throne, Penelope! This is about reclaiming a kingdom, about justice! You think I enjoy being in hiding, always looking over my shoulder?"

"Maybe you should think about what you're asking of me!" I shot back, my voice trembling with rage. "You want me to risk everything—my freedom, my life—for a cause that might just be your personal vendetta!"

He took a step forward, his frustration palpable. "You think this is easy for me? I would sacrifice pieces of my flesh and still be considered selfish for not giving my bones." I spat at him, the words hanging heavily between us.

Kael ran both hands over his face, raking his light brown hair back, narrowly missing the small horns that curled out from his head. He looked at me, disappointment etched in his features. "Would it be your choice whether the skin is taken off of you... or your lowlife father's who I saved you from?"

Rage rolled off of me in waves as I stared at him. The smirk that had accompanied his words now faded, replaced by a serious intensity. "You think I'm ungrateful? You think I don't appreciate what you did? But what you're asking is more than I can give without knowing the full truth!"

"Truth?" he echoed, incredulous. "You want truth? How about the truth that every day we delay, lives are lost? Innocent people suffer under the dark lords' rule. You can't afford to be indecisive right now!"

"I'm not indecisive! I'm being careful!" I shot back, my voice rising. "You can't just expect me to leap into danger without understanding the consequences!"

Kael's expression shifted, anger mingling with desperation. "You think I want to force you into this? I'm trying to protect you, to help you harness the power you have. But you're so caught up in your fears that you can't see what's at stake!"

"And what about your fears?" I challenged, stepping closer. "What if you're wrong? What if I'm just another pawn in your game?"

He glared at me, the intensity of his gaze unsettling. "You really think I would use you like that? I lost everything to protect you! I risked everything to bring you here!"

"Then stop trying to manipulate me!" I yelled, tears of frustration brimming in my eyes. "If you truly cared, you would give me the space to make my own decisions!"

For a moment, we stood there, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Kael's expression softened, and I could see the weight of his own burdens. "I'm not trying to manipulate you, Penelope. I'm trying to save the kingdom. And if I could do it without putting you in harm's way, I would."

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry I am not your perfect fucking puppet for you to just drag along and tell what to do." I yell at him all of my anger from this whole situation causing bile to rise in my throat.

"You know you mean more than that to me. I wouldn't have helped you turn into the girl you are now if I didn't. You have found your voice, Penelope, use it for good."

His words hung in the air, and I felt my resolve wavering. Despite our argument, I could see the sincerity in his eyes. But did that mean I should follow him blindly?

"I need time," I said finally, my voice quieter. "Time to figure out what I want—and who I can trust."

Kael's shoulders slumped slightly, the fight leaving him. "I can give you time, but just know—time is something we don't have."

With that, I turned away, my heart heavy with uncertainty. I needed to find clarity, not just for myself, but for the choices that lay ahead. And as I walked back to the glen, I couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows were closing in.