Whims of a Quiet Dreamer

Chapter 42: Betrayal in the Ranks

The feeling of dread was growing within Sithu and Jaren's circle. Every plan, every move they made to defend the town, seemed to crumble just as it began. Sithu could no longer ignore the gnawing suspicion that someone close to them was working against them. Someone who had been by their side from the beginning.

As they sat in their familiar café, Sithu's mind raced. She exchanged glances with Jaren, both of them tense from the suspicion that there was a Krevathian spy in their midst. They couldn't confide in the townspeople—they still had no idea about the true threat of the Krevathians. Most believed that strange behaviors and chaos in the town were just the result of people acting out of character. But Sithu knew better.

"We need to figure this out before it's too late," Jaren said, his voice low. "Kaelin was right about the Krevathians watching us, but... I can't shake the feeling that someone close is tipping them off."

Sithu nodded slowly, her thoughts swirling. "But who? Everyone we trust has been fighting with us. We've been so careful to keep things secret from the Krevathians."

Just as she spoke, Kaelin appeared once again, gliding into the café with her usual air of mystery. Sithu had relied on the Nymbrelis ally's information more than once, trusting her insight into the Krevathians' movements. Today, however, Kaelin's presence felt different—off.

"I have more information," Kaelin said softly, sliding into the seat across from them. "But time is running short. You must act quickly if you want to stop Kahdros before he strikes again."

Sithu's necklace pulsed faintly, as it had each time they neared danger. She forced herself to remain calm, even as the sense of unease built inside her. "What's the plan, then? How do we stop them?"

Kaelin's eyes flickered with something that made Jaren frown. She hesitated for the briefest moment before answering, "The Krevathians have a stronghold nearby. If you move swiftly, you can strike before they regroup."

Jaren shot Sithu a glance. He didn't speak, but his unease was evident. "Where exactly is this stronghold?" he asked cautiously.

Kaelin's gaze hardened. "In the woods outside town. I can guide you there."

Sithu's heartbeat quickened. Something about Kaelin's insistence didn't feel right. The words lingered in the air between them, thick with doubt.

As night fell, Sithu, Jaren, and a small group of trusted allies followed Kaelin into the woods. The air was thick with tension, but they moved quietly, focused on the task at hand. But as they neared the supposed stronghold, a wave of dread washed over Sithu. Her necklace pulsed urgently, sending chills down her spine.

"Wait," Sithu whispered, grabbing Jaren's arm. "Something's not right."

Jaren nodded. "I feel it too."

But before they could turn back, an explosion ripped through the air, throwing them all to the ground. Chaos erupted. Sithu's mind reeled as Krevathians swarmed from the shadows, attacking with ruthless precision.

Jaren scrambled to his feet, pulling Sithu up with him. "This was a trap!" he yelled over the sounds of the attack. "They knew we were coming!"

Kaelin stood at the edge of the chaos, her face emotionless. Sithu's heart sank as she realized the horrifying truth.

Kaelin had betrayed them.

"You led us here," Sithu said, her voice cracking. "You were the spy all along."

Kaelin's expression shifted, her eyes hardening as she stepped forward. "You should have realized it sooner, Sithu. Kahdros has been watching you since the beginning, through me."

Jaren's face was etched with fury. "How could you do this? We trusted you!"

Kaelin's lips curled into a cold smile. "Trust is for the weak. Kahdros offered me power, more than you could ever imagine. You and your allies are nothing compared to what's coming."

Sithu's heart raced. Her mind spun, trying to comprehend the depth of Kaelin's betrayal. "You were never helping us," she whispered. "You were always leading us into traps, keeping us distracted while Kahdros gained strength."

Kaelin's eyes gleamed with malice. "Exactly. Kahdros knew you would be a threat, Sithu, so he had me by your side, feeding you just enough information to keep you alive. But now... you're no longer useful."

Before Sithu could react, the Krevathians attacked with renewed ferocity. Jaren fought fiercely by her side, his quick thinking and their combined strength just barely keeping them from being overwhelmed. But the damage had been done—Kaelin's betrayal had left them vulnerable, and they were barely holding on.

When the dust finally settled, Kaelin was gone, having disappeared into the night like a shadow. Sithu's allies were wounded, scattered, and their trust was shattered.

As they regrouped in the aftermath, Sithu felt the weight of the betrayal bearing down on her. Kaelin had been with them from the start, and now, everything they had built felt fragile, like it could collapse at any moment.

"I should have seen it," Sithu murmured, her voice filled with guilt. "I should have known."

Jaren placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression grim. "None of us saw it. But we'll stop her, and we'll stop Kahdros. We have to."

Sithu nodded, though doubt gnawed at her. If Kaelin, their trusted ally, had betrayed them, who else could they trust? As the storm of Kahdros' impending attack loomed closer, Sithu knew that the battle ahead would be fought not just with strength, but with fragile, uncertain hope.

And hope was something they could no longer afford to lose.