Whispers in the Ancient Kingdom

Chapter 12: Revealed Betrayal

The sun had been sinking to rest over the horizon, casting long shadows across the beach as Rafael and I prepared once again to take off. The air was heavy with tension; I felt the weight of the pulsing orb at my side, for it was a source of power and also reminded me of all we had undertaken.

We gather the following equipment before venturing to the Abyssal Trench," I explained to Rafael. "It is going to be a dangerous mission there."

"Yes," he said, stroking his hair. "We should converse with Selene again. Let's better prepare ourselves first.

As we approached the rocky outcropping where Selene had first emerged, I couldn't shake this feeling that something didn't belong. More than the Siren looming over us was a nagging suspicion in my head since we'd met.

"Do you ever feel like something is out of place?" I stated, trying to say what I didn't know how to put into words.

Like what?" Rafael asked, cocking his head to the side in curiosity.

I bit my lip, my voice a little flat. "I don't know. there's just a feeling of foreboding, I suppose. We've been through a lot already, but something about this next challenge feels different."

Rafael nodded thoughtfully. "I get that, but fear will only consume us. We have to focus on the problem at hand.".

It was on our arrival that Selene stepped up to the water's edge, her eyes fixed out to the horizon. There was an otherworldly beauty to it and yet comfort also intimidating.

"Selene," I called out to get her attention. "We're ready to learn about the Abyssal Trench.".

Turning to us, he showed eyes deep enough blues and greens that I felt a plunge into the sea would have been but the same as this glance into his. "The Abyssal Trench is not a safe ground, full of illusions and temptations," he said gravely. "The Siren will try to carry your souls along with your deepest desires and test your resolves."

"We are ready for that," said Rafael sharply and confidently. "What supplies do we need?

You'll need enchanted seaweed to protect you from the Siren's song," Selene said, her voice calm but imperative. "I can do that. But recall, strength alone will not serve. Trust in one another and in yourselves."

"Understood," I said, trying to latch onto the better part of Rafael's bravado.

As Selene gathered the enchanted seaweed, I cast a quick glance at Rafael. Good for him; he was determined. It was still hard not to feel he was keeping secrets from me, though.

"Rafael," I began, firm despite my hesitation. "Are you keeping something from me?"

He turned to me, his features rippling with surprise. "What do you mean?

"I just... I feel like you've been different lately," I said softly. "It feels like you're holding back. If we're going to end up facing the Siren together, I need to know everything."

Rafael set his jaw firmly into place and, for an instant, I saw something darker flicker in his eyes. "I am doing my best, Lira. This is not easy for me either. We can't allow distractions to interfere with our mission."
"Distractions? I just want to know what's going on!" I snapped back at him, feeling frustration rising to the surface.
"Understanding can wait," he snapped. "We need to focus.".

Selene sensed the tension and broke in. "Communication must come from both of you. Secrecy can be as deadly as the enemies you are destined to face."

Rafael sighed and ran a hand through his hair again. "I know it. It's just...I've had a complicated past. Trust doesn't come easy for me."