To Betray a Master (Adult Dark Fantasy) **Sample Only**

Fighting Fate

Decades old guilt guided Aurianna's spear, each strike and thrust piercing through the heart of prophecy. Each parry and dodge seeking to avoid a dreadful future.

In the training grounds of Caerhold, she traded blows with fellow paladin Jeoram, and the rhythmic clash cut through the early morning calm. The weapons, while wood, were thick and durable, crafted to withstand the force a divinely gifted paladin could wield. And they still hurt, evidenced by Jeoram's sharp cry as her spear struck true.

"I yield," he gasped, holding up one hand. Aurianna rested on her practice spear, taking the moment to catch her own breath. Jeoram stripped off his shirt, muscles in his chest rippling delightfully. She was tempted to do the same, as the fabric of her top stuck to her skin but declined. If she did, it would likely be the end of their sparring session this morning, with more clothes coming off. Another time, she would have liked that, but today guilt and shame from a decade ago worried her mind. Fighting was the only thing that could quiet her whirling thoughts.

"Let's go again," she insisted, shifting her feet into a fighting stance.

"No. That last hit knocked the fight out of me." Jeoram rubbed the back of his neck, where she'd landed her finishing blow.

Aurianna laughed into her closed mouth. "All the more reason to spar again. If we were on the battlefield, you'd be dead now."

"If we were on the battlefield," Jeoram countered, "I would have had a hearty breakfast first." Golden rays of sun caught on his hair as he brushed it back behind his head. "As much as I love getting sweaty and worked up with you early in the morning, I am going to need something to eat before we go again. And then, perhaps, maybe even some breakfast?"

Aurianna snickered, turning her head before she could get lost in his warm golden eyes. Like her own, they were a sign of Afodisia's blessing. Not every paladin possessed them, but they often represented Her most gifted servants. Like Oracle, whose warning still ran through her mind and even now sharpened her resolve.

If you face Matthias on the battlefield, it will end in tragedy.

"You can get some breakfast if you want, I need to train more."

"Humiliating me five times in a row isn't enough for you?" Jeoram cocked his head and a smile, but Aurianna didn't let herself get swept away in his warmth.

"I need to get stronger, so I can surmount Oracle's vision."

"Oracle's words were a warning, not a command." Jeoram frowned. "You can't fight Matthias. She said it would end in tragedy."

With a huff, Aurianna shook her head. "Allowing him to yet live, while he slaughters allies and innocents alike is the true tragedy."

"It's been a decade. You have to learn to let go." He tucked a lock of dark hair behind her ear and caressed her cheek with his thumb.

His gaze was too much, and she looked down. "Sutter's Pass was razed just last month."

"Aurianna, you aren't responsible for his crimes. He's a monster, not you."

"He's a monster because of me. I need to be the one to end it."

Jeoram sighed and took her hands in his. "Okay, then we will face him and end his reign of terror. Together." He paused. "And then, when Matthias the Traitor is but a memory, we can put this misery behind us, and begin our future together."

Aurianna wore a smile, but Jeoram's declaration brought on more remorse. Matthias too had a future he looked forward to, before he sacrificed it all for her. "Together," she agreed.