Beautiful Darkness

➵Traces of Betrayal

Two days have already passed in this freezer of a forest. Not only has my irritation surpassed any normal regulated level, it has exceeded any expectation. I can't feel my limbs, I have burned thousands of calories through the process of shivering, and I'm pretty sure icicles have formed on my eyelashes.

This trip is so beyond exciting.

"I take it our divine ruler is in a rather sour mood," Graham's voice appears as he sits next to me. We both lean on a large tree trunk behind us.

"I know this is a rather privileged comment but I was expecting more... comfort... on this trip. White Willow? More like a white pain in my ass." My sarcasm overcomes my manner and discipline.

Graham and I both laugh at my words. He gives me a sidelong glance.

"What?" I nudge him with my elbow.

"Oh, nothing..." He playfully trails off. I nudge him harder.

"It's just nice to see you carefree even if its only temporary." His words are genuine and cause my smile to fade. I look deeply at him.

"I wish we had met in a different time under different circumstances. Things would be much different." Graham adds to his previous words. I look at him with confusion.

Just as I am about to ask him to elaborate Lincoln approaches us. We both stand to greet him. He nods to both of us out of respect.

"Our destination is under a mile away. Once we reach the capital the prisoner will be unchained and trusted to do his mission. And as Graham and I discussed the chip in his neck will prevent any disobedience," Lincoln informs me.

"Chip?" I look between the both of them. I try to control my rising temper.

"I thought it would be best to not inform you of our decision until we had arrived. I commend your authority, Luna, but emotions are known to cloud your judgment." Lincoln answers honestly.

"So just to understand the complexity of this situation, you both formulated a plan to control Orion and knowingly hid it from me to prevent my interference?"

"Yes, Luna." Lincoln responds.

I look to Graham with fury.

"I knew you would not agree with our decision, Arailia. I did this out of consideration for our end goals. I hope you do not hold negative feelings towards me or for what I thought was the right call." His honesty is hard to be angry at.

I take a moment to process the information. The chip makes the most sense from a logical point of you. The only reason I am angry is because of my personal attachment and emotions towards Orion. I cannot let it cloud my judgment as a ruler.

"While I do not appreciate being deceived or lied to by who I consider to be my closest advisors, I respect the decision both of you made. The chip will remain. In future instances, I will be informed. Understood?" I try not to let my authority define me. All I ask for is respect and mutual trust.

They both nod to me out of understanding. The three of us rejoin with the rest of the group. In less than an hour we are at the planned advantage point.

The sun is close to dimming over the snow-covered trees. The magnitude of color and the environment on the land of the Light still manages to take my breath away. I lift my neck to feel the sunlight burn into my pale skin. It feels like cold fire.

"Unshackle the prisoner," Lincoln addresses to the two wolves guarding him. They do so quickly and look to Lincoln for further orders once finished. It is clear that his dominance exceeds their own. The mentality and rules the wolves abide by is still new to me.