Reborn In Shadows: Belphie's Second Chance Chapter 1: The End of Trust

Belphie stood at the edge of the grand hall, the firelight casting flickering shadows across his face. He had always found comfort in the warmth of the flames, but tonight, it did nothing to soothe the growing unease in his chest. His brother, Alaric, stood by the throne, exchanging quiet words with Belphie’s lover, Quincy. Their voices were low, but something about the way they spoke made Belphie’s skin crawl. He had ignored this feeling for too long, convincing himself that it was just his own insecurities. After all, they were the two people he trusted more than anyone else in the world.

But now, watching them, a nagging doubt clawed at his mind. As Belphie approached, his footsteps echoed in the silence, causing both Alaric and Quincy to look up. For a brief moment, there was something in their eyes—something dark, fleeting, but unmistakable. It was gone in an instant, replaced by familiar smiles.

Alaric Berifiguro

(Alaric greeted warmly, his voice as smooth as ever) "Belphie,We were just discussing the future of our kingdom."

Belphie Berifiguro

(Belphie forced a smile) "I trust everything is going according to plan."

Quincy Henitusi

"of course," (Quincy said, stepping closer and placing his hand on his arm. His touch, once a source of comfort, now felt cold.) "You know we only want what's best for you."

Belphie Berifiguro

{For me, or for yourselves?} ( Belphie thought, but he nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat.) "I’ll leave the details to you both, then. I’m going for a walk."

The cold night air hit him like a wave as he stepped outside the hall. Belphie felt a strange heaviness settle over him, as though the very air around him was pressing in. His mind raced as he wandered through the castle grounds. He had always trusted Alaric and Quincy completely, but now... something didn’t add up. Suddenly, a noise behind him made him turn. Alaric stood in the shadows, his face unreadable.

Alaric Berifiguro

"Belphie," (his brother said, stepping forward.) "We need to talk."

Before Belphie could react, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He looked down to see the glint of a dagger, buried deep in his side. Blood blossomed from the wound, staining his tunic. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. Alaric stood over him, the dagger still in his hand, his expression cold and detached.

Belphie Berifiguro

“Why?” (Belphie managed to choke out, his voice barely a whisper.)

Alaric Berifiguro

“Because you were in the way,” (Alaric replied, his tone devoid of any remorse.) “You were never meant to lead, Belphie. You were a stepping stone, nothing more.”

Quincy Henitusi

(Quincy appeared beside Alaric, his face a mask of pity and indifference.) “It’s better this way, Belphie,” he said softly. “You never would have understood the sacrifices we had to make.”

The betrayal cut deeper than the blade. The two people he had trusted with his life, the ones he loved most, had turned on him so easily, so cruelly. As darkness clouded his vision, Belphie’s last thought was of how foolish he had been to believe in them. The world faded, and Belphie’s life slipped away.

But death wasn’t the end. When he opened his eyes again, it wasn’t to darkness but to the warm, golden light of a new dawn. The pain was gone, replaced by a strange, weightless feeling. He sat up, disoriented, his mind reeling from the impossible. He was in his own room—no blood, no dagger, no betrayal. Everything was as it had been before that fateful night. But as he glanced around, panic gripped him. This wasn’t just a dream. It was real. Somehow, he had been given a second chance. And with it came the memories of how his brother and lover had torn him apart. Belphie clenched his fists, a surge of determination flooding his veins. They had thought they could destroy him, but they had only made him stronger. This time, he would be ready. This time, they would pay.

Belphie Berifiguro

"hahh" (Belphie laughs) "seems like fate haven't given up on me" (Smirk)