Chapter 2: Whispers of Betrayal

The morning air was heavy with an unusual stillness as Kaela sat by her window, watching the sun rise over the cold, angular towers of the palace. Her father’s words from the previous night echoed in her mind, each syllable laced with venom. She hadn’t slept, haunted by the whispers of treachery she’d overheard.

Mirea entered quietly, carrying a travel cloak and a small leather satchel. “My lady, your carriage is being prepared,” she said softly. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a tension in her shoulders that Kaela didn’t miss.

“Mirea,” Kaela said, her voice trembling, “do you know anything about this journey?”

The handmaid hesitated, then stepped closer, lowering her voice. “I have heard things… things I cannot confirm. But you must be cautious, my lady. Trust no one.”

Kaela’s hands clenched tightly in her lap. Mirea’s warning only solidified her fears. She needed to act, but how? She was under constant watch, her every move scrutinized.

Later that morning, the palace courtyard buzzed with quiet activity. A small procession of guards stood by the carriage, their expressions grim. Emperor Dorian was absent, his disdain for his daughter evident even in his refusal to see her off.

Kaela stepped into the carriage, her heart pounding as the heavy wooden door shut behind her. As the wheels began to turn, the sound of hooves on cobblestone filled the air, a rhythmic reminder of the journey ahead.

For hours, the carriage moved steadily through the dense forests that bordered the Distorting Empire. The lush canopy overhead created a mosaic of shifting shadows, adding to Kaela’s unease. She glanced at the guards riding beside the carriage, their faces devoid of emotion.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and red, the procession came to an abrupt halt. Kaela peered out the small window and saw a group of armed men blocking the narrow road ahead.

Her breath hitched. These weren’t ordinary bandits—they wore no insignia, but their coordinated movements and sharp weapons spoke of trained soldiers.

One of the guards dismounted and approached the group, speaking in hushed tones. Kaela strained to hear, but the words were lost to the rustle of leaves. Moments later, the guard returned, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

“Stay inside, my lady,” he said, his tone colder than before.

But Kaela’s instincts screamed at her to move. She opened the opposite door, her heart racing as she scanned the forest for an escape route. Just as she stepped down, an arrow whizzed past her, embedding itself into the wooden frame of the carriage.

Chaos erupted. The guards turned their weapons on the attackers, but it quickly became clear that the ambush was no coincidence. The attackers overwhelmed them with precision, cutting through the defense with ease.

Kaela stumbled back, her legs threatening to give way beneath her. One of the attackers spotted her and began advancing, sword glinting in the fading light. She froze, her mind blank with terror.

Before he could reach her, a deafening roar filled the air, and a blur of silver and gold crashed into the scene. Mounted on a white stallion, a figure in ornate armor fought with the grace of a seasoned warrior. His sword moved like lightning, cutting down the attackers with ruthless efficiency.

Kaela’s vision blurred as exhaustion and fear overwhelmed her, but not before she caught a glimpse of the man’s face. Piercing blue eyes, a firm jawline, and an aura of command.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice steady and calm.

Kaela opened her mouth to respond, but darkness claimed her before she could utter a word.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***