Styx's POV
Bratoviae castle,
Bratovi.
Styx leaned against the stone parapet of a rooftop in Kali, the city's sprawling lights flickering below like a sea of fireflies. The nightshade had just delivered alarming news: the human freedom movement was gaining momentum, a dangerous development Styx had to address immediately. As he prepared to confront the Bratovi elders, his mind churned with unease.
Upon arriving at the Bratovi castle, he was met by Sylvia's stern gaze. "Styx, you're late. You must know that your position is in jeopardy."
Before Styx could respond, Nikolai swaggered into the room, his smirk radiating arrogance. "Ah, our little weakling graces us with his presence. I'd say you're just in time to see your downfall."
Styx's jaw tightened, but he remained composed. "Let's get this over with."
Styx strode through the dimly lit corridors of the Bratovi castle, his thoughts consumed by the weight of recent events. The tension was palpable, crackling in the air as he approached the council room, where the elders awaited him.
The large oak doors creaked open, revealing the council room with its dark wood paneling and heavy tapestries. The elders, stern and imposing, were seated around the grand table, their faces etched with concern and authority. Sylvia stood at their side, her expression unreadable.
"Styx," Elder Markov's voice, deep and commanding, broke the silence as he looked up from his papers. "We have a matter of great urgency to discuss."
Styx's eyes met Sylvia's briefly before turning to face the elders. "What is it?"
Elder Vasillis, a grizzled figure with a face lined by age and wisdom, leaned forward. "The situation in Medellin has escalated. The House has decided on a new course of action."
Styx's gaze sharpened. "What action?"
Elder Helena's voice, usually calm, carried a sharp edge. "Nikolai has been appointed as the temporary governor of Medellin."
The words hit Styx like a punch to the gut. He felt the blood drain from his face as the room seemed to close in on him. The elders' eyes were cold, their expressions unreadable as they waited for his reaction.
"Explain," Styx demanded, his voice taut with barely contained anger.
Sylvia, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, stepped forward. "The decision was made in response to the human freedom movement. Your father, the regnis believes that if Nikolai can manage the situation in Medellin, he may prove his worth and possibly replace you as the representative of the House at the Regnis War."
The elders exchanged glances, their faces betraying a mix of sympathy and disapproval. Nikolai, who had been standing quietly to the side, could not suppress his smirk any longer. He stepped forward, his voice dripping with condescension.
"Seems like the old man's decision was quite dramatic. If I manage to sort out Medellin, I might just eclipse you, Styx."
Styx's hands clenched into fists. The anger within him surged, a storm threatening to break free. "So, this is how it is? I'm to be sidelined while Nikolai is given a chance to prove himself?"
Elder Markov's voice cut through the tension. "This is not a personal affront, Styx. It is a strategic move. Nikolai's performance will be evaluated, and the future decisions will depend on how the situation unfolds."
Styx's rage was palpable. "I am fully capable of handling the situation. This is an overreaction. I will not let Nikolai's incompetence jeopardize everything I've worked for."
Nikolai's smug expression only fueled Styx's fury. "You'll have to prove that, won't you? Don't count on things being as easy as they seem."
Unable to contain his frustration any longer, Styx spun on his heel and stormed out of the council room. Sylvia hurried after him, her footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.
As they descended into the cellar, Styx's anger was barely restrained. "Why didn't you do something to prevent this? Why didn't you stop the appointment?"
Sylvia's face reddened with indignation. "How dare you question my loyalty? I have always been by your side, risking everything for you. But the decision was beyond my control."
Styx's eyes bore into her. "You're telling me I'm to be replaced while Nikolai is given an opportunity? This betrayal goes deeper than I thought."
Sylvia's anger boiled over, and she slapped Styx across the face, her voice fierce. "How could you think so low of me? I would give my life for you, and you dare question my loyalty?"
Styx's anger simmered, but he managed to keep his voice steady. "I trust no one. But if Nikolai is to be tested, then so be it. I will ensure that the uprising does not undermine my efforts."
Sylvia's expression softened as she nodded. "You must act swiftly. Nikolai's failure will reveal his incompetence, but you must contain the uprising to secure your position."
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