Nahar's heart swelled with triumph as she re-entered the Persian camp, the memory of Solomon's trusting eyes still fresh in her mind. She had manipulated him perfectly, using her story to gain his trust.
With newfound confidence, Nahar demanded an audience with King Romanus. The guards hesitated, exchanging skeptical glances.
"You're... alive?" one of them stammered.
Nahar's smile faltered for a moment. "I escaped Avalon's clutches," she replied, her tone firm.
The soldiers nodded, though confusion lingered in their eyes. They escorted Nahar to the throne room, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.
Upon entering the throne room, Nahar bowed before King Romanus. "Your Majesty, I've returned."
Romanus's gaze narrowed. "Report," he commanded, his voice devoid of warmth.
Nahar recounted her tale, omitting her true intentions. She spoke of Solomon's kindness and her supposed desire for revenge against Avalon. The king listened intently, his expression unreadable.
As she finished her report, Romanus nodded curtly. "You may leave."
Nahar turned to depart, but Romanus's voice stopped her.
"Nikos, we have a problem," Romanus said, his tone low and conspiratorial.
Nahar paused, her ears perked. She shouldn't be eavesdropping, but something in Romanus's tone drew her in.
"I don't trust Nahar," Romanus continued. "Her escape from Avalon reeks of deceit. If she's discovered the truth... if she knows we slaughtered her people in Aethoria... she'll retaliate. We can't afford that risk now."
Nahar's heart froze. The room spun around her. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
"Kill her," Romanus ordered, his voice cold.
A gasp escaped Nahar's lips, and she felt her knees buckle. The sound echoed through the throne room, betraying her presence.
Romanus's eyes snapped toward her, his gaze icy.
"Nahar," he spat. "You shouldn't have heard that."
With a burst of adrenaline, Nahar spun around and sprinted toward the door.
"Stop her!" Nikos bellowed.
Nahar's feet pounded the stone floor as she desperately sought escape. The corridors blurred together – marble pillars, golden tapestries, and startled guards.
Her mind reeled with questions. Why had the Persians deceived her? What else had they lied about?
One truth echoed through her thoughts: she had to escape, no matter the cost.
Nahar's survival depended on it.
General Nikos gave chase, his boots thundering behind her. Nahar darted through the palace, using every trick she knew to evade capture.
But Nikos was no ordinary soldier. He had hunted rebels and traitors for years.
Nahar's lead dwindled, and she knew she couldn't outrun Nikos forever.
A desperate plan formed in her mind. She would need all her cunning and skill to outwit the Persian general.
And then, she saw it – a narrow window, slightly ajar.
Freedom beckoned.
Without hesitation, Nahar leapt toward the window, her fate hanging in the balance.