The plan to retake the tower went into motion, with Kael's soldiers launching a swift and brutal assault. The rebels were caught off guard, and within minutes, the sound of clashing swords filled the air. Alina watched from the safety of the courtyard, her heart in her throat as Kael led the charge himself.
Amidst the chaos, Alina spotted Captain Aric trying to slip away. Without thinking, she rushed forward, determined to stop him. She grabbed a fallen sword and blocked his path, her hands trembling.
"Why, Aric?" she demanded, her voice cracking. "Why betray your king?"
Aric's eyes were cold. "Because your precious king is nothing more than a butcher," he snarled. "He deserves to lose everything."
Before Alina could react, Aric lunged at her, but Kael appeared out of nowhere, deflecting the blow. In one swift motion, he disarmed Aric and slammed him to the ground.
"You have betrayed me for the last time," Kael growled, his voice like thunder.
As the dust settled and the rebels were subdued, Kael turned to Alina, his eyes filled with a rare mix of gratitude and something deeper, something she couldn't quite name.
"You have proven yourself today," he said quietly. "But remember, trust is a fragile thing. Do not break it."
Alina nodded, her heart pounding. She had survived another day in this treacherous court, but the game was far from over. And as she looked into Kael's eyes, she wondered whether she was truly beginning to understand the man behind the monster.