Chapter 33: Deception
Ava's POV:
I spun around, my heart racing. "Who's there?" Kaida called out, her hand on the hilt of her dagger. I scanned the darkness, senses on high alert.
Sabine's voice whispered in my mind. Ava, be cautious.
"I don't know what Kaida's game is," I whispered back, "but I don't trust her."
Sabine's response was immediate. Keep her talking, Ava. We need to know what she's after.
I turned back to Kaida. "What makes you think the Shadow Brotherhood is involved?"
Kaida's eyes locked onto mine. "I've seen their symbol etched into Cassius' armor. And I've heard whispers... whispers of a ancient power they seek."
Suddenly, the air seemed to thicken. A presence emerged from the shadows.
Sabine's POV:
I watched from a distance, my eyes fixed on Ava and Kaida. Something didn't feel right. Ava's instincts were screaming warning, and I trusted her.
Just as I was about to intervene, Cassius appeared, his eyes blazing with intensity.
Third person POV
"Kaida," Cassius said, his voice dripping with malice. "I see you're playing both sides. How... predictable."
Kaida's expression remained neutral. "Cassius. I see you're still blinded by ambition."
Cassius sneered. "You know nothing about ambition, Kaida. You're just a tool, a means to an end."
Kaida's gaze flickered to Ava before returning to Cassius. "The Shadow Brotherhood will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. And you, Cassius, are just a pawn in their game."
Ava's eyes widened, her mind reeling. What did Kaida mean?
Cassius' laughter sent shivers down my spine. "We'll see about that," he said, before disappearing into the night.
Kaida turned to Ava. "Now do you believe me?"
Ava's response was hesitant. "I don't know what to believe."
I stepped forward, my presence announced by the rustling of leaves. "Ava, we need to discuss this further."
Ava's eyes met mine, filled with uncertainty. What secrets was Kaida hiding?