Chapter 34: Shattered Allegiances
Ava's POV:
I looked at Sabine, seeking guidance. "What do we do now?"
Sabine's expression was grim. "We need to know more about Kaida's claims. And her true intentions."
I turned to Kaida. "Tell us, what makes you think the Shadow Brotherhood is using Cassius?"
Kaida's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was once part of the Shadow Brotherhood. I know their tactics, their goals... and their willingness to sacrifice anyone who gets in their way."
Sabine's eyes narrowed. "What made you leave?"
Kaida's eyes flashed with pain. "I was trained to be an assassin from a young age. The Shadow Brotherhood took me in, promised me a family, a purpose... but at a steep price. I had to abandon my humanity, my emotions... everything that made me me."
I felt a pang of sympathy for Kaida. "What changed?"
Kaida's voice cracked. "A mission went wrong. I was sent to kill a young girl, no older than ten. But when I looked into her eyes... I saw myself. I saw the innocence, the hope... and I couldn't do it. That's when I realized I'd lost myself to the Shadow Brotherhood."
Sabine's expression softened. "And now you're trying to make amends?"
Kaida nodded. "I want to stop the Shadow Brotherhood, to prevent others from suffering the same fate as me."
Meanwhile...
Cassius stood in his chambers, his mind reeling. Kaida's words echoed in his mind: "The Shadow Brotherhood will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. And you, Cassius, are just a pawn in their game."
He paced back and forth, his thoughts in turmoil. Was it true? Was he just a pawn?
He stopped in front of a mirror, staring at his reflection. He saw a man consumed by ambition, driven by a desire for power... but at what cost?
A knock at the door broke his reverie. "Enter," he called out.
A hooded figure slipped inside. "Cassius, we've received word from the Shadow Brotherhood. They're pleased with your progress."
Cassius' eyes narrowed. "And what do they want in return?"
The figure hesitated before responding. "They want you to proceed with the plan, Cassius. To secure the ancient power at any cost."
Cassius' heart sank. Kaida's words haunted him. Was he truly in control, or was he just a puppet on strings?