Chapter 13: A Threat Within
Night had fallen over the Vyren estate, wrapping it in an uneasy stillness. Amara sat in her chambers, staring at the flickering candlelight on her desk. Reports from the staff lay before her, detailing provisions, patrol schedules, and the ongoing preparations for a potential attack. Yet her mind wandered to Adrian's warning: "Darius is planning something bold."
The weight of the unknown gnawed at her, leaving her restless. She stood and crossed to the window, gazing out at the shadowy grounds below. The estate's defenses had been strengthened, and Kael's soldiers patrolled diligently. But even with these precautions, Amara couldn't shake the feeling that danger was closer than they realized.
A sharp cry shattered the night's silence, followed by the acrid scent of smoke. Amara's heart leapt into her throat as she rushed to the window. Flames danced in the distance, their orange glow illuminating the stables.
She didn't think—she acted. Grabbing a cloak, she hurried out of her chambers and down the corridor. Servants and soldiers were already running toward the fire, their voices echoing in the night.
"Buckets!" someone shouted. "Form a line!"
Amara pushed through the chaos, her pulse pounding. The stables were engulfed in flames, and the heat was overwhelming. Soldiers worked furiously to extinguish the fire, dousing the blaze with buckets of water. Horses whinnied in terror, their hooves pounding against the stable walls.
"Get the animals out!" Amara called, her voice cutting through the noise.
Several stable hands nodded and hurried inside, emerging moments later with panicked horses. Amara turned to see Kael striding toward the scene, his expression grim.
"What happened?" he demanded, his voice sharp as he approached.
"A fire broke out," Amara said, stepping closer. "But it's spreading fast. If we don't contain it, it could reach the main house."
Kael's jaw tightened. "It wasn't an accident."
Amara's breath caught. "You're certain?"
"I am," he said, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene. "Someone wanted to send a message. We'll deal with it after this is contained. Help where you can."
Amara nodded and threw herself into the effort, working alongside the servants and soldiers to haul water and calm the animals. It was grueling, dirty work, but she refused to stop until the last ember was extinguished.
Hours later, the fire was out, and the courtyard was eerily quiet. Smoke hung in the air, and the charred remains of the stables smoldered in the faint moonlight. Amara stood beside Kael, exhaustion etched into every line of her face.
"Do you still think it wasn't an accident?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
Kael didn't answer immediately. Instead, he gestured to two soldiers who approached, dragging a young man between them. His clothes were torn, his face streaked with soot, and his eyes darted around wildly.
"We caught him near the storage sheds," one of the soldiers said. "He was trying to slip away."
Kael stepped closer, his presence looming over the captive. "Who are you? And why are you here?"
The man stammered, his voice trembling. "I-I'm just a stable hand. I swear, I didn't—"
"Lying won't save you," Kael interrupted, his voice cold. "We found oil near the stables. Someone started that fire deliberately. Tell me who sent you."
The man's eyes darted to Amara, and she felt a chill run down her spine. He hesitated for a moment longer before blurting, "Lord Darius! He paid me to spy! I didn't mean for it to get this far—I swear!"
Kael's fists clenched at his sides, his fury barely contained. "You'll answer for what you've done," he said, nodding to the soldiers. "Take him to the dungeons. I'll deal with him later."
As the man was dragged away, Amara turned to Kael, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "This wasn't just sabotage. He wanted to cripple our defenses."
Kael nodded grimly. "And weaken our morale. But it won't work. If anything, this makes it clear how desperate Darius has become."
In the hours that followed, Kael and Amara convened with Norman and Adrian in the war room. The sigil found on the saboteur's belongings—a serpent coiled around a dagger—was a symbol both Kael and Adrian recognized.
"It's the mark of the Black Talons," Adrian said, leaning back in his chair. "A group of mercenaries known for doing Darius's dirty work. If they're involved, we're dealing with more than just random attacks."
Norman frowned, his expression grim. "They'll strike again, and likely harder. We can't afford to wait."
Kael nodded. "We need to hit them first. If Darius is using mercenaries, they'll have a base of operations nearby. We find it, and we destroy it."
Amara spoke up, her voice resolute. "And what about the estate? If we send too many soldiers, we leave ourselves vulnerable."
Kael's gaze softened slightly as he met her eyes. "We'll leave a strong enough force to defend the estate. But you'll need to oversee things while I'm gone."
Amara straightened, her heart pounding. "You're trusting me with this?"
"I don't trust easily," Kael admitted. "But you've earned it."
Adrian smirked from his seat. "It's refreshing to see you two working together. Almost makes me believe this marriage wasn't just a political move."
Kael shot him a warning glare, but Amara ignored the comment. She had more pressing matters to consider.
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As the meeting concluded, Amara followed Kael out of the war room. He stopped at the door, turning to her with an intensity that made her breath catch.
"Be careful," he said quietly. "Darius doesn't play fair. If anything happens—"
"Nothing will happen," Amara interrupted, her voice steady. "You focus on the mercenaries. I'll keep things safe here."
Kael studied her for a moment longer, then nodded. "We'll end this, Amara. One way or another."
But as the shadows deepened over the estate and the smoke from the fire lingered in the air, Amara couldn't shake the feeling that their troubles were only just beginning.