Chapter 23
The Beast Within
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It was dark as Alric and his knights decided to make camp for the night deep in the woods. Cater stood by the edge of the clearing, leaning against a tree as he watched Alric overseeing the setup of the tents. Cater's eyes lingered on the prince, his every movement deliberate and full of authority, though it was clear the man had not yet forgiven him.
After a while, Cater felt a sharp, searing pain in his chest. He glanced down at his hands, trembling as they darkened momentarily, the familiar shadow of his inner darkness threatening to take over.
"Not now," he whispered, closing his eyes tightly. For a moment, his breathing was ragged, his fists clenched. But when he opened his eyes again, the darkness had retreated.
