Chapter 48: Confrontation of Truth
Kaelina's boots struck the stone floor with rapid precision, her footsteps echoing down the dimly lit corridors. Her pace was quick, driven by a mixture of fury and determination. Eryndor matched her stride, his expression dark, his silence an ominous shadow trailing her.
The Vanguard's stronghold was quiet, the oppressive stillness amplifying the tension between them. Kaelina's grip on her sword tightened, her knuckles whitening. Every twist and turn in the labyrinthine halls only fueled her resolve.
She reached a towering iron door at the end of the corridor, its surface etched with faint carvings of runes that pulsed with a cold, eerie glow. Without hesitation, Kaelina shoved the door open, the sound of the metal groaning reverberating through the chamber.
The room was vast and sparsely lit, the only illumination coming from a faint, flickering light at its center. Standing with his back to them was Illarion, his silhouette framed by the glow. He was motionless, his aura calm yet unnervingly commanding.
Kaelina's voice was sharp and unyielding. "Illarion!"
At the sound of her voice, Illarion turned slowly, his expression one of mild surprise as though he hadn't expected her so soon. A faint smirk played on his lips as his cold gaze swept over them.
"How... unusual," he murmured, his voice smooth and measured. He began to move, his steps deliberate, his posture relaxed as he started to circle them.
Eryndor's gaze burned with hatred as he stepped forward, positioning himself slightly behind Kaelina but in full view of Illarion. His eyes were like twin daggers, aimed straight at the man who had wronged them.
Illarion tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. "And what, may I ask, brings this delightful duo to my chamber uninvited?"
Kaelina's blade gleamed as she unsheathed it, its sharp edge catching the faint light. Her voice was laced with venom. "You know why we're here. That ambush wasn't an accident, and you're going to explain yourself."
Illarion feigned confusion, his expression almost mocking. "Ambush? I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific."
Eryndor stepped forward, his voice low and menacing. "Don't you dare." His presence was like a thunderstorm held in check, his anger palpable as it radiated from him.
Illarion paused, his gaze shifting to Eryndor. His smirk never faltered as he leaned slightly closer, his tone dripping with mockery. "Ah, the loyal watchdog speaks. So protective. How touching."
Eryndor's fists clenched, but Kaelina raised a hand, stopping him. Her eyes locked onto Illarion, her tone sharp as a blade. "Enough games. What are you playing at? You knew it was an ambush. You led us into it!"
Illarion let out a soft laugh, his amusement only adding fuel to their anger. "Led you? Oh, Kaelina, you give me far too much credit."
Eryndor's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "You knew. You planned this."
Illarion's smirk faded slightly, his expression turning thoughtful. For a moment, the room was silent save for the faint crackling of the chamber's glow. Then, as if a decision had been made, he let out a sigh.
"Looks like my time has come," he said, his tone almost wistful.