Chereads / THE HIDDEN HEIR / Chapter 3: A Friend's Betrayal

Chapter 3: A Friend's Betrayal

‎Jackim's mind was a whirlwind as he followed Tielen through the dense forest, his every step dragging him farther from the only life he had ever known. The world around him seemed to blur as he tried to process the revelation that he was the heir to a throne. How could this be possible? And why hadn't his parents told him anything about it?

‎The wind whispered through the trees, and every shadow seemed to flicker with a hidden meaning. Tielen moved ahead, confident and unhurried, but Jackim couldn't shake the feeling that someone, or something, was watching them. The forest felt alive, as if it were a silent witness to the secret unfolding between them.

‎"You still don't believe me, do you?" Tielen's voice broke the silence, his eyes glancing back over his shoulder.

‎Jackim hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I want to, but—"

‎Tielen cut him off with a raised hand. "I know. It's a lot to take in. But you don't have the luxury of doubt anymore. The truth will come soon enough, Jackim. But right now, we need to stay focused. You're not the only one who's been keeping secrets."

‎Jackim frowned, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean by that?"

‎"There are people who will do anything to stop you from claiming your birthright," Tielen said grimly. "Your enemies are already moving. And one of them is closer than you think."

‎Jackim's heart skipped a beat. The last words of the letter echoed in his mind: "Trust no one—especially not the ones who call themselves your allies." Was Tielen warning him about someone in his life? Someone he trusted?

‎Suddenly, a familiar face emerged from the trees ahead. Jackim's breath caught in his throat as he recognized the figure—Jeff, his childhood friend, the one person he thought he could always rely on.

‎"Jeff!" Jackim called out, relief flooding his chest. "I didn't expect to see you here."

‎Jeff's face was pale, his usual warmth replaced by an unreadable expression. His eyes flickered to Tielen, then back to Jackim, a nervous tension in his posture.

‎"Jackim, you shouldn't be here," Jeff said, his voice strained. "You don't know what you're getting into. You have no idea what's at stake."

‎Jackim stepped forward, puzzled. "What are you talking about? You've known me my whole life. I have to do this."

‎Jeff's eyes darkened, his jaw clenched. "I've always known there was something different about you, Jackim. But I never thought—" He trailed off, shaking his head as if trying to make sense of the situation.

‎Tielen stepped forward, his expression hardening. "Jeff, this is no longer your decision. The time for secrets is over."

‎Jeff's gaze flickered to Tielen, and something dark passed across his face. For a brief moment, Jackim could swear he saw a flash of regret in his friend's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by something colder. "You don't understand," Jeff said quietly. "I'm trying to protect you, Jackim."

‎Before Jackim could ask what he meant, Jeff's hand shot out, grabbing Jackim's arm with surprising strength. "You're in danger," Jeff continued, his voice low and urgent. "The throne you're meant to claim—it's cursed. It's a power no one can control. The kingdom is divided, and claiming the throne will plunge it into war. I can't let you go through with this."

‎Jackim's mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest. "What are you talking about? This is my destiny. It's what I've been chosen for."

‎"No, it's not!" Jeff's voice broke, and for a moment, the facade of his confidence cracked. "You're not the only one who's been lied to. The truth is, there are others—others who want the throne just as badly as you do. And they will stop at nothing to get it."

‎Tielen stepped forward, his voice steady but laced with danger. "Enough, Jeff. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

‎Jackim's mind was reeling. What was happening? Was Jeff really trying to protect him, or was there more to his story than he was telling?

‎Suddenly, the air shifted—there was a crackling energy in the forest, as if the very trees were holding their breath. Jackim turned, his eyes widening as he saw several figures emerge from the shadows. Their faces were hidden beneath hoods, their movements fluid and deadly.

‎"They're here," Jeff muttered, his grip tightening on Jackim's arm.

‎Tielen's eyes blazed with determination. "Run. Now."

‎Before Jackim could react, Tielen shoved him forward, urging him to flee. But Jeff was still holding onto him, his hand desperately trying to pull him back.

‎"Jackim, don't trust him!" Jeff shouted, his voice frantic. "He's not who he says he is!"

‎The world around Jackim seemed to slow as he was torn between his friend and the mysterious stranger. His mind screamed for him to believe Jeff, to trust the person who had been by his side for years. But the words of the letter, the warning not to trust anyone, echoed louder in his mind. The choices before him were unclear, but one thing was certain—his life was no longer his own. Every step now carried the weight of the throne.

‎With a surge of adrenaline, Jackim broke free from Jeff's grip and sprinted toward Tielen, who was already leading the way. The hooded figures advanced, their eyes glowing with a strange, unnatural light.

‎The chase had begun.