The following days passed in a blur as Aarik kept a watchful eye on Ryen and the other inner disciples. He couldn't afford to make a mistake. If Ryen was the traitor, he was careful—his actions appeared innocent on the surface, but something about him didn't sit right.
One evening, while the sect's disciples gathered for a grand feast to celebrate a recent victory, Aarik's suspicions were confirmed. As he made his way through the crowded hall, he overheard a conversation between Ryen and a cloaked figure at the far corner of the room.
"We're ready to move forward," Ryen said, his voice low but unmistakable. "The Phoenix Sect is ripe for the taking. Once we have control of the Eternal Flame, nothing can stop us."
The cloaked figure nodded, their voice barely a whisper. "The sect leader must fall. Then the flame will be ours."
Aarik's blood ran cold. He had been right. Ryen was conspiring with the Shadow Sect.
Without hesitation, Aarik turned and hurried back to Kaelen. When he arrived at Kaelen's quarters, he found the emissary deep in thought, but his eyes sharpened when he saw Aarik.
"What is it?" Kaelen asked, sensing the urgency in Aarik's expression.
"I've heard enough," Aarik said, his voice filled with resolve. "Ryen's planning to overthrow Master Valen and take control of the sect. The Shadow Sect is moving."
Kaelen's face darkened. "We can't wait any longer. If Ryen is truly a traitor, we must confront him before the Shadow Sect has a chance to strike."
Aarik nodded. "I'm ready. Let's stop him before it's too late."
Together, they set out to confront Ryen, knowing that the fate of the Phoenix Sect—and the Eternal Flame—hung in the balance.