The entrance to the catacombs loomed before Aelric, hidden among the overgrown hedges of the eastern gardens. The air was damp and cold, carrying the faint scent of earth and decay. Aelric's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as he scanned the area, every muscle tense.
Kaelina's note had been explicit: Come prepared.
He had considered bringing reinforcements—men he trusted—but he'd ultimately decided against it. Trust was a dangerous luxury in Cassiel's court, and Kaelina had been clear that secrecy was paramount.
Torchlight flickered faintly from within the passage, casting long shadows against the stone walls. Aelric adjusted the cloak around his shoulders, concealing his weapons as he stepped inside.
The air grew colder as he descended, the walls narrowing into a suffocating corridor. His footsteps echoed softly, accompanied by the distant drip of water.
"Kaelina," he called, his voice low but firm.
Silence.
His instincts screamed at him to turn back, but he forced himself forward. The walls around him seemed to close in, the weight of the palace above pressing down like a tangible force.
Then he saw her.
Kaelina stood at the edge of a circular chamber, her cloak wrapped tightly around her. She turned as he approached, her green eyes wide with urgency.
"You came," she said, relief evident in her voice.
"You gave me little choice," Aelric replied, his gaze sweeping the chamber. It was empty save for a stone altar at the center, its surface covered in strange markings.
"Is this the proof you spoke of?" he asked, nodding toward the altar.
Kaelina shook her head. "This is only part of it. The rest is deeper inside."
Aelric frowned. "Deeper?"
"The catacombs are vast," Kaelina explained. "But there's a section only a few know about. It's where Cassiel hides his secrets."
"How do you know this?"
Her expression darkened. "Because I helped transcribe the records he now keeps hidden. I know what he's planning, Aelric. And if we don't stop him, the entire kingdom will burn."
Aelric studied her for a moment, searching for any sign of deception. He found none, but the unease coiling in his gut refused to abate.
"Lead the way," he said finally, motioning for her to go ahead.
Kaelina hesitated, then nodded, moving toward a narrow passage on the far side of the chamber. Aelric followed, his hand never straying far from his sword.
The Hidden Truth
The deeper they went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The air grew heavier, carrying with it a metallic tang that set Aelric's teeth on edge.
Kaelina stopped in front of a rusted iron door, its surface etched with symbols he didn't recognize.
"This is it," she whispered.
Aelric stepped forward, his gaze narrowing as he examined the door. "What's behind it?"
"Proof of Cassiel's betrayal," Kaelina said. "Documents, records… and something far worse."
Aelric's eyes flicked to her. "What do you mean, 'worse'?"
Kaelina swallowed hard. "You'll see."
She pushed the door open, the hinges groaning in protest. The chamber beyond was dimly lit by a series of flickering torches, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
At first glance, it appeared to be a storage room—shelves lined with scrolls and ledgers, crates stacked haphazardly against the walls. But as Aelric stepped inside, his eyes were drawn to the far corner.
A figure lay slumped against the wall, their body bound and bloodied.
Aelric's heart lurched as he recognized the man—Lord Haldric, one of the king's most loyal advisors.
"By the gods," Aelric muttered, rushing forward.
Haldric's eyes fluttered open at the sound of his voice. "G-General…" he rasped, his voice barely audible.
"What happened to you?" Aelric demanded, cutting the ropes that bound the man's wrists.
"Cassiel…" Haldric choked out, his gaze filled with desperation. "He knows… knows about you… about us…"
"Us?" Aelric's blood turned to ice. "What are you talking about?"
Haldric coughed, blood staining his lips. "He… he has spies everywhere… They'll come for you next…"
Before Aelric could press him further, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor.
Kaelina's eyes widened in panic. "We have to go. Now."
Aelric cursed under his breath, hauling Haldric to his feet. The older man groaned in pain, but Aelric ignored it, his focus already shifting to the threat closing in.
"Which way?" he demanded.
Kaelina pointed toward a side passage. "There's another exit that leads to the lower gardens. If we're quick, we can make it before they catch us."
Aelric didn't hesitate. He half-dragged, half-carried Haldric toward the passage, Kaelina close behind. The sound of their pursuers grew louder, the echoes filling the narrow corridors.
The Chase
The passage twisted and turned, the walls pressing close as they ran. Haldric's weight slowed them down, but Aelric refused to abandon him.
They burst into a larger corridor, the faint glow of moonlight visible at the far end.
"We're almost there," Kaelina said, her voice tight with urgency.
But as they neared the exit, a shadow emerged from the darkness.
Cassiel.
The prince stood in their path, flanked by two guards. His expression was calm, almost amused, but his eyes burned with cold fury.
"Well," he drawled, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "What have we here?"
Aelric stepped forward, positioning himself between Cassiel and the others. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, his body coiled and ready to strike.
"Let us pass," he said evenly.
Cassiel chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "And why would I do that, General? You've been quite busy tonight. Sneaking around, consorting with traitors…"
He nodded toward Haldric, who slumped against the wall, barely conscious. "I warned you, Thorne. Loyalty isn't given—it's taken. And you've just given me every reason to take yours by force."
Aelric's jaw tightened. "I've done nothing but serve the crown."
"The crown, perhaps," Cassiel said, his smile sharpening. "But not me. And that, dear General, is your mistake."
With a flick of his hand, the guards stepped forward, their weapons drawn.
Kaelina grabbed Aelric's arm. "There's no way out!" she hissed.
Aelric's gaze darted to the moonlit exit behind Cassiel. If they could break through…
"Stay back," he ordered Kaelina, drawing his sword.
Cassiel's smile widened as he drew his own blade, the torchlight reflecting off its polished steel.
"Come, Thorne," he said, his voice low and mocking. "Show me what you're made of."
The chamber exploded into chaos as steel met steel, the sound of battle ringing out into the night.