Volume 2: Shards of Unity
Chapter 24: Seeds of Deception
The air in the Duskwood clearing was heavy with tension as the cloaked figure led the group deeper into the heart of the forest. The ancient trees loomed overhead, their branches interwoven like a living canopy, blotting out the sky.
Eryth could feel the weight of countless eyes on them. Shadows moved just beyond the edges of their vision, and the whispers of the forest seemed to grow louder with every step.
The figure finally stopped before a massive tree, its trunk so wide it could have housed an entire village. A doorway carved into the bark opened as if the tree itself had granted passage.
"This is the Heartwood," the figure said, their voice reverent. "If you seek sanctuary, you'll need to convince the council of your intent."
Eryth glanced at their companions. Kaelen's expression was cautious, Kael's fiery demeanor subdued, and Solas's hand rested on their blade, ready for trouble. Only Nyx seemed unaffected, its golden eyes scanning the area with an eerie calm.
"We don't have much time," Eryth said, stepping forward. "The Sovereign's forces are already moving. We need your help."
The figure said nothing, only gesturing for them to enter.
A Fractured Welcome
Inside the Heartwood, the air was warm and damp, lit by glowing orbs that hung from the ceiling like fruit. The council chamber was carved into the living tree, with a circular table at its center. Five figures sat around it, each wearing robes adorned with intricate patterns of leaves and vines.
"You've brought outsiders here, Varin?" one of the council members asked, their tone sharp.
Varin, the cloaked figure, nodded. "They carry a relic of great power and claim to fight the Sovereign."
The council murmured among themselves, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright distrust.
Eryth stepped forward, holding the relic out for all to see. "We're not here to deceive you. We've already faced the Herald and survived. But if we don't work together, none of us will stand a chance against the Sovereign."
The council fell silent, their gazes fixed on the relic.
One of them, an older woman with silver hair and piercing green eyes, leaned forward. "Surviving a Herald is no small feat. But power alone does not make you an ally. Why should we risk our lives for your cause?"
"Because it's not just our cause," Kaelen interjected. "If the Duskwood falls, it's only a matter of time before the Sovereign comes for you. This is a fight for everyone."
The council exchanged glances, their skepticism wavering.
Varin stepped closer to the table, their voice low but firm. "They've shown courage and strength. We should at least hear them out."
The silver-haired woman hesitated before nodding. "Very well. We'll discuss your proposal. But until a decision is made, you'll remain under watch."
Shadows in the Dark
That night, the group was confined to a small chamber near the base of the Heartwood. Despite the warm glow of the forest, the atmosphere was oppressive.
Kael paced the room, his frustration evident. "This is a waste of time. We should be out there, not sitting around waiting for a bunch of elders to decide our fate."
"We don't have a choice," Solas said, leaning against the wall. "If we can't convince them, we're on our own."
Eryth sat cross-legged on the floor, the relic resting in their lap. They couldn't shake the feeling that something was off—an undercurrent of hostility that went beyond simple distrust.
Nyx lay nearby, its body coiled like a spring. Its golden eyes flicked toward the door, and a low growl rumbled in its throat.
"What is it?" Eryth asked, their voice tense.
Before anyone could answer, the door creaked open, and Varin stepped inside.
"You need to leave," they said, their voice urgent.
"What?" Kaelen asked, rising to his feet. "What are you talking about?"
"The council isn't going to help you," Varin said, their gaze darting nervously around the room. "They've already made their decision. They're going to hand you over to the Sovereign."
Betrayal Unveiled
The group stared at Varin in stunned silence.
"Why would they do that?" Eryth demanded, rising to their feet.
"They think it will buy them time," Varin said bitterly. "A show of loyalty to keep the Sovereign's wrath at bay. But it won't work. It never does."
Kael's fists clenched, flames flickering at his fingertips. "We should've known