The days blurred together in the cold, dim cell. Kaelion spent most of his time pacing, testing the limits of his chains, and contemplating his next move. He had no doubt that his every action was being watched, but even in this prison, there were ways to gather information. The prison was isolated enough that the guards spoke freely among themselves, unaware that their words would reach his ears.
Through whispered conversations, Kaelion learned that Ardyn, the hero, had taken charge of the Radiant Order's strategy after the betrayal. Despite the hatred that brewed between them, Ardyn's soldiers had no reason to kill him outright. His capture was a tactical decision, a way to secure their victory and humiliate their greatest enemy. But it was also clear that Ardyn wasn't willing to let Kaelion escape so easily.
The hero wanted to break him. And in some twisted way, that was exactly what Kaelion needed.
There was one thing that had been made clear by the novel, one truth that Kaelion couldn't ignore: the hero was untouchable. Ardyn was revered, almost godlike, and his forces were united by a singular goal..... defeating Kaelion and bringing peace to the realm. So, if Kaelion was going to survive, he had to understand Ardyn.
He had to become indispensable.
The sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts. Two guards approached the cell, their heavy boots thudding against the stone floor. One carried a tray of food, the other a key to unlock his shackles.
"You've been in here long enough, Kaelion," the guard with the key said, his voice low but firm. "Get up. The Commander wants to speak with you."
The Commander? Ardyn?
Kaelion's heart raced for a moment, though he quickly masked his reaction. This could be the opportunity he needed. He rose from his corner and was pulled forward roughly, the chains rattling with every movement.
As they led him through the winding corridors of the prison, Kaelion couldn't help but notice the change in atmosphere. The air was thick with tension, and soldiers lingered in every corner, as though anticipating something.
They stopped in front of a large wooden door, guarded by two imposing figures in gleaming armor. The guards stepped aside to let Kaelion through, and he was ushered into the room.
It was a small, but well-lit chamber. A large map of the kingdom was spread across the table, with markers indicating battlefields and the movements of their troops. And standing beside it, arms crossed, was none other than Commander Ardyn himself.
For a moment, their eyes met, and Kaelion felt the weight of those emerald eyes, piercing through him as if they could read his every thought. Ardyn was a man of few words, his stoic expression betraying little of his emotions. His presence was commanding, and Kaelion couldn't help but feel the subtle pressure in the room.
"Sit," Ardyn ordered, gesturing to the chair across from him.
Kaelion hesitated, but then slowly took a seat, his chains clinking as he moved. Ardyn didn't sit, instead pacing in front of the table, his gaze never leaving Kaelion.
"You're a difficult man to understand," Ardyn said after a long silence. "One moment, you're slaughtering my men with no mercy. The next, you're surrendering like a coward. What is your game, Kaelion?"
Kaelion kept his gaze steady, refusing to show weakness. "I'm not playing a game. I'm simply… reconsidering my options."
Ardyn's lips curled into a small, dangerous smile. "Reconsidering? And why would you reconsider after everything you've done?"
The words hit Kaelion like a slap. He could feel the anger simmering beneath Ardyn's calm exterior, the resentment he held for him. It was the anger of a man who had been betrayed, a hero who had been forced to carry the weight of a kingdom's salvation on his shoulders.
"I have my reasons," Kaelion replied coolly, trying to hold his ground. "And you wouldn't understand them even if I explained."
Ardyn stopped pacing and fixed him with a sharp gaze. "Try me."
Kaelion's pulse quickened. This was it. This was his chance to show Ardyn that he wasn't just a villain in this story. That he was more than the sum of his actions.
"I'm not the man you think I am," Kaelion said quietly, leaning forward in his seat. "I know the damage I've done, but that doesn't mean I can't change. I know the cost of war, of betrayal. I know what it's like to lose everything."
Ardyn's gaze flickered, just for a moment, but Kaelion caught it. There was a crack in his armor. A hint of vulnerability.
"You think you can redeem yourself?" Ardyn's voice was low, barely above a whisper. "After all you've done?"
Kaelion met his gaze head-on, the weight of his past settling on his shoulders. "I don't expect forgiveness. I only want a chance to prove that I can be something more than the monster you think I am."
There was a long silence. Ardyn studied him, his eyes cold and unreadable. Then, finally, he spoke.
"Prove it."