The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the Sovereign Council Palace, casting golden rays across the long breakfast table. The four members of the council sat together, their plates laden with lavish meals prepared by Velmora's finest chefs. The air was thick with unspoken tension.
Yue, stirring her tea lazily, broke the silence. "Lucas, did you hear about someone falling from the council tower window last night?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Yeah, heard a whisper. Strange, right? Who would risk their life scaling the palace chambers?"
Kael stiffened, his hand pausing mid-air, holding a fork. Julie's sudden exit last night flashed through his mind. But his face remained unreadable. "Probably just a rumor," he muttered, brushing it off casually.
Just as Kael arose to leave, Rose stood up sharply, arms crossed. "And where do you think you're going, Mr. President?" Her playful yet firm tone made Kael pause.
"Some duties to attend to," Kael replied with forced nonchalance.
"Oh really? Duties involving mysterious visitors in your room?" Her voice carried a teasing edge but hinted at genuine concern. "I heard everything last night, Kael."
Lucas leaned in, grinning like a mischievous child. "Rose, are you jealous? Maybe you were worried that someone else was sneaking in for some... quality time with your precious Kael?"
Yue, unimpressed, yanked Lucas by the ear. "Grow up."
Kael chuckled dryly, but Rose's gaze remained intense. "Why didn't you tell us? What's going on, Kael?"
The smile faded from Kael's face. His voice lowered, becoming serious. "Fine. You want the truth? You'll have it." He revealed everything—his father's assassination, the corruption veiled behind the monarchy, his planned revenge, and Julie's mission to recruit the forsaken elite unit.
The room fell into heavy silence. Lucas slammed his fist on the table. "WHAAATT" "Why the hell didn't you involve us, Kael? We're your comrades."
Kael's voice was cold. "Because it's my burden to carry. If something happens to me, one of you must lead Velmora."
Rose's voice wavered. "Why alone? Why won't you let us help don't You trust us ?"
Kael ("in his mind ")" I should confront them boldly otherwise they will insist further"
Kael turned his gaze to the floor, the weight of his memories pressing down on him. "Because I won't let my revenge drag this country into a war it can't afford."
"STAY OUT OF THIS , ROSE"
hearing this, tears came down rolling from rose's eyes
The silence deepened, broken only by the sound of Rose's slap echoing through the hall. Tears welled in her eyes. "Fine. Do it alone then."
Yue and Lucas followed her out, heads lowered in disappointment.
Kael standing in same postition standing upfront frozen with head held down and mumbles "sorry everyone"
—Scene Shift—
Later that night, Julie appeared beside Kael without a sound. "The meeting is set. They're waiting."
The next morning, Kael, Julie, and a contingent of officers stood before a cold, metallic cell deep beneath the palace. Inside, the discarded elite unit—six men and two women, battle-hardened and feral—watched them with unreadable expressions.
Kael's voice cut through the silence, steady as steel. "Let's go."
In the shadows of betrayal and regret, Kael's journey was only beginning.
To be continued....
© 2025 Jatin. All Rights Reserved.
This story, [VOID RE-BORN], is an original work by Jatin. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, distribution, or adaptation of any part of this story without the author's written consent is strictly prohibited.
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