Nexar's Perspective
I wasn't supposed to be here.
The alley was damp, the scent of rotting wood and rain lingering in the air. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear the heavy clang of armored boots against cobblestone, the muffled chatter of guards barking orders to one another.
They were still searching for me.
Of course, they were.
I leaned against the stone wall, pressing a hand against my side. The wound wasn't deep, but it still burned like hell. Blood seeped through my fingers, staining the fabric of my cloak. I needed to keep moving, but my body was screaming for rest.
It wasn't just the injury—it was everything.
One moment, I was a respected court mage, a man trusted with the kingdom's greatest secrets. The next, I was branded a traitor, hunted like a common criminal. The betrayal sat heavy in my chest, but I didn't have the luxury of dwelling on it. Not when I was one wrong turn away from getting my head mounted on a pike.
My mind was racing, trying to piece together everything. The trial, the council's words, the king's hesitation. That was the one thing that didn't sit right. Hders hesitated.
He had the power to condemn me on the spot, to call for my execution without question. Yet, he didn't.
Why?
A flicker of movement caught my eye. I tensed, muscles coiling like a spring, ready to bolt. But it wasn't a guard. Just a hunched-over old man, pushing a wooden cart filled with fruit. His eyes met mine for the briefest of moments before he hurried along, muttering something under his breath.
The people of Dastan weren't stupid. They could feel when something was wrong. The kingdom thrived on gossip, and I knew my name was already dripping from the lips of merchants and beggars alike.
Which meant I had to move. Now.
I pulled my hood lower and stepped out of the alley, keeping my pace steady. No sudden movements, no eye contact. Just another man trying to get through the night.
The streets weren't crowded, but there were enough people to weave through without drawing too much attention. The scent of roasted meat and spiced wine wafted from nearby taverns, mixing with the sharp tang of rain-soaked stone.
I needed to get out of the city.
But first, I needed answers.
And that's why I was going to Kaile.
-Kaile's Study-
When I finally reached Kaile's door, I barely had the energy to knock.
It was stupid, reckless even, to come here. If the council suspected I had any allies left, Kaile would be the first person they'd watch. But I didn't have a choice. He was the only one who might know what the hell was going on.
I raised my fist and knocked.
Nothing.
I tried again, harder this time.
The door creaked open a moment later, just enough for a pair of sharp, suspicious eyes to peek through.
"Kaile," I breathed.
His eyes widened. "Nexar?"
"Yeah," I muttered. "Not a ghost. Not yet, anyway."
Kaile didn't hesitate. He grabbed my arm and yanked me inside, shutting the door quickly behind me.
The study was warm, the air thick with the scent of parchment, ink, and candle wax. Books were scattered across the desk, along with an open scroll bearing the royal seal.
I barely had time to register any of it before Kaile turned on me.
"Are you insane?" he hissed, his voice low but sharp. "How did you even—never mind. Sit down before you fall over."
I smirked despite myself. "Is that concern I hear?"
Kaile shot me a glare that could've melted steel. "You're bleeding all over my floor."
"Yeah, well, I've had better days."
I collapsed into the nearest chair, groaning as the movement pulled at my wound. Kaile was already grabbing a cloth and a flask of something—probably alcohol, judging by the smell.
"Lift your cloak," he ordered.
I hesitated.
He rolled his eyes. "Nexar, I've known you for years. I've seen you in worse shape."
Fair enough.
I peeled back the fabric, wincing as Kaile pressed the cloth against my side. The pain was sharp, but not unbearable. I'd had worse.
Kaile worked in silence, his brow furrowed, his hands steady. It wasn't until he was done wrapping the bandage that he finally spoke again.
"You shouldn't have come here."
"Yeah, you mentioned that already," I muttered.
"I was serious." He leaned back, arms crossed. "The council is tightening their grip. They've convinced most of the nobles that you were planning a coup. The king…" He hesitated. "Hders hesitated, Nexar. But I don't know if it matters anymore."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
Kaile let out a slow breath. "The council's not just after you. This goes deeper. They're moving against the king."
My fingers curled into fists. "So they are planning a coup."
Kaile nodded. "They used you as the first step. A distraction."
I gritted my teeth. I'd known something was off. The way the trial had felt rushed, the way the council had spoken with so much certainty—it wasn't about me. It never was.
"They're trying to take the throne," I muttered.
Kaile's silence was enough of an answer.
I exhaled sharply, my mind already running through a thousand possibilities. The council was powerful. Influential. If they were planning something, they wouldn't move without a plan.
Which meant Hders was in serious danger.
"Where is he now?" I asked.
Kaile hesitated. "Still in the castle, as far as I know. But Nexar… the guards aren't just looking for you anymore. There are bounty hunters now."
Great. Just great.
I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the way my body protested. "Then I need to move fast."
Kaile's eyes narrowed. "Move fast to do what, exactly?"
I met his gaze. "To stop this before it's too late."
"By yourself?"
"If I have to."
Kaile swore under his breath. "You're insane."
"Probably," I admitted. "But I'm not letting those bastards take my kingdom. Not without a fight."
Kaile sighed, rubbing his temples. "You always did have a death wish."
I grinned. "Comes with the job."
Kaile muttered something I didn't catch before turning to grab something from his desk. He held it out—a dagger, sharp and well-balanced.
"Take it," he said.
I raised an eyebrow. "Trying to arm a fugitive now?"
"Trying to keep a friend alive," he shot back.
I took the dagger without another word.
Kaile shook his head. "You have no idea what you're getting into."
I smirked. "Guess I'll find out."
And with that, I stepped back into the shadows.