Fate Dark Side of Betrayer

 "Had you not been lying to me all this entire time? My voice broke as I aimed my blade at Elara, the tip quivering under the weight of my resentment. "Everything you have said, every so-called warning—it has all been a ploy."

Elara's expression stayed still and unreadable, but her palm softly rested on the hilt of her sword. Arden, put down the blade. You allow fear to distort your judgment.

Stepping between us, Caius replied, "She's right." His eyes moved quickly and suspiciously between me and Elara. "Consider this."

"I am thinking," I said, not dropping my gun. "And I believe that every turn on this road has been guided. Every decision I have taken has sent me farther into this dream. And she seems to constantly know more than she reveals as well.

Elara exhaled; her hand dropped from her sword. Arden, you want for the truth? Alright. Indeed, I know more than I have said. That does not define me as your opponent though.

What then does it make you? I asked, my voice getting louder. "Because it surely as hell does not make you an ally."

Her calm front cracked just enough to expose the irritation under her countenance. It makes me someone attempting to keep you alive.

I chuckled bitterly, the sound hollows in the enormous hall echoing back. "Based on preserving secrets? As the Circle searches me down, might you thread me along? {

Stepping forward, Caius silently begged with a short brush of his palm. Ar Den, pay attention to me. Here, each of us is walking blind. Fighting one another is not going to be helpful.

"After everything, you think I should just trust her? I asked, pointed at him angrily. "After all of the lies?"

"I think you can trust yourself," he added softly. "And just now, your instincts are urging constant motion. So lay down the sword and let's work through this.

The strain between us was tight, the air heavy with unsaid questions. At last, I lowered my sword even though my hold stayed strong. Elara eased somewhat, but the sight in her eyes suggested that this was not over.

"We're wasting time," she remarked, her tone sharp. "We're debating, hence The Circle won't stop. None of this matters if we fall behind them.

I ignored her, but I followed as she turned and headed out of the tunnel, Caius falling in stride next to me.

The road ahead was dangerous; the ground changed from sharp rocks to deep woodland. As we ascended, the air turned colder and the wind screamed through the trees like a warning. Every movement seemed weighty, fear and mistrust weighing down on me.

Caius walked close, his presence calm even if the tempest roaring in my head. I detested how much I depended on him and how much I wanted to believe he was the one person not betraying me.

After some while, he said, "You're quiet," his voice mild enough only I could hear.

Just thinking, I said, my tone subdued.

" Regarding what?"{

I stopped, looking at him out of the side of my eye. " About how we're expected to win this when I can's even trust the folks fighting beside me.

He did not reply immediately; his eyes were fixed forward. When he did talk at last, his voice was subdued, almost reluctant. "You cannot give all at once trust. You build something from this. little by bit.

And then regarding you? Not sure how to keep the edge out of my voice, I asked "Where among all this do you fit? {{{

He stopped moving and turned to squarely face me. "I'm here because I chose to be," he said, his voice steely. Not in line with fate, the circle, or any prophesy. I come here believing in you.

The words affected me more than I had anticipated, and for a little period I was unsure of what to say. Though the doubt persisted, the storm in my chest calmed just enough to let his words settle.

We carried on silently, the strain between us less intense but no less real. The sun was setting, painting the scene in gold and scarlet by the time we arrived at the ridge with view of the valley below.

Elara was waiting for us; her face was inscrutable as she pointed to a little station tucked down in the valley. "We'll rest there tonight," she added. "It's safe".

For what period of time? I mumbled, but I trailed her down the road, Caius right behind.

The outpost was hardly more than a cluster of decrepit wooden structures. Inside, the air felt warm and smelled somewhat of wood smoke. Gathering around a little fire, the flickering flames created lengthy shadows on the walls.

Elara started first, her voice lower than it had been. Arden, I know you mistrust me. I also do not blame you. But all I have done has been to equip you for what lies ahead.

"What's approaching? My voice cool as I asked. "More lies?" More half-truths here? {

"The second trial," she remarked with a steady glance. "And this one won't only try your will. It will set your heart test.

Her words chilled me, and I glanced down at the insignia on my wrist. Now it was faint, its brightness almost perceptible, yet I could feel it pulsing gently, a reminder of what lay ahead.

"What have I got to do? At last I inquired.

"You will know when the time comes," Elara replied. But be prepared. This trial will test what you believe about yourself, not only push you.

A great crash broke the silence as the fire burnt low. The door opened as a pallid, bloodied figure staggered inside.

The stranger gulped then collapsed to the floor, "They found us."

The expression of Elara darkened, and Caius was already reaching for his dagger. The weight of the next trial seemed minuscule compared to the risk just waiting outside.