How I Became The Villain

The tension in the castle was palpable as Kade made his final preparations to leave for Zerynth. His commanders stood gathered in the war chamber, their expressions a mixture of concern and resolve. Kade, for his part, tried not to show how nervous he was about meeting High Sage Verath. The man or whatever he was, had a reputation as one of the most enigmatic and dangerous figures in the region.

Vala leaned over the map, her icy blue eyes scanning every detail.

'High Sage Verath doesn't invite guests without purpose,'

she said.

'This could be an opportunity, or it could be a trap.'

'It's Verath,'

Selyna added, her smirk sharp as she twirled a dagger between her fingers.

'It's always a trap.'

Kade shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

'And yet, we're still going,'

he muttered.

'What does that say about us?'

Brug let out a booming laugh, his massive fists slamming into the table.

'It says we're strong! If it's a trap, Brug will smash it!'

'Diplomacy, Brug,'

Kade said quickly, raising a hand.

'Remember the whole "we're going for diplomacy" thing?'

Brug grumbled, crossing his arms.

'Diplomacy is boring.'

'Then stay here,'

Selyna teased, her green eyes glinting.

'We wouldn't want you breaking something important.'

'Enough,'

Vala said, her tone cutting through the banter.

'My lord, the carriage is ready. The sooner you meet Verath, the sooner we can determine his intentions.'

Kade sighed, standing up.

"Why do I feel like I'm walking into my own funeral?"

The road to Zerynth was as ominous as the city itself. The forest around the carriage was thick and dark, the trees twisting upward like skeletal fingers. Even the light of the midday sun struggled to pierce the canopy, leaving the path shrouded in gloom. Kade sat inside the carriage, fidgeting with the clasp on his glove as Vask went over the plan.

'Remember, my lord,'

Vask said, his tone calm but firm.

'High Sage Verath values cunning above all else. Do not allow him to dictate the conversation. Show him that you are not easily manipulated.'

"Not easily manipulated,"

Kade thought, staring out the window.

"Great advice. I'll just pretend I have any idea what I'm doing."

'And what if he tries to intimidate me?'

Kade asked, his voice betraying a hint of unease.

Vask gave a faint smile.

'Then you remind him why you are Kaedus the Eternal.'

Kade leaned back, muttering to himself.

"Kaedus the Eternal. Right. If only I actually felt eternal."

The city of Zerynth rose before them like a jagged wound in the earth. Built into the side of a massive cliff, its spires and towers jutted out at impossible angles, connected by narrow bridges that seemed to defy gravity. The entire city was cloaked in shadow, the faint hum of magic giving the air an unnatural stillness.

As the carriage rolled through the gates, Kade caught glimpses of shadowy figures moving through the streets. Their faces were hidden beneath hoods, their movements unnervingly smooth. It felt less like a city and more like a nest of predators.

"Wonderful,"

Kade thought.

"Definitely the kind of place you want to have a friendly chat."

When they reached Verath's hall, Kade stepped out of the carriage, doing his best to look composed. His dark armor gleamed faintly, and the subtle glow of his crimson eyes enhanced by Rynor's magic added to the illusion of confidence.

The massive doors to Verath's chamber groaned open, revealing a long, dimly lit hallway. Two robed figures escorted Kade and Vask inside, their footsteps eerily silent. At the end of the hall was Verath, seated at a long obsidian table, his skeletal form draped in flowing black robes.

'Kaedus the Eternal,'

Verath said, his voice smooth and deliberate.

'Welcome to Zerynth.'

Meanwhile, back in Lunareth, the castle was alive with activity. Queen Sylvena stood on the balcony overlooking the training grounds, where her warriors drilled under the watchful eye of their captain. She was dressed in light silver robes, her staff resting against the railing as she surveyed her people.

'The troops are progressing well, my queen,'

Captain Andrel said, stepping up beside her.

'The addition of the new recruits has bolstered our defenses significantly.'

Sylvena nodded, her gaze steady.

'It's not just the numbers that matter, Andrel. It's their resolve. These are uncertain times, and morale is as important as strength.'

Andrel saluted.

'They believe in you, my queen. They will follow you to the end.'

Sylvena smiled faintly, but before she could respond, a soldier burst onto the balcony, his armor scratched and his face pale.

'Your Majesty!'

he gasped.

'The city is under attack!'

Sylvena stiffened, her grip tightening on her staff.

'What? How?'

The soldier shook his head.

'They came from nowhere. Elite fighters… they're already breaching the outer defenses!'

Sylvena turned to Andrel.

'Rally the troops. Hold them off at all costs.'

Andrel bowed and ran to carry out her orders. Sylvena straightened, her expression hardening.

"If they think they can take Lunareth, they're sorely mistaken."

Back in Verath's hall, Kade sat stiffly across from the High Sage, doing his best to keep up with the conversation. Verath's words were slippery, each sentence layered with meaning that Kade couldn't fully grasp.

'The hero factions are only part of the equation,'

Verath said, his silver eyes gleaming.

'There are other forces at play — forces that neither of us can ignore.'

Kade tilted his head, trying to sound casual.

'And what forces would those be?'

Verath's lips curved into a faint smile.

'The balance of power, my lord. It is always shifting, always precarious. Tell me, how secure are your alliances?'

Kade frowned, his unease growing.

'Secure enough.'

Verath chuckled softly.

'A vague answer, but perhaps appropriate. After all, even the strongest alliances can falter under pressure.'

Kade leaned forward, his tone sharpening.

'If you have something to say, Verath, say it.'

The High Sage's smile widened.

'Patience, my lord. All will become clear in time.'

In Lunareth, the battle had begun in earnest. The city's defenders fought valiantly, their shields forming an unyielding wall as arrows and spells rained down on them. Among them was General Aerith, a seasoned warrior whose twin blades moved with deadly precision.

'Hold the line!'

he shouted, cutting down an enemy fighter.

'Protect the queen!'

Sylvena stood at the center of the chaos, her staff blazing with radiant energy. She raised it high, unleashing a burst of light that forced the attackers back.

'We will not fall!'

she declared, her voice carrying across the battlefield.

But the enemy was relentless. Their forces pressed forward, led by a crimson-armored warrior whose dark blade tore through Lunareth's defenses like paper. He grinned as he approached Sylvena, his voice booming.

'Surrender, Queen Sylvena! Your light will fade, and Lunareth will be ours!'

Sylvena narrowed her eyes, raising her staff again.

'Over my dead body.'