Page 69 of A Kingdom so Crimson

"Then why? Why are the Spellcasters hunting me?" I spat, the words bitter on my tongue.

Kaizen answered before Levon could interject. "All we know is that the Spellcasters have never stopped hunting for what they want most: immortality and power, and they'll stop at nothing to chase even the faintest whisper of a lead."

Fear began clawing at my insides. "What makes them believe I hold anything of value?" I pressed, forcing my voice to remain firm despite the tremble in my limbs.

Levon interjected, "Before dinner yesterday, you mentioned a dream. What was it?"

The memory of the shadowy figure flashed vividly in my mind, causing me to reflexively clasp my wrists, still feelingthe icy touch of the manacles. Levon and Kaizen looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to elaborate.

"After…whatever happened," I began, gesturing towards Levon's face. "I believe I wasn't able to wake because I was trapped. Trapped in a cold…dark cell, chained to the ground like some kind of wild animal. There was so much fear and darkness that it felt tangible, as if itknewwho I was and where to find me."

I released a shaky breath, trying to push away the memories of blood-curdling screams and the haunting image of the shadowy figure with its long, spider-like fingers wrapping around my throat. Unconsciously, now clutching at my own.

"A dark figure knew me by name," I stuttered, not wanting to relive it further, fearing what it might mean.

Kaizen went ridged as Levon huffed angrily, staring at me like they had seen a wraith.

Kaizen interjected. "With their leader, the Spellcasters found a way to fabricate neural pathways through hellish anomalies in their magic—the things that connect everything," he paused, disgust and anger radiating from him like the color surrounding us. "They have found something within your mind—the slightest of memories you had as a child, something you witnessed, or something that caused a rift they could see through for their filthy desires."

"You're telling metheyare causing these…tremors—these dreams?" I said, barely above a whisper.

"The dreams, yes," Kaizen said as the two of them nodded, sickening my stomach. I stepped back, trying to take it all in. My breath caught in my throat as I attempted to swallow, but my mouth went dry as fear crept in like tendrils of darkness, swirling my mind with confusion. I clenched my fists together to stop the trembling.

"If you still have a warrant to silence these rumors," I mocked Levon before turning my gaze to Kaizen. "Then what isyourrole in all this?" I ordered, coiling my anger and trying to understand any of this.

Levon clenched his teeth, a glint of remorse flickering in his eyes.

"To protect you," Kaizen stated flatly.

I couldn't help but emit a hollow laugh, feeling utterly numb. "But you're both, somehow, on the same team?" I mocked again, glaring at Levon.

"That'swhy I left,"Levon snapped, holding my gaze angrily. "I didn't know what all those secret missions would entail, but Ihadto do my duty. For more reasons than you couldeverunderstand."

Kaizen gripped Levon's arm, backing him down, as my hands shook with anger.

Levon shook off Kaizen's hand, his focus sharpening on me. "I'm not looking for pity, Eliah," he declared, his voice edged with bitterness. "Every day, the choices I made haunt me, but they were necessary for the greater good. I acted in service of the essential objective, regardless of the consequences. And I intend to honor my promise to her," he nodded towards the stairs, where his mother's portrait hung. "No matter what, I won't allow anyone to harm you. I swear it," he vowed, his tone resolute.

I absorbed his words, trying to steady my emotions amidst the creeping fear that the Spellcasters hadinfiltratedmy mind. They were not merely a made-up bedtime story to scare a child into submission but a real threat skulking in the shadows.

"Then what about the King's Match?" I demanded, releasing my grip on my emotions and searching for truth in his emerald-blue gaze.

"We proceed as if nothing is amiss. We will be safest within the King's Court, and I have allies who are keeping me informed," Levon replied.

"How long have you known the Spellcasters created these…pathways in me?" I pressed, my tone sharp with accusation.

He met my gaze wearily. "Not until after your first evaluation," he confessed quietly.

"Were youeverplanning on telling me?" I demanded.

"Would you have believed me if I had told you sooner?" he retorted. "You barely trusted me, assuming me as arrogant as Jesri."

"You're not disproving that point," I seethed, feeling the pulse of the amber glow in the room resonating within me, leaving the air thick with tension.

Kaizen cleared his throat. "We need to leave, it's a long journey to the Creaic Gap, and we shouldn't be out after dark," he stated, his gaze shifting to Levon with a silent warning.

Levon nodded his agreement as Kaizen ascended the stairs. Leaving us trailing after him in uneasy silence.

"Why subject me to this tournament then? Won't participating make me an even bigger target?" I hissed, looking at Levon with sunken shoulders. "You claimed you had no choice; let me make one." Desperation lined my voice.

---