Chapter 64: Chapter 64

LUCIUS' POV

I felt a surge of hot anger. While they maintained a facade in front of everyone, behind our backs, they were plotting my downfall. They believed me to be incompetent, but I was determined to prove them wrong. I would show them what true competence meant.

"They mustn't suspect us," I said, and Dusk nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"What's our next move?" she asked, her eyes reflecting my own silent anger.

"We safeguard our Kingdom. Never again will I allow the enemy to harm my men," I declared, rising from our crouched position.

"How can we communicate with our allies back home?" Dusk inquired, her concern evident.

"For now, we maintain pretenses. However, early tomorrow morning, we'll depart from here. I'll train Marcus and our men for the impending emergency. We'll also send a message via bird; our forces must be impeccably prepared," I explained, and she acknowledged my strategy.

"I'm in agreement. They are devious individuals. We must act shrewdly," Dusk added before a new voice interrupted her.

"I see you're admiring my army," Alpha Roland's voice resonated. Despite the seething anger within me, I managed a courteous smile.

"I've missed my Kingdom. We came up here to reminisce and witness my men's training," I replied, my tone measured.

"How do you find my soldiers?" Alpha Roland queried, clearly seeking praise.

"I believe they could impart valuable lessons to my own men," I lied smoothly, prompting a hearty laugh from the older man.

"You're quite the flatterer. Join me, and I'll introduce you to Martha," Alpha Roland invited, leading the way further into the training grounds. His warriors demonstrated various combat techniques, and I observed closely, my mind already strategizing.

Undoubtedly, he assumed I was naive to his intentions, which was why he was willing to reveal his army's tactics so openly.

"He appears impressed. Little does he know that we'll turn these very skills against him," Martha's voice reached my ears from a distance.

"Mind your volume, dear. He might overhear you," Alpha Roland replied, chuckling.

"Are you hearing this?" I whispered to Dusk, and she nodded, comprehending the significance.

"So, do you envision a joint training session between your men and mine?" Alpha Roland inquired as he approached later on.

"Certainly. It's a viable option. I'd be delighted to witness their seamless coordination," I responded, maintaining the charade.

"You were quite intoxicated last night. You never disclosed your techniques. How about now? What can my soldiers learn from yours, and vice versa?" he probed further, genuine curiosity in his eyes.

I feigned contemplation. "I believe my men could glean much from yours," I finally replied, causing a pleased smile to spread across his face.

"Your troops are truly skilled. Word has it your father bestowed them with some secret aid for battles. What was it?" Alpha Roland's curiosity persisted as he glanced at his men.

"My father's affairs weren't of concern to me while he lived. Since his passing, our War Lord oversees such matters, supervising the men's preparation. My focus lies in politics," I explained, noting the disappointment on his face.

"Such a pity," he muttered before eventually moving away.

Turning to Dusk, I spoke in hushed tones, "What of your companion? Could she be of greater assistance?"

Dusk contemplated before replying, "She's quite complex, not one to readily answer queries or offer help. She tested me before deciding to aid. I'm uncertain if she'd lend her assistance again."

"It's alright. Her contributions thus far have been invaluable. Even the little she's shared has brought us closer to our goals," I reassured her, receiving a slight smile in return. As she departed, I watched her silhouette, hoping that after all was said and done, there would be a place for me in her heart.

~

**DUSK'S POV**

I left Lucius at the training grounds and proceeded directly to Matilda's quarters.

"Have you informed him?" Matilda inquired as I entered, engrossed in her book.

"Yes, and I'm grateful for your help," I replied sincerely, taking a seat nearby.

"Your passing my test earned my assistance," she stated matter-of-factly, returning to her reading.

"I've come for the second part of the story," I admitted, a sense of urgency in my voice.

She smiled knowingly. "You should've sought it sooner."

Taking a deep breath, I confessed, "I'm ready to listen now. Please share the story with me."

Matilda's smile remained as she located the book I had been using and handed it over. "Can't I simply listen?" I inquired, hoping for a reprieve.

"The story is mine, but you shall pen it," she insisted, and so we wrote, line by line, scene by scene, chapter by chapter. Time was dwindling, yet I dared not rush Matilda, understanding her process.

"While Suicul possessed the Ymra stones, strong enough to fortify his sand castle, one corrupt stone, like muddy water in clear, tainted the whole. This stone was against him," Matilda revealed, sensing my anticipation.

"Continue," I urged, my quill poised.

"Similar to how a single flame can set a forest ablaze, the corrupt Ymra stone allied with Dnalor and Ahtram, spelling Suicul's downfall. Yet, his wife, Ksud, altered fate's course..." Matilda narrated, and I frantically transcribed her words.

"Go on," I prompted, eager for more.

Matilda toyed with her stick, deep in thought. "Upon discovering the corrupt stone's name, Ksud was aghast. The name was Nahte."

I halted, frozen by the revelation. Swiftly inverting the letters, the truth left me astounded.

The name was Ethan.