Chapter 168 The Trap
Maleek stood near the far end of the chamber while the faint glow from the torches reflected against the rough surface of the stone walls. The room remained quiet except for the soft sound of footsteps moving in the distance and the occasional clink of metal as guards shifted their positions.
Alberto still hung against the restraints where he had lost consciousness earlier. His head rested forward while his body remained motionless except for the slow rise and fall of his chest. The marks along his arms showed where blood had been drawn repeatedly.
Maleek observed him for a moment without speaking.
A faint smile rested on his face.
His assistant stepped closer while keeping her gaze fixed on Alberto.
“He will not last much longer if we continue like this.”
Maleek did not turn to look at her immediately.
“He does not need to last much longer.”
The assistant folded her hands together.
“You have taken a considerable amount of blood already.”
Maleek nodded slowly.
“Yes.”
The assistant hesitated before speaking again.
“Do you still intend to continue the extraction?”
Maleek finally turned his head slightly toward her.
“No.”
The assistant looked surprised.
“No?”
Maleek stepped forward slowly.
“We have enough for now.”
The assistant glanced toward the table where several containers filled with Alberto’s blood had been arranged carefully.
“Then what do we do with him?”
Maleek’s eyes returned to Alberto.
“Prepare for the next stage.”
The assistant frowned slightly.
“What stage?”
Maleek’s voice remained calm.
“Send for the black core.”
The assistant’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“You want him here now?”
Maleek nodded once.
“Yes.”
The assistant hesitated.
“And Alberto?”
Maleek stepped closer to the restrained figure.
“We release him.”
The assistant blinked.
“Release him?”
Maleek looked at her directly.
“Yes.”
The assistant’s expression showed clear confusion.
“After everything we have done?”
Maleek gave a faint smile.
“He will believe he escaped.”
The assistant stepped closer.
“Do you think that is wise?”
Maleek folded his arms behind his back.
“Everything is falling into place.”
The assistant still looked uncertain.
“He could return to his pack and reveal everything.”
Maleek shook his head slightly.
“He will not have the full picture.”
The assistant studied him carefully.
“And if he does?”
Maleek’s smile remained calm.
“Then it will not matter.”
The assistant remained silent for a moment before nodding slowly.
“I will arrange it.”
Maleek turned his attention back toward Alberto.
“Make sure he is released in a way that convinces him he fought his way out.”
The assistant nodded again.
“Yes.”
She turned and walked toward the exit while giving instructions to the guards waiting outside.
Maleek remained alone in the chamber for a brief moment.
His eyes stayed fixed on Alberto’s weakened form who was unconscious.
“You will play your part whether you realize it or not,” he said quietly.
Moments later footsteps echoed from the corridor.
The assistant returned with a figure following closely behind her.
The man stepped into the chamber with a steady posture while his presence filled the room immediately.
He wore dark clothing that blended easily with the shadows while his expression remained calm and controlled.
As he approached Maleek he lowered himself into a respectful bow.
“My lord.”
Maleek watched him with a faint smile.
“You arrived quickly.”
The man lifted his head.
“I came as soon as I received your summons.”
Maleek nodded.
“I expected nothing less.”
The assistant stepped aside to give them space.
The man straightened fully.
“I am at your service.”
Maleek studied him carefully.
“Your loyalty remains intact?”
The man nodded without hesitation.
“My allegiance is yours.”
Maleek’s smile widened slightly.
“Good.”
The man placed one hand over his chest.
“I pledge my fealty to you.”
Maleek walked slowly around him while speaking.
“You have been a valuable asset.”
The man remained still.
“I only serve to see your vision realized.”
Maleek stopped in front of him.
“That vision is closer than ever.”
The man’s eyes sharpened slightly.
“The preparations are complete?”
Maleek nodded.
“Yes.”
The assistant glanced between them.
“The armies are ready.”
Maleek confirmed her statement with a slight nod.
“They wait beneath the surface.”
The man looked pleased.
“Then the time has come.”
Maleek’s expression turned serious.
“It has.”
He stepped closer.
“I have a task for you.”
The man bowed his head slightly.
“Speak and it will be done.”
Maleek’s voice lowered.
“You will contact Darius.”
The man did not show surprise.
“I understand.”
Maleek continued speaking.
“You will instruct him to ensure that Alberto and Fernando proceed with the coronation ceremony.”
The man’s brow lifted slightly.
“You want them to continue with it?”
Maleek nodded.
“Yes.”
The man considered the order carefully.
“That will gather all of them in one place.”
Maleek’s smile returned.
“Exactly.”
The assistant watched quietly as the plan unfolded.
The man spoke again.
“And what of the next step?”
Maleek’s eyes darkened slightly.
“He will proceed with the water poison.”
The man nodded slowly.
“To weaken them.”
Maleek confirmed.
“Yes.”
“Once they are weakened the attack will begin.”
Maleek looked toward her briefly.
“Every pack will be targeted.”
The man’s voice carried a hint of anticipation.
“The armies will rise.”
Maleek nodded.
“They will strike on the same day.”
The man’s posture remained steady.
“None of them will be prepared.”
Maleek’s gaze returned to Alberto.
“They will not see it coming.”
The assistant glanced at Alberto as well.
“And him?”
Maleek spoke calmly.
“He will return to them believing he escaped.”
The man understood immediately.
“And he will lead them into the trap without realizing it.”
Maleek gave a faint smile.
“Precisely.”
The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of the plan settled over them.
The man bowed his head again.
“I will deliver your message.”
Maleek nodded.
“Do not fail.”
The man’s voice remained steady.
“I will not.”
He turned and began walking toward the exit.
The assistant watched him leave before turning back to Maleek.
“Everything is moving quickly.”
Maleek folded his arms again.
“It must.”
The assistant looked toward Alberto.
“Should we begin preparing his release?”
Maleek nodded once.
“Yes.”
The assistant stepped closer to the restrained figure.
She examined the chains briefly before calling for the guards.
Two men entered the chamber immediately.
“Remove the restraints,” she instructed.
The guards moved forward and began unlocking the chains holding Alberto in place.
His body sagged forward as the tension on his limbs released.
One of the guards caught him before he collapsed completely.
The assistant spoke again.
“Make it look like he broke free during a moment of weakness in our defenses.”
The guards nodded.
“Yes.”
Maleek watched as they lifted Alberto carefully.