Chapter 118 Shattering Betrayal

Chapter 118 Shattering Betrayal
Keegan took a step toward Nikolai. "Master Nikolai... I came back to clear my name. You painted me as the villain in this story. But no... Master Azekiel needs to know the truth—"

Nikolai instantly lunged, grabbing Keegan by the throat with immense force. "We are not discussing this here..."

"Leave Kina out of your mess," Emris pleaded, stepping between them. "Please. She has nothing to do with any of this."

Ragnal rushed to my side, grabbing my arm. "Come with me for now, Kina—"

"No," I cut him off firmly. "I-I want to know."

"Kina!" Emris raised his voice in desperation. "Please! Don't involve yourself in this!"

I shook my head, stepping backward to pull away from Ragnal’s grasp. "No. Tell me."

"Well..." Keegan laughed bitterly. "Where should we even begin?"

"Enough!" Nikolai snarled, his voice trembling with an underlying rage. I stared at him in disbelief. Even with his fangs bared and his eyes glowing red, he couldn't mask the sheer terror consuming him.

What did you do, Nikolai?

"Listen to me, Kina," Keegan continued, ignoring Nikolai's display. "You think these noble vampires are good people? Sure, to everyone except Azekiel."

Ragnal slammed his fist into the stone wall with enough force to make the room shake, letting out a furious curse.

"They betrayed Azekiel and tried to kill him," Keegan revealed, voice dripping with venom. "They're why he's such a broken mess today, every last one turned their backs on him, even his own father. And Azi doesn't even know."

I froze in place.

What?

My mind went completely blank as the words echoed in the silence of the room.

"Wait..." I took a deep, shaky breath, trying to process the horrifying reality. "I... I need to go."

"K-Kina..." Emris called out softly.

I pushed past him without looking back.

I don't even remember leaving the mansion, suddenly I was at the stables, driven by pure adrenaline as I swung onto Sigrid's saddle.

Muscle memory took over. I rode her into the open pastures, smooth and fast, tears streaming in the cold wind while my hands trembled against the reins.

When I tried to slow her down, panic made me pull incorrectly. I lost my balance and crashed hard onto the soft grass below.

I didn't bother getting up. I lay flat on my back, staring up at the vast blue sky.

How could he not know? Should he be told? It would completely shatter him, and I'm terrified of what he might do, but he deserves the truth that destroyed his life.

I gasped for air, hastily wiping the tears from my cheeks.

I had promised not to meddle in clan politics or put anyone in danger, but a deep, burning fury took root in my chest. I had no right to feel this rage over a past that wasn't mine, yet it hurt to my core.

Did they really betray Azi? Why do something so monstrous?

I stayed out at the ranch for hours, skipping lunch as my mind spun. Before I knew it, darkness engulfed the sky. I finally pushed myself up. I needed to head back, Azi might be waiting.

Instead of riding Sigrid, I ran all the way back. Chest heaving and muscles aching, I reached the grand doors where Emris and Nikolai stood waiting, exchanging anxious, hesitant glances as I approached.

"W-where have you been, Kina?" Emris asked softly. "We were worried sick about you. Are you alright?"

"Is Azi back yet?" I asked, my voice entirely flat.

"He should be back shortly," Nikolai answered carefully. "Kina... can we talk? Please?"

Instead of answering, I walked straight past them into the foyer. I hurried up the stairs to my bedroom, locking the door firmly behind me before either of them could follow.

I picked up my travel bag, rechecked my packed belongings, and took a quick shower to wash the dirt off.

For the rest of the evening, I remained locked inside my room, refusing to step outside in case Nikolai or Emris were still waiting in the hallway. I wasn't ready to speak to them. I didn't even know what I would say.

I was lying on my bed staring at the ceiling when a quiet knock sounded at the door. "Shekina? Are you in there?"

It was Azi.

I scrambled off the bed and unlocked the door. Azi was standing in the doorway, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "Nikolai said you haven't eaten dinner yet. Why?"

"I'm still full from earlier. Plus... I was just really excited about the mission," I offered a quick, playful laugh.

"Really? What's so exciting about going on a mission?" he grumbled, though the tension in his shoulders relaxed slightly. "Fine then. I'll wait for you outside."

"Are we leaving right now?" I asked in surprise.

"Yeah," he replied, shutting the door behind him with a sudden thud that made me wince.

I quickly changed into my travel clothes and slung my bag over my shoulder. Feeling a sudden pang of hunger, I decided to slip down to the dining hall to grab an apple for the road. Fortunately, I managed to avoid bumping into Nikolai or Emris.

As I was heading toward the exit, hushed voices echoed from a side corridor. I peeked around the stone pillar, my eyebrows knitting together when I spotted Keegan kneeling respectfully in front of Lord Maximus.

"I accomplished the task, Milord..." Keegan reported quietly.

"Good. You are dismissed," Lord Maximus replied coldly.

Before either of them could spot me, I quietly backed away and slipped out the side entrance.

A bitter, cold smile touched my lips.

"What a load of bullshit," I whispered under my breath, my teeth gritted in sheer fury.

I found Azi waiting by the main gates, holding Sigrid's reins. It appeared we were traveling on horseback, which made my heart race with anticipation.

"Did you ride Sigrid earlier?" Azi asked, glancing at the horse.

I let out a soft laugh, suddenly remembering how shocked he had been when he learned my dog back home was named Nero. Now his horse had a name, too.

"I tried... I'm sorry," I confessed weakly.

"I knew it. You're the only one reckless enough to ride my personal belongings without asking," he muttered, though there was no real anger in his tone.

I took in his attire, a sharp black jacket paired with matching black trousers, topped with a dark fitted cap. He looked like a knight clad in shadows.

He mounted Sigrid effortlessly before extending a gloved hand down to me. For a moment, I froze, staring up at his striking features.

"What?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You look really good," I complimented softly.

"Am I supposed to compliment you back?" he scoffed playfully.

I chuckled softly and took his hand, letting him pull me onto the saddle behind him. My heart pounded wildly. Even through my heavy jacket, the night air bit with a sharp chill.

"Are you ready?" he asked, taking hold of the reins.

I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist, pressing my face gently against his back. "Always ready for you, Master Azi."