Chapter 4: A Necessary Betrayal

Thorne’s “strategic advice” became a constant, suffocating presence. He orcheated my public appearances, scripting my words to emphasize vengeance and unwavering hatred for the Shadowmoon. Each speech felt like ash in my mouth. The memory of Kaden’s conflicted eyes in the grove clashed violently with the caricature of the monster I was meant to be rallying my people against. The bond was a silent, screaming protest in my soul. The pressure culminated in Thorne’s masterstroke. He called...