"Betrayed by the Ones I Loved"

Vael’s boots echoed through the damp hallway, each step heavy with exhaustion and unease. The hunt had just ended. Blood stained his clothes, his shoulder throbbed with a fresh wound, and every muscle screamed from the battle. But none of it compared to the weight pressing on his heart.
He limped forward, supported by his girlfriend on the right. His adoptive brother led the way, his back straight, eyes locked on the heavy doors of the Guild Leader’s throne room.
No one spoke.
The thick metal door creaked open, revealing a vast, shadowy chamber. At its center sat the Guild Leader — regal, dangerous, and alone. Her throne of black obsidian loomed behind her like a crown of judgment. One arm rested lazily on the side of her seat. Her gaze held amusement. Or perhaps contempt.
“Step forward,” she ordered, her voice cold and commanding.
Vael obeyed, wincing as he lowered himself onto one knee, head bowed in submission — or maybe just muscle memory.
“My Leader,” he said softly, “the hunt was a success. We eliminated the targets.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Did I ask for a report?”
Confusion flickered in Vael’s eyes. Something wasn’t right. He turned slightly, glancing at his companions. His brother’s face was unreadable, staring straight ahead. His girlfriend… smiled. That small, proud smile she wore when she had won. Or when she was lying.
The Guild Leader stood up slowly.
“You’ve always been loyal, Vael,” she said. “Always obedient. Always… naive.”
A chill ran down his spine.
She continued. “They offered me something far more valuable than your loyalty. A show of real ambition. A true sacrifice.”
His breath caught.
“You mean… they—?”
But he couldn’t finish.
He felt a presence behind him. He turned just in time to see his brother’s eyes—emotionless—as a dagger slid into his back.
Pain exploded in his body. His limbs collapsed beneath him. He gasped, trying to move, to breathe. But the shock paralyzed him.
A foot pressed down on his back. His girlfriend crouched beside him, leaning close to his ear.
“You really thought love was enough to survive in this world?” she whispered. “You were weak, Vael.”
Blood dripped from his lips as he tried to speak, but only a choked breath came out.
Everything blurred.
His vision darkened.
The last thing he saw was the stone ceiling above the throne room. His final thought was not fear — it was rage.
> “If I ever get a second chance… I will never kneel again. Never. They’ll be the ones begging next time.”


Then — nothing