The warning weighed heavily on my mind. Prepare for betrayal. It had been left without a name or a signature, but it didn’t take much imagination to link it to the scheme I’d overheard in the library. The cadets plotting to break into the Regulus Library were clearly pawns in a larger game, one that someone didn’t want me blindsided by. But who was my mysterious informant, and what exactly was their motive?

I had no intention of sitting idly by while they carried out their plan. Whether they knew it or not, meddling with the Regulus Library wasn’t just reckless—it was potentially catastrophic. The forbidden tomes and artifacts housed there weren’t just locked away for convenience. They were dangerous, remnants of wars and tragedies that had nearly unraveled Valtheris in the past.

I started by reviewing the academy grounds, recalling the layout from the countless drills and lectures I had endured since enrollment. The Regulus Library was built like a fortress, with reinforced doors, magical wards, and constant patrols. Gaining access wasn’t going to be easy for anyone, but the cadets had mentioned a key from “a certain instructor.” That meant they weren’t going in blind—they had help from someone on the inside.

The thought soured my stomach. Who in the faculty would betray their oath for this? Master Fennor came to mind first. His aloof nature and that strange conversation I’d overheard earlier felt too coincidental to ignore. But without proof, I couldn’t focus solely on him.

Discreetly, I kept an eye on the cadets I suspected from the library whispers. Their names and faces were still unclear, but their nervous energy was unmistakable. They avoided eye contact with instructors, lingered too long in empty corridors, and exchanged hurried words when they thought no one was watching. It was subtle, but I’d been trained to notice these things, both in my current life and my past.

Kalden, Alisha, and Tristan all noticed my distraction, though they didn’t press me about it directly. Kalden’s sharp eyes followed me with curiosity during our combat drills, and Alisha’s quiet concern showed in her questions after class. Tristan, on the other hand, teased me relentlessly, asking if I’d been struck by a sudden bout of lovesickness. I brushed off their inquiries, unwilling to involve them.

That night, I returned to the library under the guise of studying, hoping to overhear more from the cadets. They didn’t show up, but I spotted one of them—a wiry boy with a shock of sandy hair—lingering near the restricted section. His fingers twitched nervously as he glanced around, and his entire posture screamed guilt.

I followed him at a distance, careful to keep to the shadows. He eventually joined two others near the dormitory staircase, and they exchanged quick words before dispersing. I couldn’t make out what they said, but their hurried glances toward the Regulus Library were telling.

Back in my dorm, I laid out everything I knew.

* The cadets planned to infiltrate the library during the weekend.

* They had some sort of key or access point, courtesy of an instructor.

* The target was the Black Pendant, an artifact with dangerous mind-control properties.

I tapped my fingers against the desk, frustration building. The pieces of the puzzle were there, but I was missing the critical one: the identity of the informant. They clearly wanted me to intervene, but they hadn’t provided any information about themselves or the exact nature of the threat. It felt like I was being played from both sides, and I hated it.

My gaze drifted to the parchment on my desk. The inked words seemed to mock me in the dim light. Prepare for betrayal.

Whoever was behind this, one thing was certain—I couldn’t rely on anyone else. Not Gwen, who was still recovering in the med bay. Not my teammates, who would inevitably become targets if I pulled them into this mess.

No, this was something I’d have to handle alone.

I spent the next few hours poring over my notes, reviewing guard rotations, and formulating a plan to stop the cadets. By the time the first rays of dawn crept through the window, my course of action was clear.

This wasn’t just about protecting the academy’s secrets. It was about proving that, even against the odds, I could stand my ground.

And when the weekend arrived, I’d be ready.

**

A Warning for Gwen

The thought of leaving Gwen in the dark gnawed at me. She was still recovering in the med bay, unaware of the storm brewing within the academy’s walls. Yet, as much as I wanted to shield her from it all, I knew she deserved to know at least part of the truth—especially with the warning of betrayal hanging over my head.

I waited until the afternoon, when classes had ended, to visit her. The med bay was quieter than usual, the faint scent of herbs and antiseptics filling the air. The nurse on duty waved me through with a knowing smile, clearly used to my visits by now.

Gwen was sitting up in her bed, her complexion much improved from the pale, fragile state she’d been in just days ago. A tray with half-eaten food sat on her lap, and a book rested on her bedside table—one of the novels I’d brought her earlier to pass the time.

“Back so soon?” she teased, her voice light but tired. “I’ll start thinking you can’t survive a day without me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I shot back, pulling up a chair beside her bed. “I just wanted to make sure you weren’t secretly planning a jailbreak.”

She chuckled softly, the sound easing some of the tension in my chest. “If I had the strength for that, I’d be out of here already.”

As the conversation lulled, I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. My fingers fidgeted with the edge of my sleeve as I searched for the right words. “Gwen… there’s something I need to tell you.”

Her playful demeanor faded, replaced by a flicker of concern. She set the tray aside, her full attention on me. “What is it?”

I hesitated, my mind replaying the whispered plans I’d overheard and the cryptic warning still sitting on my desk. “Something’s happening at the academy. Something dangerous. I can’t give you all the details yet, but…” I took a breath, meeting her gaze. “I need you to be careful. There’s talk of betrayal, and I don’t know who I can trust right now.”

Her brow furrowed, and for a moment, I saw the strategist in her emerge—the sharp mind that had guided us through countless battles in our past lives. “Do you think it’s connected to the note you mentioned before? The one about betrayal?”

“Most likely,” I admitted. “There’s a group of cadets planning something big, and they’ve got help from someone inside the academy. I overheard enough to know it’s serious, but I’m still piecing together the rest.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she glanced down at her hands. “Illiad, you’re not planning to handle this alone, are you?”

I didn’t answer immediately, which was answer enough.

“Of course you are,” she sighed, shaking her head. “Why am I not surprised?”

“You’re still recovering,” I said firmly. “Dragging you into this would only put you in danger, and I’m not willing to take that risk. Besides, whoever left me that warning clearly doesn’t want me involving others.”

Her eyes narrowed, a spark of frustration in them. “You can’t shoulder everything by yourself. You’ve tried that before, remember? And look where it got you.”

I flinched, the weight of her words hitting harder than I cared to admit. She wasn’t wrong. I had a habit of trying to bear the burden alone, but this felt different. This wasn’t just about me—it was about protecting her, my teammates, and the academy itself.

“I’ll be careful,” I promised, though the words felt hollow even as I said them.

She studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a resigned sigh, she leaned back against her pillows. “Fine. But if things get out of hand, you’d better find a way to let me know. Injured or not, I’m not going to sit here and do nothing while you throw yourself into danger.”

I nodded, relieved that she wasn’t pushing further. “Deal.”

Before I left, she reached out, grabbing my wrist. “Illiad… just remember, you’re not alone in this. Even if it feels like you are.”

Her words stayed with me as I walked back to the dorm, the shadows of doubt and determination warring in my mind. Whoever was behind this scheme had chosen their timing well, but they had no idea what they were up against.

If they thought I’d crumble under the weight of uncertainty and fear, they were in for a rude awakening.

**

An Unexpected Ally

The tension around the academy was palpable, as though the walls themselves were holding their breath. Every whispered conversation, every fleeting glance between cadets felt suspicious. The cryptic warning still burned in the back of my mind, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched, assessed—like a piece on a chessboard someone else was manipulating.

I spent most of my time in my dorm, poring over every scrap of information I could remember from the whispers in the library. A break-in, the Black Pendant, a key from a “certain instructor.” It was all connected, but the pieces refused to fall into place.

Then, as I was sifting through my notes one evening, there was a knock on the door. Not loud or hurried, but deliberate. My muscles tensed. I hadn’t invited anyone, and Gwen was still in the med bay. Sliding my hand discreetly toward the small dagger I kept under my desk, I called out, “Who is it?”

“It’s Tristan.”

I frowned. Tristan Hale was the last person I expected—or wanted—at my door. He wasn’t exactly subtle or careful, two qualities I desperately needed right now. Still, I moved to open the door, my grip firm on the dagger just in case.

Tristan stood there, a crooked grin on his face and a bottle of some sparkling cider in hand. “I figured you could use a drink, mate. You’ve been brooding like a kicked puppy since the med bay.”

I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe. “I’m fine, Tristan. Thanks for the concern.”

“Yeah, you look great,” he said sarcastically, pushing past me into the room without waiting for an invitation. “Come on, Illiad. You think I’m blind? Something’s been eating at you since the exercise.”

I sighed, shutting the door and turning to face him. “What do you want, Tristan?”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“To help.” His tone was surprisingly earnest, and when I looked at him, the usual arrogance in his eyes was gone, replaced by something quieter.

I blinked. “Help with what?”

“You’re not the only one who’s noticed weird things happening around here,” he said, dropping the bottle onto my desk and taking a seat on my bed like he owned the place. “Whispers, odd behavior from the instructors, students sneaking around like rats in the dark. It’s obvious something’s up.”

I didn’t respond immediately, trying to gauge his intent. Tristan wasn’t stupid—far from it—but he had a habit of prioritizing his ego over everything else. This sudden offer of help felt out of character.

“And you care because…?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He leaned back, resting his arms on the bedframe. “Because I don’t like being left in the dark. And because you’re my teammate. If something’s about to go down, I’d rather be in the loop than caught off guard.”

I studied him for a moment longer, weighing my options. Trust wasn’t something I gave easily, but Tristan had a point. If this scheme was as big as it seemed, I couldn’t afford to turn away potential allies—even boisterous nobles.

“You’re sticking your neck out,” I said cautiously. “Why should I believe you won’t run straight to the instructors or use this as leverage later?”

He smirked. “Because that wouldn’t be any fun. Besides, I’m not about to risk my reputation by being a snitch. If I wanted to play politics, I’d be back at my family’s estate, kissing up to people twice my age.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Fine. But if you’re serious about this, you follow my lead. No reckless moves, no bragging, and no dragging anyone else into it without my approval.”

“Deal,” he said, standing and extending a hand.

I hesitated, then shook it. “Alright. But if you so much as hint at betraying me—”

“You’ll stab me in my sleep, yeah, yeah, I get it,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Now, what’s our first move?”

I stepped back, crossing my arms. “We’re still gathering information. I overheard a group of students planning something, but I don’t know who they are or how deep this goes. If you want to help, start keeping an eye on your circles—friends, acquaintances, anyone who seems out of the ordinary.”

He nodded, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “Got it. And, Illiad?”

“What?”

“Whatever’s going on, don’t shoulder it all yourself. Even heroes need backup.”

I didn’t respond, watching as he left the room with a casual wave. His words echoed in my mind, mingling with Gwen’s earlier warning. Backup wasn’t something I was used to, but maybe—just maybe—this time I wouldn’t have to face the storm alone.

**

Uncovering A Lead

The tension in the academy felt like an invisible weight pressing down on me, growing heavier with every passing hour. After my uneasy alliance with Tristan, I knew it was only a matter of time before something happened—whether it was the break-in or another unforeseen twist. My focus sharpened. If I was going to stop this, I needed answers.

The next day, I decided to subtly probe for information. The library seemed like the natural place to start; it was where I overheard the whispers in the first place. I spent the better part of the afternoon lingering near the aisles, pretending to read while discreetly observing anyone who might act suspiciously.

It wasn’t long before I noticed a pattern. A few students—ones I recognized but had never interacted with closely—were behaving oddly. They moved between shelves with deliberate purpose, occasionally glancing over their shoulders as if checking to see if they were being followed. I recognized one of them as Rafe, a cadet known for his sly demeanor and knack for getting into trouble. The other two were less familiar, but their furtive glances and whispered exchanges were telling enough.

I positioned myself at a table nearby, pretending to be engrossed in a tome on advanced combat techniques, all while keeping my ears trained on their conversation. It was difficult to make out much—Rafe spoke in clipped tones, and the others seemed equally cautious. But a few words stood out.

“…key’s ready…

“…midnight…Regulus…”

“…don’t screw this up…”

The mention of Regulus sent a chill down my spine. The Forbidden Library wasn’t just a place of restricted knowledge; it was a vault for dangerous secrets. If they were planning to break in, the consequences could be catastrophic—not just for them but for the entire academy.

I waited until they dispersed, then quietly followed Rafe. He walked with a confidence that suggested he didn’t think anyone was onto him, but I kept a safe distance, using the flow of students in the halls as cover. He eventually made his way to one of the less-traveled wings of the academy, slipping into a small, dimly lit study room.

This was a risk. If Rafe caught me, it would blow my chance at learning more. But hesitation wasn’t an option. I lingered near the door, listening intently.

“Everything’s in place,” Rafe’s voice murmured. “You just need to make sure the others don’t mess up.” A second voice responded, muffled but recognizable—it was an instructor. My heart sank.

“You worry about your part, cadet,” the instructor said sharply. “The rest is my concern. If this goes smoothly, no one will suspect a thing. Now, go. We can’t be seen together for too long.”

The sound of chairs scraping against the floor made me retreat quickly down the hallway, slipping into a shadowed alcove. Moments later, Rafe emerged, his expression tense but determined, followed by the instructor. Though I couldn’t make out much in the dim light, the figure’s stature and gait were familiar. My mind raced, trying to place them.

As soon as they were gone, I exhaled, heart pounding in my chest. This wasn’t just some reckless student scheme—there was an instructor actively aiding them. Someone who should’ve been safeguarding the academy’s secrets was instead enabling this betrayal.

I returned to my dorm, piecing together what I’d learned. The key, the timing, the involvement of an instructor—it all pointed to a larger conspiracy. But there were still too many unknowns. Why was this happening? What was their endgame? And, perhaps most pressing of all, who was the shadowy figure warning me?

I couldn’t shake the sense that the pieces were beginning to align, but the picture they formed wasn’t clear yet. All I knew was that time was running out, and I had to act before it was too late.

**

The Night Approaches

The day passed in a haze, each tick of the clock drawing me closer to what felt like an inevitable confrontation. I kept my movements calculated, trying to appear as though I was just another cadet going through the motions of study and training. Beneath the surface, however, my mind churned with tension and anticipation.

As dusk fell over the academy, the corridors grew quieter. The usual bustle of students dissipated as many retired to their dorms or headed into the city for the weekend, unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface. I made my way back to my room, the cryptic warning still burning in my mind: “Prepare for betrayal.”

I entered the dorm, where the soft glow of a single lamp illuminated the space. My desk, cluttered with notes and books from earlier, bore the weight of my growing suspicions. Sitting down, I began to review everything I knew.

The cadets—Rafe and his group—were clearly pawns in a larger game. They weren’t skilled enough to orchestrate something of this magnitude on their own, which meant the instructor’s involvement was crucial. But who was pulling the strings behind the scenes? Why the Forbidden Library, and why now?

A soft knock on the door startled me. My muscles tensed as I rose, half-expecting trouble, but it was Tristan Hale. His usual confident smirk was tempered by a look of curiosity, and perhaps concern.

“You’ve been acting strange, Illiad,” he said as he stepped inside uninvited, his arms crossed. “What’s going on?”

“I could ask the same of you,” I replied, keeping my tone measured. “You’ve been unusually quiet today.”

Tristan let out a dry chuckle. “Fair enough. Let’s just say I have my own reasons for being on edge. But whatever you’re tangled up in—it’s dangerous, isn’t it?”

His perceptiveness surprised me. For all his bravado, Tristan had a knack for reading people, and I couldn’t afford to dismiss his insight.

“I can’t tell you everything,” I said finally. “Not yet. But something’s happening tonight, and it’s bigger than just a few cadets causing trouble. If I don’t stop it, it could spiral out of control.”

Tristan frowned, his sharp gaze searching my expression for answers. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”

I nodded. “Deadly serious.”

He hesitated, then sighed. “Fine. I won’t pry—for now. But don’t get yourself killed, Illiad. I’m not about to lose my competition in the middle of the semester.”

With that, he left, leaving me alone once more. I appreciated his concern, even if he masked it behind his usual arrogance. But this wasn’t a fight I could involve him in—not yet, at least.

As the clock neared midnight, I prepared myself. Dressed in dark, inconspicuous clothing, I tucked a small dagger into my belt. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do. I couldn’t risk carrying anything that might draw attention if I were caught.

I left the dorm with measured steps, blending into the shadows of the academy. The cool night air was a sharp contrast to the heat of my thoughts, and the stillness of the campus felt almost suffocating. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of leaves seemed amplified in the silence, as if the academy itself was holding its breath.

The path to the Forbidden Library, Regulus, was fraught with questions and uncertainty. Who would I face? What would I uncover? And most troubling of all—could I truly trust myself to make the right call when the time came?

As I approached the edge of the restricted section, the faint glow of lanterns flickered in the distance. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a reminder of what was at stake. This wasn’t just about stopping a break-in or preventing a theft. It was about unraveling the layers of deceit and betrayal that had begun to engulf the academy—and ensuring that I didn’t lose myself in the process.

**

Foreshadowing Trouble

The air felt heavier as I approached the outer perimeter of Regulus, the Forbidden Library. The academy grounds, usually a sanctuary of order and discipline, seemed to hold its breath. Each shadow stretched longer in the dim moonlight, as if the darkness itself conspired to obscure the truth.

My pulse quickened, my senses heightened. Something was off—not just the immediate threat of the cadets I had overheard, but a deeper, more insidious presence. It was the kind of instinct I had honed over years of combat and betrayal in my previous life, and it screamed at me now.

I stopped short of the library’s entrance, hidden among the trimmed hedges lining the courtyard. The faint sound of muffled voices carried through the stillness. They were coming.

My mind raced as I scanned the scene. The library’s doors were heavily reinforced, bound by both physical and magical locks. Gaining entry would be impossible without a key—or some form of inside help. The cadets had mentioned a certain instructor. Someone within the academy’s walls was aiding them, someone with access to restricted areas and knowledge of Regulus’s defenses.

The warning I’d received earlier rang in my ears: “Prepare for betrayal.”

It was no coincidence. Someone wanted me to be here tonight, whether as a pawn or an obstacle, I couldn’t yet tell. But one thing was certain—this was far bigger than a handful of reckless cadets.

I crept closer, keeping to the shadows. The cadets were huddled near a side entrance, their movements nervous and hurried. Rafe, the leader, held a small, ornate key that glinted faintly in the moonlight. He fumbled with it, muttering curses under his breath.

“Hurry up,” one of the others hissed. “We don’t have all night.”

“I’m trying!” Rafe shot back, his voice tinged with frustration. “This thing is more complicated than I thought.”

The key—it had to be the one they mentioned earlier, given to them by the mysterious instructor. It was intricate, with runes etched along its surface. Whoever had provided it wasn’t just giving them access; they were ensuring that only someone with precise instructions could use it.

I felt a pang of unease. This wasn’t amateur work. The instructor—whoever they were—wasn’t just aiding these cadets out of some misguided sense of rebellion. There was a purpose behind this, a larger plan in motion.

The cadets finally succeeded in unlocking the door. It swung open with an eerie silence, as if even the library itself anticipated the chaos to come.

Before I could decide my next move, I caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye. Someone else was watching.

A figure stood in the shadows of the adjacent building, cloaked and motionless. Their posture was relaxed, almost casual, but there was an air of authority about them. They weren’t a cadet. This was someone older, more experienced.

The figure turned slightly, revealing the faint glint of a medallion—a symbol I recognized as belonging to the academy’s senior staff.

The instructor, I realized.

They didn’t move to stop the cadets, nor did they seem concerned about being spotted. Instead, they watched with a detached interest, as if observing a play they had written.

My fists clenched. This wasn’t just negligence or a lapse in judgment. This was deliberate.

I couldn’t afford to act rashly. Not yet. There were too many variables, too many questions unanswered. But one thing was clear: the events unfolding tonight were only the beginning of something far greater—and far more dangerous.

I retreated into the shadows, my mind racing. Whoever had sent me that warning wasn’t just trying to tip me off about the cadets. They were trying to prepare me for a storm that was about to break.

As I moved away from the library, my thoughts turned to Lorian—Gwen. I hadn’t wanted to involve her, but part of me itched to hear her perspective, to see if she could help make sense of all this.

And then there was Kalden, Alisha, and Tristan. They were strong, each in their own way, but could I truly trust them? The warning suggested betrayal, but from whom? From the cadets? The instructor? Or someone closer to me?

The weight of it all settled on my shoulders as I slipped back toward my dorm. The night was far from over, and I had a feeling that whatever lay ahead would test not just my strength, but my resolve—and the fragile alliances I had built along the way.