Chapter 146- Cracks Beneath the Surface

Adrian

I stood at the edge of the courtyard, my eyes tracking the rhythmic flow of dancers weaving between torches. Drums pulsed through the ground like a heartbeat, laughter rang in the air, and the intoxicating scent of roasted meat swirled around him. The alliance celebration was in full swing, and everything on the surface looked flawless.

But beneath that polished exterior, I felt something gnawing at my insides.

It had been days since I'd heard from my men.

No status updates. No reports. Not even a whisper of acknowledgment from the ones I trusted most. The silence was unnatural—especially for a unit that prided itself on precision and discipline. At first, I had convinced myself it was simply a matter of precaution. They were probably being discreet. Careful. After all, they were operating within enemy territory, and Lexy’s warriors were no fools. But now, with each passing hour of forced smiles and staged pleasantries, my confidence began to chip away.

I clenched my jaw and scanned the crowd. Lexy stood near the center platform, regal and composed, her expression unreadable. CJ was beside her, arms folded, a quiet guardian in a crown. They both looked far too relaxed. That bothered me most of all. Lexy wasn’t the type to relax. Not truly. Not unless she was hiding something.

I took another sip of the wine I barely tasted. My patience was waning.

The volunteers from the exchange program were now stepping forward one by one, introduced by Lexy’s advisors as symbols of unity. Faces young and eager, some wide-eyed, others proud and postured. I applauded politely with the rest of the crowd, but my mind was far from the ceremony.

Kael should have reported in by now.

The mission was simple: monitor Tarria. Keep her isolated and compliant. Send word when progress was made or complications arose. But instead of updates, I had been met with static.

I’d tried reaching Kael again that morning—through the secured link only his inner circle used. Nothing. Not even a ping.

That silence now felt loud in my ears, reverberating through my skull like an echo of failure. I shifted my weight and resisted the urge to pace. I had given Kael clear orders. So why was everything suddenly so... quiet?

Something wasn’t adding up.

I looked over at the far side of the courtyard where the exchange volunteers were being ushered toward their assigned lodgings and mentors. Smiling warriors led them with pride, gesturing toward different barracks and training zones. Lexy’s tribe was organized. Prepared. I could see it in the discipline of her people; in the way they moved like parts of a machine—smooth and synchronized.

And that made me uneasy.

Lexy had always been shrewd, but lately, it felt like she was three steps ahead of me. Ever since the signing of the alliance, things have shifted. I had expected panic from Lexy. Outrage. But instead, she had played the part of the calm ruler, moving forward with her agenda like nothing had happened.

Why?

Unless… she already knew where Tarria was.

I narrowed my eyes and swallowed the sour taste rising in my throat.

If Lexy had gotten to Tarria—if the girl had escaped and somehow made it back—then Kael was either compromised or worse. My hand itched for the communicator tucked in my coat pocket, but I resisted the impulse. Not here. Not with eyes on me from every direction. I couldn't risk showing my frustration. Not yet.

Instead, I turned and started walking along the edge of the courtyard, nodding politely at warriors who passed. Inside, my thoughts were racing.

If Tarria had broken free, she could have exposed everything.

My plans. My manipulation. My role in the prophecy.

I clenched my fists as I turned down a quieter path lined with torches and ceremonial garlands. The night air cooled my skin, but it did little to temper my rising frustration. I needed answers. And soon. Because if Lexy knew the truth and was merely biding her time, this alliance celebration was nothing more than a carefully orchestrated performance—a trap waiting to be sprung.

I paused under the shadow of an archway and pulled the communicator from my coat. I sent the emergency ping again—encrypted and urgently. Then I waited.

Still nothing.

My jaw tensed. Kael had never ignored a direct signal before. Not in over a decade of serving under me.

A rustle of laughter from the main courtyard brought me attention back to the crowd. More volunteers are being introduced now. I watched with narrow eyes as a tall girl with fire-red braids bowed respectfully before Lexy. The Queen smiled at her. A sincere smile. Not one of protocol.

Lexy had something up her sleeve. I could feel it in his bones.

I exhaled sharply and started moving again, retracing my steps toward the banquet area. If my men had failed, I would deal with them later. Brutally if necessary. But right now, I had to keep up appearances.

As I entered the main square, CJ caught my eye. The King gave me a nod, but there was something behind the gesture—something subtle and measured. As if CJ was watching me carefully. Studying me.

I gave a tight smile and nodded back.

So be it.

I took my place among the other dignitaries as the final names were called. The cheers were loud now. Music swelled with celebratory vigor. And yet, I felt detached from it all. Alone in the middle of the storm.

My mind drifted again to Tarria. She had been so close to breaking. I had seen it in her eyes—from the video Kael sent to me. She was supposed to be my key. The perfect storm of light and dark. The prophecy made her a target, but I had hoped to make her a weapon.

And now I don’t know if she is still in my grasp.

The silence from Kael had begun to make me doubt myself.

The mission had failed.

My stomach churned with the weight of that realization. My grip on the situation was slipping, and I hated that feeling. Control was everything to me. He had built my reputation on precision, planning, and power.

And now? I was at a celebration with no allies, no intel, and no leverage.

The cheers around me continued. Toasts were made. Plates were filled. And still, I stood stiff and unreadable, my expression neutral while my mind boiled.

I would not be outplayed. Not by Lexy. Not by this alliance. And certainly not by a crumbling inner circle that couldn't even maintain contact.

Something had to be done. Swiftly. Quietly. And with finality.

Because if I waited too long, this alliance wouldn’t just be a political inconvenience.

It would be my downfall.