Chapter 8: Shadows of Betrayal

Arin and Cassiel's interactions get more dangerous as they continue. The things they encounter appear more formidable, as if the planet itself is working against their will. Nevertheless, they continue to struggle, finding strength in one another's company as their unspoken friendship grows into something none of them could have imagined.

However, the threats to their love become stronger as well. Lysandra, a previous ally Cassiel once had a great deal of faith in but who betrayed him at a pivotal point, shows up one evening as they are getting ready for yet another battle. Once a powerful wizard, Lysandra's desertion had left Cassiel with a scar he believed he had long since forgotten.

Her abrupt return raises concerns. Arin isn't certain that they want to reply. Why is she back? Is she trustworthy? Even more unsettling is the question of how well Cassiel actually knows her.

Lysandra asserts that she has important information on the impending catastrophe. She asserts that if the three of them are to have any hope of surviving, they must band together. She also says she can give Arin insight into their visions, which would allow them to control the future rather than just live with it. Arin can't deny that Lysandra could be their only hope, even in light of Cassiel's obvious mistrust.

A Loyalty Test

Arin struggles with mixed feelings. It seems betraying Cassiel and the relationship they had fought so hard to create to trust Lysandra. However, Lysandra's remarks seem to have resonance; she appears to comprehend certain aspects of Arin's visions nobody else could possibly be aware of. She talks of a prohibited power that can "rewrite fate," but at a very high price. Arin can't get rid of the idea that this may be their final opportunity to avoid the awful tragedy that awaits them.

Cassiel becomes more uneasy when he sees Arin torn. He is reminded of past hurts by Lysandra's presence, and seeing her with Arin makes him wonder about his own role in their relationship. With sensitivity in his voice that he never displays, Cassiel addresses Arin. Is she worth jeopardizing all we have worked so hard to achieve? What have we become to one another?

Arin struggles to respond since they are divided between their allegiance to Cassiel and the optimism that Lysandra gives. They beg Cassiel to have faith in them and to think that this may be the answer they've been looking for. For the first time, however, Arin senses a gap between them that cannot be filled by words as Cassiel's eyes harden.

The Offer from Lysandra

Lysandra approaches Arin late one night when Cassiel is sleeping, her voice a faint whisper in the shadows. She offers Arin a prohibited spell that could change their views and give them the ability to control events and results. However, she cautions that doing so may lead them into a risky agreement that could result in their deaths in return for saving Cassiel's. She murmurs, "This is fate's sacrifice." "If you're willing to risk everything, a love so powerful can change your destiny."

Arin's thoughts are racing. The notion of living with Cassiel shines like a ray of optimism because her life is free from the specter of sacrifice. However, the expense frightens them. In addition to losing their own lives, Cassiel's future would be doomed if they failed.

Though strangely tempted to Lysandra's offer, the decision plagues Arin, making them restless and unsure. Arin watches Cassiel sleep that night while standing by the fire. They question whether the prospect of a future together justifies this sacrifice.

A Broken Partnership

Tensions increase between Lysandra, Cassiel, and Arin during the next few days. Battles come and go, but there always seems to be a sour undertone to each contact with peril. Their mutual trust is damaged by Arin's desperate attempt to keep Cassiel safe at any cost so easily. Cassiel feels this, his own anxieties growing, but he says nothing, trusting that their relationship would be strong enough to endure the sinister secrets they hold.

Lysandra suddenly saves Cassiel's life during a conflict, demonstrating her strength and apparent sincerity. This deed undermines Cassiel's determination, but his appreciation is tinged with distrust. Maybe she really has changed. Maybe she's not as evil as he thought she was.

As they tend to their injuries that evening, Cassiel confides in Arin about his own mixed emotions. At one point, she was like family. Perhaps I have been too harsh on her. They temporarily find comfort in one another's arms, yet doubt still hovers between them as they hug.

The Tipping Point

The next day, Lysandra discloses her ultimate objective: to join herself and Arin in a ceremony that would unite their powers, maybe rewriting the visions that haunt them both, as they arrive at a huge, long-abandoned citadel that is said to contain a secret that could stop the apocalypse. She assures them that they can avert the end of the world without Arin's sacrifice. The temptation to finally take charge of their own destiny is too strong, but Arin is moved by Cassiel's betrayed expression.

Arin finds himself at a crossroads, having to decide between the agonizing reality of their journey with Cassiel and an unknown future with Lysandra. At last, they move away from Lysandra and stand resolutely next to Cassiel, despite the fact that their hearts are torn in two parts.

"When the time comes, remember that you had the chance to save him—and you chose otherwise," Lysandra says in a voice as cold as ice, her face darkening with rage.

Arin feels the weight of her words as she disappears into the darkness. Although their decision has brought them closer to Cassiel, it has also locked the door to any potential future darkness. They will face the future together, unafraid to love completely because they know that they have something worth fighting for, regardless of the sacrifice that lies ahead.