Chapter 32: Manipulative Commander

Retras PoV

Hiesno shoved me forward, directing me towards the fallen Titanos soldier. "Explain," he demanded, his voice cold and hard. I could feel his gaze boring into me, demanding answers.

I sighed, knowing that I couldn't avoid this confrontation. I had hoped to keep my identity a secret for a bit longer. But it seemed that my past had finally caught up with me.

"I am Retas," I admitted, turning to face Hiesno. His jaw tightened, but he remained silent, waiting for me to continue. "I was once a commander like Yusan."

"But you're not anymore?" Hiesno asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I shook my head. "No. I defected a while ago."

"Why?"

I looked at him, my gaze steady. "Because I couldn't stand by and watch Yusan's tyranny any longer."

Hiesno studied me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. I held his gaze, willing him to believe me. After what felt like an eternity, he nodded, stepping back and lowering his weapon.

"I believe you," he said, his voice soft. "But you should've told us, Ret."

"I know," I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "And I'm sorry. I didn't want to put you all in danger."

"Keeping secrets puts us in danger too," Hiesno pointed out. "We need to trust each other if we're going to survive."

"I understand," I said, nodding. "I won't keep secrets from you anymore."

"Good," Hiesno said, his tone final. "Now, we need to find Sarudei and the others."

Great, my lie worked. Although, it was only a white lie. Yusan disgust me, but I was loyal to Quern Xilonem. Once I took out the treasonous commander, I would probably have to betray Hiesno and the others. But my hope was that they would surrender to our great empire. 

We made our way through the dense forest, the sounds of nocturnal creatures echoing around us. The air was thick with humidity, the rich scent of damp earth and foliage filling my senses. The passage to the underground town was well-hidden, known only to a few trusted individuals.

Finally, we reached the concealed entrance. The door was cleverly disguised, blending seamlessly into the surrounding vegetation. I glanced at Hiesno and gestured towards the hidden door. "After you."

He gave me a curt nod, pushing aside the dense foliage to reveal the entrance. 

The door creaked open and we quickly slipped inside, the darkness of the passage swallowing us. Hiesno closed the door carefully behind us, the forest disappearing from view. We found ourselves in a narrow, damp tunnel, the coolness a stark contrast to the hot humidity outside.

Navigating the tunnel was a slow process, the lack of light forcing us to move by touch more than sight. But eventually, the passage opened up, revealing the underground town, let up with lanterns and torches.

The town was bustling, despite the late hour. Sarudei was there, her face sleepy, but determined.

Hiesno's sister, Arisa, was in the middle of coordinating defensive measures, rallying her rebels.

Day noticed us and rushed over, relief washing over her tired face.

"You're back," she said, her gaze flicking between us. "We heard the explosions... we feared the worst."

"We dealt with the Titanos soldiers," I said, my voice steady. "But we should expect more."

A grim line settled on her mouth, but she nodded. "We're preparing for that. Everyone's being moved to safety and we're setting up defenses."

"Good," I said, my gaze sweeping over the town.

Hiesno sighed. "I doubt they will find us." He glanced at me. "Unless they had a spy, of course."

Seemed he didn't trust me entirely.

"Spy?" Day asked, blinking.

Hiesno crossed his arms. "Yes. This fellow next to me is not only a Titanos, but one of their renown commanders."

She stepped back. "What? Wait, that beam... It came from..."

I nodded. "My laser. My real name is Retras, I am the right-hand of Queen Xilonem."

She clenched her teeth. "You dirty liar! How could you... We trusted you."

I scoffed. "Indeed. But don't worry. I am not a spy. In fact, I want the same thing as all of you. To rid this world of Commander Yusan. That man is a traitor to Titanos."

"And why should we help you take out a traitor? You lot are all the same!"

I shrugged. "I risked giving my identity away to save you and your fellow refugees. You think I would've done that if I were the same as Yusan?"

She fell silent, her gaze hardening as she studied me. I could see the mistrust in her eyes, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. It was a reaction I had expected, one I couldn't blame her for. I was, after all, the enemy.

Hiesno was silent too, his expression unreadable. He crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze flicking between Day and me. I could tell he was thinking, processing everything I had just told him.

Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with skepticism. "You expect us to believe you? That you're just here to help us?"

I nodded, meeting his gaze head-on. "Yes, I do. Because it's the truth."

"And what's to stop you from turning on us once Yusan is dealt with?" Day asked, her voice sharp. "How do we know you won't just go back to working for your precious Queen Xilonem?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I knew convincing them wouldn't be easy, but I hadn't expected them to be this skeptical.

"I can't give you any guarantees," I said, my voice steady. "All I can do is tell you that I'm on your side. I want to see Yusan fall as much as you do."

"But why?" Hiesno asked, his gaze intense. "What has Yusan done to make you turn against your own people?"

I hesitated for a moment, not sure how much I should reveal. But I had promised them no more secrets, and I intended to keep that promise.

"Yusan is a traitor," I said, my voice filled with bitterness. "He plans to turn on Queen Xilonem, to take Titanos for himself. He's not fit to lead!"

Day and Hiesno exchanged a glance, their expressions wary. They were clearly still skeptical, but I could see a glimmer of hope in their eyes. Maybe they were starting to believe me, or maybe they were just desperate for any help they could get.

Either way, I knew I had to prove myself to them. I had to show them that I was on their side, that I was willing to fight for them. And the best way to do that was to help them prepare for the inevitable attack by Yusan's forces.

"We need to prepare," I said, my voice firm. "Yusan won't stop until he finds us. We need to be ready."

Hiesno nodded, a grim look on his face. "You're right. We need to prepare."

Despite my attempts to convince them, it was clear that my words had only gone so far. Hiesno's gaze was hard, his body language guarded. He glanced at Day, who gave him a slight nod. 

"I understand what you're saying, Retas," Hiesno said, his voice stern. "And if you're telling the truth, then you're a valuable ally. But we can't just take your word for it."

"Meaning?" I asked, although I already had a sinking feeling about his answer. 

"Meaning we're going to have to keep you somewhere... secure, until we can verify your story," Hiesno replied. 

"A cell," I said flatly. "You want to put me in a cell."

Hiesno nodded. "It's for our safety, Retas. You have to understand."

I sighed, my shoulders slumping slightly. But I couldn't deny the logic in his words. From their perspective, it was the smartest move.

"Alright," I said, raising my hands in surrender. "Take me to this cell of yours."

Hiesno seemed slightly surprised at my easy submission, but he didn't hesitate. He gestured for me to follow him, leading me through the bustling town and towards a more secluded part of the underground settlement.

We arrived at a small, sturdy looking cell. It was simple, with a cot and a barred window that allowed for some light to filter in. Hiesno opened the door and gestured for me to enter.

Once inside, he locked the door behind me, his gaze steady and apologetic. "We'll bring you food and water," he said. "And we'll let you when we need you to fight for us."

I nodded, my gaze meeting his. "I understand, Hiesno," I said. "Do what you need to do."

As he walked away, leaving me alone in the cell, I couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. But I pushed it aside. I had to stay patient. I had to prove to them that I was on their side. Only then could we focus on the true threat: Yusan.

Yet, Day wasn't wrong about me. I did plan to go back to Xilonem. And I was using the rebels to get rid of the traitor. But it was all for the sake and glory of the empire and for Xilonem.

My eyes went to the ceiling of the cell. Xilonem... How was she doing right now?