chapter 57: The sun of betrayal

The sun beamed a blinding golden ray of warmth and beauty, cutting through the leafless trees and the muggy blanket of grey clouds, as if trying to revive the memories of the late Silver-Eyed Prince, Malachai. His death was a stark reminder of what they had lost, and what could never be restored.

Arthur, belly-up and aimless, felt a furious rage burning in his chest. He remembered all too well what Malachai had done to provoke her, and the unspeakable horror of his lust that could not be changed.

Lily stood strong, unmoving and unyielding, her eyes shadowed and her heart harder than diamond. Underneath it all, she remained determined to hold on to her principles. As much as she longed to forgive Malachai for what he had done to her, her conscience wouldn't let her.

The sun grew brighter and brighter until, casting its unearthly rays from the heavens, it began to look like a soulfully burning ember. The flames reminded the two of them of the power they had, the courage they had mustered, and the strength in unity that led them through their darkest times.

Lily's heart was torn between two conflicting forces: the alluring magnetism of her love for Prince Malachai and the North Star of her unwavering commitment to the rebellion against the tyrant king. Even though her brother, Arthur, strongly disapproved of his sister's feelings for the prince, Lily was certain that she had won Malachai's heart with her brave and kind-hearted nature.

Arthur felt a crushing sense of helplessness as he watched his beloved sister succumb to the prince's insidious influence. The memories of their parents' horrific and untimely death at the hands of the tyrant's oppressive forces still stung his soul with unimaginable pain and rage. He detested the prince with every ounce of his being for his part in their demise.

As he furtively observed his sister, a deep sorrow swelled within him. Her formerly bright and cheerful spirit had become sallow and mute. It was as if a part of her had been extinguished along with their parents. Arthur's heart bled with anguish as he watched her discordantly wander in aimless search of solace and comfort.

The burning sun of hope began to fade in Arthur's vision as his beloved sister slowly slipped away from him. He desperately tried to fight against the dark forces that sought to imprison her in a cage of misery and despair. He knew that only Lily's courage and optimistic spirit could set her free from the chains of her own suffering. With a newfound gust of courage, Arthur firmly stepped forward and declared his unwavering faith in his sister. He fervently vowed to stand with her in the fight against the darkness looming over her.

But amidst the darkness and despair, Arthur could also see the love that his sister still held for the prince. He could not comprehend how she could still love a man who had caused them so much pain. His fingers curled with self-loathing as he grappled with the complexity of their emotions.

Arthur knew that he had to act quickly, to find a way to break the prince's hold on his sister and bring her back from the brink of despair. He would do whatever it takes to protect her and ensure that she never has to suffer again.

Arthur looked at Lily with suspicion and contempt in his eyes. Arthur was still not ready to forgive Malachi and his father's soldiers for what they had done to their family. "Why are you staring at it like that, sis? It's as if you owe him your loyalty." The stress of the situation weighed heavily on Arthur, who spoke gruffly.

Lily sighed, her gaze fixed on the sky. "That day, the prince not only saved my life, but he also showed me views of a world I had never seen before. He was not the beast they had envisioned."Arthur scoffed, not believing Lily's reasoning. "I'm sure that was his intention all along—to make you sympathize with and love him. Loyalty should be a given, not a result of manipulation".

Lily sighed again, softly shaking her head. "Don't you see, Arthur? True, he cannot be entirely trusted, but Malachi is more complex than we give him credit for. 'I've seen it". "Lily, he may appear friendly and understanding, but he is still our enemy,' he replied severely. 'How can you possibly love someone who slaughtered our family?"Lily returned her attention to the light with a sorrowful grin. "Malachi has a dark heart, yet profound wells of light within him. I'm not going to give up on him."

Arthur, bewildered, shook his head. 'You are quite brave, but how can you love one of our opponents?'Lily sighed and gazed out the window at the sunset, her profound love for the prince shining through her like the sun's tremendous rays. 'I think that even in the most twisted and terrible hearts, there remains a spark of goodness and the possibility of redemption. Malachi made me feel protected and heard, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.'

Arthur rolled his eyes, not believing what he was hearing. Nonetheless, he recognized Lilly's unfathomable link to the prince, and he had no choice but to accept it.'It breaks my heart to know that I'll never be able to let you escape into his world as you wish, Lily. But no matter what, even if you have a dark heart, I will never abandon you.

A single tear trailed down Lily's cheek as she smiled at her brother's remarks. Regardless of her reservations about her newfound love, she felt deep down that the sun of betrayal would not set until justice was served.

Arthur closed his eyes, wanting to hold her but knowing it wasn't the right time.

'I'm not saying what he did was right,' he explained. 'However, I don't believe you should feel this way about him. How can you appreciate someone who treats you in such a manner?Lily sighed and moved her gaze to his. Her previously ferocious glance had softened, almost remorseful.'I know how bad it was,' she said, speaking softly. 'But I also know that I owe him. He showed me kindness when I was in need and taught me that you can still find beauty in the darkest of places.'Arthur averted his gaze, trying to argue but feeling his words fade in the glaring sunlight.

'I only want what's best for you,' he murmured, his voice slightly wavering.'I know,' she said quietly as she moved closer to him for a hug.

He returned her hug, his heart full of unusual love and adoration as well as lingering confusion. He knew he'd never really understand, but he also knew Lily deserved to find the calm she sought after three months of suffering.