Chapter 4: Shadows of Betrayal

The victory in the Maze of Shadows had strengthened Malachi and his companions' confidence, but it had also made them acutely aware of the dangers lurking within the Infernal Academy. They returned to their dormitory that evening, exhausted.

However, as they settled in for the night, a tense atmosphere lingered in the air. Malachi couldn't shake the feeling that something was strangely wrong. His instincts told him to remain vigilant.

As the hours passed, sleep eluded him. He tossed and turned, replaying the events of the day in his mind. It wasn't until he heard the faint sound of footsteps outside their dormitory door that he snapped awake, his heart beating out of his chest.

Lilith, who had been faking sleep in the next bed, met Malachi's gaze with a silent understanding. Azazel and Belial stirred from their slumber, sensing the tension in the air.

Without a word, Malachi rose from his bed and crept towards the door, his hand inching towards the hilt of his dagger. With a swift motion, he flung the door open, ready to confront whatever threat awaited them.

But instead of an intruder, they were greeted by the sight of Morgath, the senior instructor, standing in the corridor, his expression unreadable.

"Forgive the intrusion," Morgath said, his voice low and gravelly. "But I come bearing urgent news."

Malachi eyed Morgath warily, his muscles tense with apprehension. "What kind of news?" he demanded.

Morgath's gaze flickered between the four of them, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "There are whispers of treachery within the academy," he said cryptically. "Dark forces are at work, and they seek to sow discord and chaos among the students."

Lilith's eyes narrowed. "Who would dare to betray their fellow initiates?" she asked, her voice laced with venom.

Morgath shook his head gravely. "That is what we intend to find out," he replied. "But for now, I urge you to remain vigilant. Trust no one but yourselves, for the shadows hold many secrets, and not all of them are benevolent."

With that ominous warning, Morgath turned and disappeared into the darkness of the corridor, leaving Malachi and his companions to ponder his words.

As the night stretched on, they remained on edge, their senses alert for any sign of danger. The bond forged through their shared trials in the Maze of Shadows had never been more vital.

But even as they vowed to watch each other's backs, a seed of doubt lingered in Malachi's mind. Who among them could be capable of such betrayal, and what dark motives drove them? As the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, Malachi knew that the answers would reveal themselves in due time. But until then, they would remain ever vigilant, for the shadows held many secrets, and not all of them were harmless.