Chapter 26

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The air in the citadel had shifted. What once felt like a stronghold of unity now carried an undercurrent of suspicion. Elysia could feel it every time she walked through the hallways. Soldiers whispered in corners, their eyes darting nervously. Servants moved quickly, avoiding eye contact. It was clear: the fear of the Black Harbinger's influence had begun to creep into the citadel itself.

Elysia found Gabriel in the training yard, watching the soldiers spar. His arms were crossed, his brow furrowed in concentration. As she approached, he turned to her, his expression softening only slightly.

"They're getting stronger," Gabriel said, his eyes following one of the younger soldiers as he skillfully parried a series of blows. "But I can't help but feel it won't be enough."

Elysia nodded, her mind weighed down by the information she had gathered in the past few days. "There's something we need to talk about," she said quietly, glancing around to ensure no one was listening.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow but followed her as she led him to a quieter corner of the courtyard. "What is it?" he asked, his voice low.

"There's talk of betrayal," Elysia said, her voice just above a whisper. "I've heard rumors that some of the nobles might be considering the Black Harbinger's offer. They're scared, Gabriel. They think if they side with him, they'll survive whatever's coming."

Gabriel's jaw tightened. "Traitors," he hissed. "Who have you heard this from?"

Elysia shook her head. "Nothing concrete, just whispers. But it's enough to worry me. If the Black Harbinger is offering power to those who join him, some might be tempted. Especially if they believe we can't win."

Gabriel ran a hand through his hair, his eyes dark with frustration. "We can't afford division right now. If even a handful of nobles turn against us, it could unravel everything we've worked for."

"We need to find out who's spreading these rumors," Elysia said. "And we need to root out anyone who's considering turning traitor. If we don't, the Black Harbinger won't need to raise an army. He'll have one waiting for him right here."

Gabriel nodded grimly. "I'll speak with Marcus. He has a way of getting people to talk. But we need to tread carefully. If we accuse the wrong person, we could cause a panic."

Elysia agreed, though the weight of the situation pressed down on her. The enemy wasn't just outside the gates anymore. He was inside, working in the shadows, and if they didn't act quickly, everything they had built could crumble from within.

***

Later that evening, as the citadel began to quiet, Elysia found herself in the war room, studying maps of the southern territories. The Black Harbinger's movements were still erratic, making it difficult to predict his next move. But Elysia knew one thing for certain: he was preparing for something. Something big.

She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't hear Emily enter the room until she spoke. "You're still at it, I see."

Elysia looked up, offering a tired smile. "I can't shake the feeling that we're missing something. The Black Harbinger's attacks have been too scattered. It feels like he's waiting for something, or someone."

Emily moved to stand beside her, her eyes scanning the map. "You think he's gathering more allies?"

"Maybe," Elysia said, though she wasn't convinced. "Or maybe he's waiting for us to make a mistake. He's playing a long game, and I don't like it."

Emily's gaze shifted to Elysia, her expression thoughtful. "You're worried about more than just his strategy, aren't you?"

Elysia sighed, leaning against the table. "I am. The rumors of betrayal… they're spreading. And if we can't stop them, we'll be fighting a war on two fronts—one against the Black Harbinger, and one against our own people."

Emily nodded, her eyes darkening. "I've heard the whispers too. Some of the nobles are scared. They think the Black Harbinger's power is unstoppable, that we're all doomed no matter what we do."

"But we're not," Elysia said firmly. "We can stop him. We just need to hold together long enough to figure out how."

Emily gave her a small smile. "I believe you. And I'll do whatever I can to help. We can't let fear tear us apart."

Elysia was grateful for Emily's support, but the sense of dread that had been gnawing at her for days refused to subside. The Black Harbinger's shadow loomed larger with each passing day, and it was only a matter of time before he made his next move.

***

The next morning, Gabriel summoned a meeting in the citadel's great hall. The leaders of the northern kingdoms were present, as were the most influential nobles from the surrounding territories. The tension in the room was palpable, and Elysia could feel the eyes of the nobles shifting nervously from one another. Trust was a fragile thing these days.

Gabriel stood at the head of the table, his expression hard as stone. "We have reason to believe that the Black Harbinger is attempting to sow discord among us," he began, his voice carrying through the room. "Rumors of betrayal have been spreading, and we need to address this threat before it tears us apart."

King Aric of the Iron Hills was the first to speak, his deep voice rumbling through the hall. "And how do you propose we do that, Gabriel? Start accusing each other of treason? That's exactly what the Black Harbinger wants—us turning on each other."

Gabriel met the king's gaze. "I'm not suggesting we start pointing fingers. But we need to be vigilant. The Black Harbinger's power lies in fear and manipulation. If we allow that fear to control us, we've already lost."

Queen Lyra of the Silver Coast leaned forward, her sharp eyes fixed on Gabriel. "Do you have any proof that someone within our ranks is plotting to betray us?"

Gabriel glanced at Elysia, who stepped forward. "No proof, just rumors," she admitted. "But I've heard enough to be concerned. The Black Harbinger has already tried to recruit me. I wouldn't be surprised if he's made similar offers to others."

The room fell into a heavy silence as the leaders considered her words.

"And what do you suggest we do about it?" one of the nobles asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"We need to stay united," Gabriel said firmly. "No matter what rumors you hear, no matter what temptations are offered, remember this: the Black Harbinger will destroy everything if he wins. He's not offering salvation. He's offering slavery."

There were murmurs of agreement, but Elysia could see the doubt lingering in some of their eyes. The Black Harbinger's influence was spreading, and it would take more than words to stop it.

As the meeting adjourned, Gabriel pulled Elysia aside. "We need to be careful," he said in a low voice. "The nobles are scared, and scared people make dangerous decisions."

"I know," Elysia replied. "But we can't let that fear control us."

Gabriel nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "Marcus is looking into the rumors. If anyone is plotting to betray us, we'll find them."

Elysia hoped he was right, but a part of her couldn't shake the feeling that the Black Harbinger was already one step ahead of them.

***

That night, as Elysia lay in her quarters, sleep refused to come. Her mind raced with thoughts of the Black Harbinger, the growing tensions within the citadel, and the war that was fast approaching. She rose from her bed and moved to the window, gazing out at the darkened city below.

The streets were quiet, the only sound the distant clatter of hooves as a lone rider made their way through the gates. Elysia watched as the rider disappeared into the night, a sinking feeling settling in her chest.

The storm was coming, and they weren't ready.

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