Chapter 19 Unseen Betrayal/ Allies Arise

(Elara)

Lyra approached Kael and me as we sat by the fire. "Elara, Kael, I need to talk to you," she said, her expression serious.

"What is it, Lyra?" Kael asked, looking up from his work on the weapons.

"There is a hidden network of rebel outposts across the continent," she explained. "We need to rally them if we want to have a chance at attacking Aethel and bringing down Draven's reign and Corvus's cruelty."

Elara looked at Kael, concern in her eyes. "Do you think we can trust them?"

Lyra nodded. "I've known these people for years. They'll stand with us. Elara, I need you to come with me to speak to them."

Kael frowned. "What about me?"

Lyra shook her head. "You need to stay here, Kael. You're crucial in building the weapons for the rebels and subjects. Elara and I can handle this."

I squeezed Kael's hand. "We'll be back soon," I assured him.

He nodded reluctantly. "Be careful."

Lyra and I set off, the sun beginning to set as we moved deeper into the forest. The trees grew denser, their branches intertwining overhead, casting shadows that made the path difficult to follow.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" I asked, glancing around nervously.

Lyra nodded. "It's just a little further down." [MN92]

The forest grew darker, and my unease increased. "Lyra, I'm worried we won't find our way back."

"Trust me," she said, her tone unusually sharp. "It'll soon be all over."

Suddenly, Lyra stopped and turned to face me, a cold look in her eyes. She pulled out a machete, the blade glinting in the dim light. "You stole Kael from me," she hissed.

I took a step back, my heart pounding. "Lyra, what are you talking about?"

"He was mine," she spat, advancing towards me. "If you die, I can get him back."

I raised my hands defensively, my heart racing. "Lyra, please, listen to yourself. This isn't you. You know about the prophecy. Kael and I were always meant to be together."

"Ha! Yet we were fine until you decided to show up and then all he could see was you."

Her eyes narrowed, and she lunged at me with the machete. I dodged, my movements fueled by fear and adrenaline.

"Lyra, stop! We can talk about this."

"There's nothing to talk about," she snarled, swinging the blade again. "You took everything from me!"

I kept dodging, trying to avoid her strikes without hurting her. "Kael cares about both of us. This isn't the way to solve anything!"

"Shut up!" she screamed; her eyes wild with rage. "You think you're better than me? He doesn't even look at me anymore."

"That's not true, Lyra! I don't think I'm better than you," I pleaded, narrowly avoiding another swipe. "We're friends. We're supposed to be in this together."

She didn't respond, her attacks becoming more frenzied. I knew I couldn't keep dodging forever. My eyes darted around, looking for anything that could help.

That's when I saw them—the forest spirits, watching us from the shadows. They shimmered faintly; their forms barely visible in the dim light. An idea formed in my mind.

"Spirits of the forest, hear my plea," I whispered, focusing on the connection I felt with the natural world. "Help me stop this without hurting her."

The spirits seemed to understand. Vines started to stir on the forest floor, creeping towards Lyra. She was too focused on me to notice.

"Lyra, please," I tried again. "This isn't the way. We can find a solution together."

But she lunged one more time, and the vines shot up, wrapping around her arms and legs. She struggled, her eyes wide with shock and fury. "What is this?"

"Lyra, stop fighting," I urged, stepping closer. "The spirits are helping us. We don't have to do this."

Her resistance faltered, confusion and exhaustion mingling in her expression. "Why would they help you?"

"Because they know we need each other," I said softly. "And because deep down, you know this isn't right."

She struggled, cursing, but the vines held tight. "You won't win, Elara!"

The vines tightened gently, immobilizing her. I knelt beside her, placing my hand on her forehead. "Sleep," I commanded, sending a wave of calming energy through her. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she fell into a deep slumber.

The forest spirits hovered around us, their presence a comforting embrace. "Thank you," I murmured, feeling their support.

Gently, they turned me in the right direction. "Run, run, little one and don't look back."

Guided by the spirits, I made my way back through the forest. They led me with soft whispers and glowing lights, ensuring I didn't lose my way. The journey back to Aelaria was swift, their assistance invaluable.

As I emerged from the forest, the familiar sight of Aelaria brought a sense of relief. Kael spotted me and rushed over, his expression filled with concern.

"Elara, what happened?" he asked, his eyes and hands scanning me for injuries.

"Lyra betrayed us," I said, my voice steady despite the ordeal. "She wanted to kill me."

Kael's face darkened with anger. "Where is she now?"

"She's asleep, restrained by the nature spirits. They helped me get back."

At that moment, the nature spirits materialized around us, their ethereal forms shimmering in the twilight. The rebels and subjects gasped and Kael's grip tightened protectively around me.

One of the spirits, a gentle light in the shape of a woman, stepped forward. "We are allies now, bound by Elara's plea for help. We will aid you in your cause."

Kael looked at the spirits, his expression softening with gratitude. "Thank you for bringing her back safely."

I held onto him, feeling the safety and warmth of his presence. "We need to be careful. There may be more threats we don't know about."

Kael nodded. "I'll send a scout to bring Lyra back. She's not safe in the forest alone."

[MN93]