The tension in the manor hung like a storm cloud. Ari’s cold, unyielding demeanor since the attack unsettled his team more than they let on. While they trusted his strength and leadership implicitly, his unwillingness to share the full picture left them questioning their role in the fight ahead.

For Ari, it wasn’t a matter of trust. It was control. He needed to be the one to bear the weight, to ensure no harm came to the people who mattered most. And for that, he had to be the one to face Seris on his terms.

A Divided Morning

The following day dawned gray and heavy, the sky overcast with the promise of rain.

Yuri, Finoria, and Kimi gathered in the dining hall, their expressions unusually grim. Varrek was absent, having taken to patrolling the grounds after the previous day’s attack.

“He’s hiding something,” Yuri said, her tone sharp.

“When isn’t he?” Finoria replied, though her usual grin was nowhere to be seen. “This is different, though. He’s shutting us out completely.”

Kimi sipped her tea, her violet eyes thoughtful. “He’s trying to protect us.”

Yuri frowned, leaning back in her chair. “Yeah, well, we don’t need protecting. We’ve been fighting by his side for years. Why does he suddenly think we can’t handle it?”

“Maybe because Seris is aiming for us now,” Finoria said quietly.

The words hung in the air, unspoken truths threading between them.

Kimi set her cup down gently, her gaze steady. “It doesn’t matter what Seris is planning. If Ari doesn’t trust us to fight with him, then we’ve already lost.”

Ari’s Solitude

In his study, Ari sat at his desk, the faint glow of the fireplace casting shadows across the room. Maps and documents lay spread out before him, detailing everything he had learned about Seris and her operations.

He traced a line across a map with his finger, his mind racing with possibilities. The strongholds, the council, Seris herself—every piece of the puzzle felt just out of reach.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in,” Ari said without looking up.

The door opened, and Yuri stepped inside, her green eyes sharp as she crossed her arms. “We need to talk.”

Ari leaned back in his chair, his gaze meeting hers. “What about?”

“About this,” Yuri said, gesturing vaguely around the room. “About you keeping us in the dark. About you acting like we’re just... pieces on a chessboard instead of your team.”

Ari’s expression didn’t change. “I’m doing what I need to.”

Yuri’s hands clenched into fists. “That’s not good enough, Ari. We’re not just here to follow orders. We’re supposed to be in this together.”

“We are,” Ari said evenly.

“No, we’re not,” Yuri snapped. “You’re pushing us out. Don’t pretend you’re not.”

Ari stood, his imposing presence filling the room as he stepped closer. “You think I’m doing this because I don’t trust you? Because I don’t think you’re strong enough?”

Yuri didn’t flinch, meeting his gaze with equal intensity. “I think you’re scared. Scared of losing us. And you’re letting it control you.”

The words hit harder than any attack, but Ari’s expression remained unreadable.

“You’re right,” he said after a long pause. “I am scared. But that’s why I’m doing this. Because I’d rather carry this weight alone than risk losing any of you.”

Yuri blinked, her anger faltering as she searched his face. “Ari... we’ve already lost people before. We’ve seen what you carry. Let us help you.”

Ari stepped back, his gaze drifting to the window. “I can’t. Not this time.”

Yuri sighed, her shoulders slumping as she turned to leave. “If you keep this up, you’re going to lose us anyway. And not because we’re weak—because you won’t let us be strong.”

The door closed softly behind her, leaving Ari alone once more.

The Enemy Moves

Far from the manor, in the heart of the eastern mountains, Seris stood before her gathered forces. The chamber buzzed with activity as warriors and mages prepared for their next strike.

One of her council members approached, his expression grim. “The vanguard failed, and the messenger barely escaped alive. Ari’s made his position clear.”

“Good,” Seris said, her tone calm but sharp. “Then he’s exactly where I want him to be.”

The council member frowned. “I don’t understand. He’s stronger than we anticipated. How do we proceed?”

Seris turned to face him, her piercing eyes gleaming with cold determination. “We proceed as planned. Ari’s strength is his greatest asset—and his greatest weakness. He’s protecting his team at all costs. We use that against him.”

The council member hesitated. “You mean...”

“Yes,” Seris said, her lips curving into a faint smile. “We take the fight to them. Force his hand. And when he’s stretched too thin, we strike the final blow.”

Cracks Begin to Show

That evening, the storm broke. Rain lashed against the windows of the manor, the wind howling through the trees.

Ari sat alone in the dining hall, his hands clasped in front of him as he stared at the empty table.

The door creaked open, and Finoria stepped inside, her golden hair damp from the rain. She carried two mugs of tea, setting one down in front of him before sitting across from him.

“You look worse than the weather,” she said lightly, though her warm brown eyes were filled with concern.

Ari didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the steaming mug.

“You know,” Finoria continued, her tone softer now, “you don’t have to keep shutting us out. We’re here for a reason, Ari. We want to fight beside you, not behind you.”

“I know,” Ari said quietly.

“Then why don’t you let us?” she asked, leaning forward.

Ari looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers. “Because if anything happens to you, I won’t be able to stop myself. Seris will be erased, along with everyone who stands with her.”

Finoria blinked, caught off guard by the raw intensity in his voice.

“I can’t lose you,” Ari said, his voice steady but filled with a quiet desperation. “Any of you.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Finoria reached across the table, placing her hand over his.

“You won’t lose us,” she said firmly. “But if you keep doing this alone, you might lose yourself.”

Ari didn’t respond, but the faintest flicker of doubt crossed his features.

The storm raged on outside, but inside the manor, the cracks in their foundation continued to grow.

And Seris was ready to exploit them.