How I Became The Villain

Kade sat back in his oversized chair within the castle's war chamber, staring at the detailed map of Lunareth and its surrounding regions. His nerves were still frazzled from the meeting with Queen Sylvena. She had agreed to an alliance — tentatively, but her calm, almost playful demeanor had unsettled him more than the thought of an outright rejection.

"Potential,"

he muttered to himself, mimicking her tone.

"What does that even mean? She's probably testing me, seeing how far she can push this whole 'Kaedus the Eternal' thing."

The war chamber doors opened, and his commanders filed in one by one. Vala, as always, was the first to take her place, her gaze as sharp and calculating as ever. Thadric followed, his massive frame making the room feel smaller. Selyna slid in quietly, her smirk firmly in place as she twirled a dagger between her fingers. Brug stomped in, grinning ear to ear, while Elvara and Rynor took their seats, their presence crackling with restrained energy.

'My lord,'

Vala said, her tone even.

'The alliance with Lunareth is a step in the right direction. However, it has created ripples among the other cities.'

Kade raised an eyebrow.

'Ripples? What kind of ripples?'

'Word of your alliance has reached Ironhold and Zerynth,'

she continued.

'Neither city is pleased. Lunareth's alignment with us has upset the delicate balance of power they maintain with each other. It is likely they will act soon.'

Kade groaned, slumping in his chair.

'Of course. Why wouldn't they? This couldn't just be easy.'

Selyna leaned back in her chair, her smirk widening.

'The good news is, they're not acting together. Ironhold is too proud, and Zerynth is too secretive. They're unlikely to coordinate, which gives us an edge.'

Rynor tapped his staff against the floor, his ember-lit eyes narrowing.

'Ironhold's leader, Lord Garron, despises magic. He views Kaedus as a direct threat to his ideals. His forces are strong, but his hatred blinds him to strategy.'

Elvara's silver hair shimmered faintly as she spoke.

'Zerynth, on the other hand, is an enigma. Their leader, High Sage Verath, is a master manipulator. If he chooses to act, it will be from the shadows, through deception and subterfuge.'

Kade sighed, staring at the map.

"Great. A magic-hating brute and a shadowy puppet master. Just what I needed."

As the discussion continued, Selyna leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

'Before we decide our next move, I have something that might interest you, my lord.'

Kade blinked, sitting up straighter.

'Something interesting? That doesn't sound ominous at all.'

'While you were busy impressing Queen Sylvena,'

Selyna said, her tone teasing,

'I sent some of my scouts to Zerynth. They uncovered a few… peculiarities.'

'Peculiarities?'

Kade asked, narrowing his eyes.

'Like what?'

Selyna's smirk grew sharper.

'It seems High Sage Verath has been mobilizing his spies near our borders. He's keeping his distance for now, but it's clear he's watching us. His agents are skilled, but not quite as skilled as mine.'

"Spies?"

Kade thought, his stomach twisting.

"Great. Now I have to worry about being watched too."

'What do you suggest we do about it?'

he asked, trying to sound confident.

'Let them watch,'

Selyna said, her tone casual.

'But feed them what we want them to see. If Verath thinks he has the upper hand, he's more likely to make a mistake.'

'A valid strategy,'

Vala said.

'But we must also be prepared for more direct action from Ironhold. Lord Garron will not hesitate to attack if he sees an opening.'

Brug grinned, slamming a fist on the table.

'Let Brug fight him! Brug will smash his warriors and show them Kaedus's strength!'

Kade winced, raising a hand.

'We're not smashing anyone yet, Brug. Let's keep that as Plan… C. Or D.'

Brug grumbled but nodded, his fists still clenched.

As the meeting drew to a close, a guard entered the chamber, bowing deeply.

'My lord, a messenger has arrived from Zerynth.'

The room fell silent as the commanders exchanged glances. Kade's stomach tightened.

'Zerynth?'

he repeated.

'As in, the creepy shadow city?'

The guard nodded.

'The messenger claims to bear a personal message from High Sage Verath.'

Kade rubbed his temples, muttering under his breath.

"Why does it feel like this is going to be a trap? Or worse, a puzzle."

'Send them in,'

he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

The guard bowed again and left the room. Moments later, the messenger entered—a cloaked figure whose face was hidden beneath a deep hood. Their movements were unnervingly smooth as they approached the table, stopping a respectful distance from Kade.

'Lord Kaedus,'

the messenger said, their voice low and even.

'The High Sage extends his greetings and wishes to propose a meeting.'

Kade blinked, caught off guard.

'A meeting? With me?'

'Indeed,'

the messenger said.

'The High Sage wishes to discuss matters of mutual interest. He believes it would benefit both our realms.'

Kade glanced at his commanders, his mind racing.

"A meeting? That sounds like a trap. But if I refuse, it'll look weak. What's the right move here?"

Vala spoke first, her tone cautious.

'It could be a ploy to gauge your strength, my lord. Zerynth is known for its deceit.'

Selyna tilted her head, her smirk faint.

'Or it could be genuine. Verath doesn't act without reason. If he's reaching out, it's because he sees something to gain.'

Kade sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Why can't these people just send fruit baskets like normal neighbors?"

He turned back to the messenger.

'Tell your master I'll consider it. I'll send my response soon.'

The messenger bowed deeply.

'As you wish, my lord.'

They turned and glided silently out of the chamber, leaving a heavy tension in their wake.

As the doors closed behind the messenger, Kade slumped back in his chair, rubbing his temples.

'Great. Now I've got two cities breathing down my neck. What's next? A dragon invasion?'

Rynor's voice was calm as he stepped forward.

'Zerynth's invitation may be an opportunity, my lord. If we can turn their allegiance — or at least delay their actions — it will ease the pressure from Ironhold.'

'And if it's a trap?'

Kade asked.

Vala's gaze hardened.

'Then we show them the folly of underestimating Kaedus the Eternal.'

Kade groaned, staring at the map.

"Show them the folly? Sure. Let's hope I don't accidentally blow up their city in the process."

Selyna's smirk returned as she leaned back in her chair.

'At least it won't be boring, my lord.'

Kade gave her a weak smile, shaking his head.

"Not boring,"

he thought.

"Just stressful enough to make me regret every life choice that led me here."