CROWN OF BETRAYAL

The grand hall fell into eerie silence as Raelynn stood before them—alive, frail, but undeniably real.

Servants rushed to bring her a chair, food, and a warm cloak. Lily, despite her shock, guided her gently to sit. Kaelion paced, his thoughts spiraling.

"Where have you been all these years?" he finally asked.

Raelynn looked down at her shaking hands. "After the betrayal... after I lost everything, I couldn't face anyone. I wandered... hid. I watched from the shadows."

"You let us believe you were dead," Lily said softly.

"I didn't have the strength to return. Not until now."

Kaelion hesitated, staring at the woman he once called sister. "The kingdom you once ruled now belongs to Lily. She earned it—through fire and blood."

Raelynn lowered her eyes. "I don't want the throne. I only wish to live quietly... to be near my people again."

The royal court was divided. Some bowed to Lily, their current queen. Others murmured, nostalgic and hopeful, glancing at Raelynn.

But Lily, calm and generous, stepped forward. "Let's not cause division. I'll give you back your kingdom, Raelynn—but only if peace remains your true goal."

Raelynn's lips trembled. "Thank you... sister."

Lily smiled, though something in her heart stirred uneasily.

Later that night, Kaelion and Lily stood in their chamber.

"Do you trust her?" he asked.

"No," Lily admitted. "But I want to believe in second chances."

Weeks passed. Raelynn was crowned once more, while Lily stayed by her side during pregnancy. Raelynn acted kind—offering Lily comfort, care, and protection. But behind closed doors, her eyes grew colder.

She wanted everything back. The crown. The power.

And soon... even Lily's unborn child.