Lord of Deception

A storm raged beyond the towering spires of Kael's estate, lightning splitting the sky in jagged veins of white. The heavy downpour drummed against the stone walls, as if the heavens themselves recognized the tension brewing within the grand halls.

Kael sat in his private chamber, his gaze sharp as he studied the parchment before him. Reports flooded in from his informants—the Hero's faction was moving. Their whispers turned into murmurs, their murmurs into action. They were preparing.

The Queen's words from the previous night still echoed in his mind:

"The Hero is not your only enemy in this game."

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Enter."

The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing Selene Noctara, his most trusted informant and master of espionage. Clad in a sleek black cloak, her crimson eyes gleamed under the flickering candlelight. She was a phantom in the night, a woman who could walk through shadows unseen.

"My lord," Selene spoke, her voice cool as silk. "Our spies have confirmed it—the Hero is mobilizing his forces."

Kael's fingers tapped against the desk. "How many?"

"At least four elite squads from the Holy Order. Each one led by a commander. They are rallying under the guise of a 'purification mission' but…" She paused, her lips curling slightly. "We both know their true target."

Kael exhaled softly, leaning back in his chair. The Hero's faction had finally decided to make their move.

"They act as if I am some great evil to be purged." A smirk played at the corner of his lips. "Amusing."

Selene's expression did not waver. "Shall I deal with them, my lord?"

Kael waved a hand. "No. Let them come."

Selene raised an eyebrow. "You intend to face them directly?"

Kael's smirk deepened. "Not directly. I have something special planned for our righteous visitors."

Selene bowed slightly. "Understood. I will ensure our agents are in place."

As she turned to leave, another figure entered—General Rael. His towering form cast a shadow across the room, his presence commanding yet respectful.

"My lord," Rael began, his voice like thunder rolling over distant mountains. "The mercenary factions have responded to your summons. They are awaiting your orders."

Kael steepled his fingers. "And their price?"

Rael's eyes gleamed. "Loyalty to the highest bidder. But with the Hero's faction pushing their holy crusade, many are beginning to question where true power lies."

"Then let us show them." Kael stood, his aura shifting—powerful, unwavering, the presence of a man who ruled from the shadows.

"The Hero believes himself righteous," Kael mused. "He sees the world in black and white, believing his actions just. That is his greatest flaw."

His gaze sharpened. "But we will teach him a lesson. That power does not belong to the righteous—it belongs to those who understand the game."

Rael grinned. "What are your orders?"

Kael's smile was slow, calculated.

"Let the Hero's forces come. We will not fight them. We will make them fight each other."

Selene's eyes glowed with intrigue. "You intend to turn them against themselves?"

Kael nodded. "They come expecting an enemy. We will give them chaos."

He turned to Rael. "Spread the right rumors—whispers of betrayal within their own ranks. Plant seeds of doubt. Let them question their own commanders."

Then, to Selene, he added, "Ensure their supply lines… experience some unexpected difficulties. A missing shipment of rations here, a few 'misplaced' weapons there. Nothing obvious. Just enough to foster paranoia."

His smirk grew. "By the time they reach our gates, they will be too busy suspecting each other to fight us."

Selene bowed. "It will be done."

As the storm raged outside, Kael stood by the window, his sharp gaze watching the distant city lights. The Hero's faction had made their move.

But they had no idea they were already playing Kael's game.

To be continued.....