The Citadel had known silence before.
But never like this.
Not like the silence of doubt.
Not like the quiet fear of betrayal.
Rivan sat alone in the Flame Court, the circular chamber built with black stone and molten-glass veins running through its floor like blood. The throne burned behind him, casting flickering light on the obsidian walls.
> [System Notice: Emotional Interference Detected] [Source: Bonded Partner. Status: Suppressed Fear. Possible Guilt.]
He closed his eyes.
One of them was hiding something.
Not just fear.
Intent.
Earlier That Morning — East Wing Garden Balcony
Alyxia stood beside Valira, both in ceremonial robes. The air was soft, birds calling across the canopy.
Valira looked thoughtful. "He trusts us so quickly."
Alyxia tilted her head. "He trusts the truth he feels. Not the words we speak."
"And if someone isn't truthful?"
Alyxia didn't hesitate. "The bond breaks. The Empire burns."
Neither of them noticed Nerissa watching from the upper walkway.
Harem Wing — War Room
Selix ran her fingers over a curved blade, eyes scanning maps.
"The border movement isn't normal," she said. "There's coordination beyond rogue pockets."
Shadow Queen stood by the window, veil half-lowered.
"They're watching us. Not just testing strength... but waiting for a weak point."
Rivan entered.
All eyes turned.
He didn't speak at first.
Then—
"I want everyone who's ever had access to the internal communications chamber reviewed."
Selix blinked. "You think it's internal?"
"I know it."
He looked at Nerissa. She didn't flinch.
But she didn't speak either.
> [System Alert: Passive Resistance Detected — Subject: Nerissa. Integrity Index Falling. Loyalty Thread Thinning.]
Evening — The Interrogation Flame
Deep in the lower citadel, an ancient ritual room glowed.
A half-circle of golden fire encircled a single marble seat.
Nerissa sat, surrounded by Rivan, Alyxia, and Selix. No guards. No pressure.
Just truth.
Rivan leaned forward.
"Tell me why your flame dims."
Nerissa clenched her jaw. "Because I don't want to lose myself."
"Then why bond at all?"
She hesitated. "Because I believed. Until I saw how easy it was… for the others to surrender. To melt."
He nodded slowly.
"And you wanted to stay sharp."
"I wanted to stay me."
Silence.
Then Rivan stood.
"I never asked for worship. I asked for loyalty. If yours is still yours... walk through the flame."
She looked at the golden fire. Then stood.
And walked straight through it.
No scream. No pain.
Only heat. And then—
A flare of light.
> [System Update: Loyalty Thread Reforged. Nerissa — Status: True Flame. New Trait: Tempered Edge.]
The Citadel's Wall — Midnight
Selix stood beside Rivan, overlooking the jungle.
"Three scout parties didn't return," she said.
"Trap?"
"Or warning."
He nodded.
"The next enemy won't knock on the gates. They'll walk through someone we let in."
He stepped back.
Behind him, his empire waited. Not in chains. Not in worship.
But in balance.
And balance could be shattered.
---
To Be Continued...
Next Chapter: Trial of Loyalty [18+] Rivan faces not just outside enemies—but the fracture of hearts within. And the real traitor? Hasn't revealed herself yet.