Ella paced nervously in her chamber, contemplating her plan to trap Princess Nitya.
Despite Ryu's dismissal of her suspicions, Ella couldn't let go of the feeling that Nitya was a threat to him and their bond. She couldn't rely on Ryu to see the truth, so she had to take matters into her own hands.
Approaching the princess with a feigned sense of desperation, Ella presented herself as an unwitting ally. She pretended to be enticed by the allure of returning home, using this façade to gain Nitya's trust. The princess, eager to exploit any weakness she could find, fell into Ella's carefully woven trap.
At lunch that day, Ella sat next to the princess, pretending to consider her offer of a private conversation. It was a risky move, but she needed to gain Nitya's trust to uncover her true intentions. Ella knew she had to be careful, choosing her words strategically to both gain Nitya's confidence and steer her toward a trap.
Finally, the day arrived. Ella met Nitya in a secluded part of the castle gardens, their voices hushed as they exchanged pleasantries. Nitya's eyes sparkled with curiosity, sensing that Ella had something important to share.
"Ella, I appreciate your willingness to confide in me," Nitya said, her voice filled with intrigue. "Tell me, what is it that troubles you about Ryu?"
Ella took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "Princess Nitya, there's something you should know. Ryu possesses a vulnerability, a weakness that could be exploited by those who wish him harm."
Nitya leaned in closer, her interest piqued. "And what might that weakness be?"
Ella paused for a moment, contemplating how much to reveal. She had to balance earning Nitya's trust with ensuring his safety.
"Ryu's magic, though powerful, has its limits," Ella began cautiously. "He possesses an inherent vulnerability to a particular type of spell, one that can interrupt his connection to the elements." She swallowed. This was the big lie, the one she had to sell, the one that the princess had to believe and repeat. “It’s because of his human heritage. It causes his connection to the elements and their powers to be tenuous, and easily disrupted.”
Princess Nitya's eyes widened, a mix of intrigue and concern. "And how did you come to know of this weakness, Ella?"
Ella hesitated for a moment, then made her decision. She looked into Princess Nitya's eyes and spoke her true, full name, trusting that it would seal their connection and solidify her words.
She told herself it was alright, the princess had no magic of her own, and Ryu’s pendant around her neck would protect her from any magical attacks against her person. There was no way Nitya could use her against Ryu.
"Princess Nitya, my full name is Ella Stewart,” she said in a low voice. “I share this with you in the spirit of trust and understanding, and to prove to you that I am telling you the truth. We both have a vested interest in protecting Ryu and the stability of the Twilight Court."
Nitya's eyes widened in surprise, realization dawning on her. "Ella Stewart…thank you for sharing your name with me. I understand the weight of your trust, and I will honor it."
A sense of relief washed over Ella as she watched Nitya's reaction. It seemed her gamble had paid off, and she had successfully gained Nitya's trust.
Now, she could lead her closer to the truth and expose her true intentions.
As they continued their conversation, Ella carefully shared more information about Ryu's supposed weakness, planting seeds of doubt and concern in Nitya's mind.
If her suspicions were right, Princess Nitya would take this information to those who sought to harm Ryu, believing she held a valuable secret.
As the next two days passed, Ella met the princess often, allowing Nitya to believe she had won her over. She played the part of a confidante, eagerly listening to Nitya's manipulative whispers, her eyes ever watchful for the right moment to strike.
The night of the full moon, the Darkwalker Council called Ryu and Ella before them, asking that the bond between them be broken with the Council as witness.
And so the Council became the stage for the intricate charade that Ella was planning.
~
Ella's heart pounded in her chest as she entered the grand hall where the Darkwalker Council had gathered. The room was adorned with intricate tapestries depicting ancient battles and adorned with shimmering chandeliers that cast an ethereal glow.
She glanced at the council members, their stern faces reflecting centuries of wisdom and power. Ryu walked in front of her, settling into his seat along with Mizuki and Hiroshi, and their mothers. Princess Nitya sat with them, talking in little whispers. It made Ella feel sick to see the woman laughing without a care in the world. Well, the princess wouldn’t be smiling much longer, Ella would see to it.
She turned to look at Ryu, who was looking at the Council, and resolutely ignoring Ella, who was sitting at his side.
As far as Ryu knew, he was here to reverse the bond between the two of them.
As she had expected, when they entered the hall they found Lord Azuma stood at the front of the room, his eyes filled with conviction and betrayal.
Azuma's gaze met hers, a glimmer of triumph flickering in his eyes. Ella knew immediately that he had been swayed by Nitya's deceptions, falling victim to her intricate web of lies.
Ella took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was about to unfold.
