As they Darkwalker Council called the meeting to attention, asking Ryu and Ella to stand, Azuma cleared his throat, his voice carrying through the room.
"Esteemed members of the Darkwalker Council, I come before you today with grave concerns regarding Ryu's fitness to ascend the Twilight Throne. Recent revelations have come to light, suggesting a vulnerability within him that could compromise our realm's safety."
Azuma paused. “It has recently come to my attention that Lord Ogumi Ryu is vulnerable to a particular spell that would take advantage of his human heritage, and disrupt his connection to the elements.”
Whispers erupted among the council members, their eyes shifting between Azuma and Ryu, who stood tall but with a hint of confusion in his gaze.
Ella’s heart jumped. So she was right. Princess Nitya was here to undermine Ryu’s rule, and Azuma was working with her.
"May I speak?" Ella's voice cut through the room, drawing all attention to her. She stepped forward, her eyes locking with Azuma's.
Ella had set her trap, and now it was time to unveil the truth. With her heart pounding in her chest, she stepped forward, her voice steady and resolute.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Ella spoke, her tone commanding attention. "I stand before you today to expose the treachery that has been festering within our midst."
Lord Haruki’s eyebrows furrowed, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion crossing his features. "Speak, then, human. Let us hear your side."
Taking a deep breath, Ella recounted her encounters with Nitya, carefully revealing the truths and the lies that had been woven.
As Ella spoke, the council members listened intently, their expressions shifting from skepticism to contemplation. Her words resonated with some, and she could sense a shift in the atmosphere.
Azuma, however, remained resolute.
"You expect us to believe the words of a human?" Azuma's voice dripped with disdain.
Ella's heart sank, but she refused to let doubt seep into her resolve. She met Azuma's gaze with unwavering determination.
"I understand your concerns, Lord Azuma, but I admit that the information I shared with Princess Nitya about Ryu iswrong.Whatever you believe, whatever Princess Nitya told you about Ryu’s weakness, it is alllies.” Ella paused. “Lies that Princess Nitya shared with you to undermine Ryu.”
Gasps of surprise filled the chamber as all eyes turned to Nitya. The council members exchanged glances, their faces reflecting a mix of doubt and uncertainty.
"Princess Nitya," Ella's voice rang out, her gaze unwavering. "Your true identity and intentions have been unveiled. Your attempt to influence the Darkwalker Council and remove Ryu from the line of succession has been exposed."
The accusation hung heavy in the air, and Ella's heart raced as she stood face to face with Princess Nitya, their gazes locked in a battle of wills.
"Nitya, don't deny it," Ella went on, her voice firm and unwavering. "I have evidence that you were working with the Empire of Sunvaara to undermine Ryu and manipulate the council. You sought to replace him with a ruler who would serve Sunvaaran interests."
The princess's eyes widened momentarily before a flicker of defiance crossed her features.
"How dare you accuse me of such treachery?" she blustered; her voice laced with indignation. "I have always sought to be a true ally to the Twilight Court.”
Ella squared her shoulders, her resolve unwavering. "Your actions speak louder than your words, princess. It's clear what you were attempting to do. You are here to help Sunvaara, not form an alliance with the Twilight Court. "
Nitya's mask of composure cracked for a moment, replaced by a mixture of anger and frustration. "You're mistaken, Ella," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "You don't understand the complexities of court politics. I am a princess of Sunvaara. I am here as their representative, exploring alliances that could benefit the Empire. Of course, the interests of the Empire would be my foremost priority.”
Ella shook her head, her eyes narrowing. "I may be a human, but I'm not naive, Nitya. I know the difference between a genuine alliance and a betrayal. Ryu is the rightful heir to the Twilight Throne, and you sought to remove him from that position."
The princess, caught off guard, attempted to defend herself, but her words rang hollow in the face of overwhelming evidence.
Ella had laid a clever trap, and Nitya had walked right into it.
The room crackled with tension as the council members absorbed the shocking revelation.
Nitya's facade crumbled; her betrayal laid bare for all to see. Her face contorted as she stared at Ella, her eyes narrowed in hate. She flung up a hand, and a knife flew from her hand to strike Ella in the side. The Council erupted in chaos, several voices rising at once.
“Ella!” Ryu cried, grabbing her before she could fall. He caught her close, his fingers already scrabbling at her wound, healing magic pouring from his fingers.
The members of the Council were shouting at each other in confusion.
