The arena was quiet. Too quiet.
I stood behind the pillars, arms crossed, watching the preparations. The hero would arrive any minute, and the nobles were already buzzing with excitement. They thought they were here for a spectacle. They had no idea it was a chessboard and we were the pieces moving in the shadows.
Seraphine appeared beside me, her cloak was so long that it could reach the floor. She didn't look nervous. Not at all. Calm. That calm that makes you suspicious.
"Everything set?" I asked, leaning against the pillar.
She smiled faintly. "Yes. But remember, Kael, the hero isn't stupid. He'll notice if something feels off."
"Good," I said, smirking. "That means he'll come looking for trouble. Exactly what I want."
We watched in silence for a moment. The arena's gates opened slowly, and the hero stepped inside. Elias Runeheart. The chosen one. Too confident. Too clean. Too perfect. I wanted to punch that smile right out of him.
He moved like he owned the place. People bowed, whispered, fawned. Typical.
I nudged Seraphine. "Stage one, distraction."
She raised an eyebrow. "Your move, villain."
I stepped forward, loud enough to draw the hero's attention. "Ah, Elias! How kind of you to join us. Careful not to trip over your own feet. The arena isn't as forgiving as the temple."
His smile faltered, just slightly. A twitch in his eyes. I smiled wider.
He stared toward me. "Kael… you're up early today."
"Had my tea," I said, taking a casual sip. "You should try it sometime. Might sharpen your wits before you fight me."
Elias froze. For a moment, I thought he'd snap. Then he laughed lightly. Typical hero laugh. Too bright. Too clean.
"Is that all?" he asked. "Or were you planning something else?"
I glanced at Seraphine. She gave a small nod. Good. Timing perfect.
Then came the trap. Not a sword. Not poison. Subtle. The arena's floor had a set of panels rigged to collapse under heavy weight—easy for nobles, deadly if he ran carelessly.
I let my fingers hover near the lever. "Step carefully, Elias. One wrong move and… well, let's see who laughs last."
He moved forward, confident, unaware.
I leaned closer to Seraphine. "Ready?"
"Always," she whispered.
A panel creaked under his boot. Perfect. He didn't notice. Yet.
I bit my lip to hide the grin. "Almost there…"
Then, from the corner of my eye, I noticed movement. Guards. Someone else was approaching—fast.
Seraphine tensed. "Kael… he might see us."
I shrugged, keeping my tone light. "Let him. Adds to the drama."
Elias stopped just before the trap. He tilted his head, eyes scanning the floor. That smile gone. Just for a second, and it was enough. He suspected.
I waved casually. "Enjoying the arena, hero?"
He took a step back, scanning us, scanning the floor. I felt the adrenaline kick in. Not mine, his.
Seraphine whispered, "We might need to adjust."
I smiled, darkly. "Or maybe he just needs a lesson."
For the first time, the hero's presence felt dangerous. Not because of his sword, but because he knew. Not everything, but enough.
I leaned against the pillar, sipping my tea again. "Well, this is fun. I like games that make the hero sweat."
Seraphine laughed softly. "Don't get cocky, Kael. He's only just beginning."
I nodded. "Good. That gives me time. Let him think he's winning. That always makes the fall sweeter."
The hero took another step. Carefully. Observing. Calculating. Probably wondering how many of us were hiding moves, traps, secrets.
I glanced at Seraphine. "You ever get tired of playing with people like this?"
She shrugged. "No. Makes life interesting. And keeps us alive."
I chuckled, low and dark. "Yeah. Alive. For now."
The gates of the arena creaked, echoing like a drumbeat in the quiet morning. I knew this was just the beginning.
And by the time Elias realized what was happening, the game would already be over.
Or maybe just beginning.
I smirked. Two liars. One hero. And the first trap set.
🛡️End of Chapter 12