Chapter 24: Betrayer deal
The palace of Virenkai shimmered under the twin moons like something carved out of silver dreams and secrets. Donato stood before the tall window of his temporary chambers, his dark eyes watching the horizon burn in hues of violet and gold. The land was strange, mystical, and beautiful, but he wasn’t here to marvel—he was here for the book.
A knock sounded on the door before a graceful voice called out, "My father want to see you now."
Donato turned. She stood there with quiet poise, her lavender gown fluttering like petals in the breeze. The Princess of Virenkai—Princess Elowen—was unlike any woman he had ever encountered. Regal, but not arrogant. Delicate, but not weak. Her eyes, an ethereal shade of moonstone gray, seemed to carry ancient secrets and unshed longing.
"I’m ready," Donato replied, straightening his black shirt and stepping into the corridor.
******
The throne room was carved from enchanted obsidian, flickering with lights that danced without flame. At its heart sat King Maeron, Elowen’s father, cloaked in embroidered robes bearing the crest of their family—a golden falcon clutching a key.
"Donato Morano," he said with a deep, knowing voice. "You are no longer stranger to us."
That single sentence gripped Donato’s spine.
"You know my family?" he asked, cautious.
"We know more than you’d imagine," the king said, motioning for him to sit. "Your father, Morano the Elder, once came to our realm... seeking the same thing you now desire."
Donato’s breath hitched.
The king continued, "The book you seek is real. But it does not change hands without purpose. We do not give it to the unworthy. Or the aimless."
"I’m not aimless," Donato said, voice hardening.
"No, you’re clever. Skilled. Strategic. That’s why I have a proposal."
Donato leaned in.
"Our family’s trade is information," the king said. "We deal in secret archives and encrypted tech. But our digital clientele has... weakened. We need someone to rebuild our online presence. Someone who understands algorithms, influence, and branding in the human world."
"You want me to help you gain clients," Donato said slowly.
"For one month," Maeron said, steepling his fingers. "Help us restore our network. Make our reach global again. In return, you will receive the book."
Silence stretched between them.
"Deal," Donato said, offering his hand.
The king clasped it with a nod. "Then let the clock begin."
********
The Visits of Princess Elowen
Days melted into each other. Donato worked in their grand library, fingers flying across enchanted keyboards. With each passing day, the digital reach of the Virenkai archive surged. Countries he had never heard of lit up on their holographic map.
And every afternoon, Elowen arrived with a tray in hand.
She was never escorted.
Always alone.
Today, she wore a silver dress that matched the starlight, her dark hair cascading down one shoulder.
"You haven’t eaten again," she scolded playfully, setting the tray beside his monitor. "Are all Morano men so... intense?"
Donato smirked but didn’t look up. "Only the smart ones."
Elowen sat on the edge of the table. "And are you the smartest?"
"I’m the most dangerous," he muttered, then looked at her. "But not to you."
Her cheeks flushed. "Good. Because I like my heart right where it is."
He studied her for a long moment. There was something mesmerising about her—how she didn’t flinch under his gaze, how she didn’t try to impress him, only... connect.
Each visit became longer. From food to tea. Then tea to idle conversations about books, memories, life. And laughter. It was the laughter that started to undo him.
That evening, the stars fell low enough to touch. Donato stood on the terrace overlooking the glowing lake, hands in his pockets, mind conflicted.
He heard soft footsteps behind him.
" Princess Elowen," he said without turning.
"You always know it’s me," she whispered, stepping beside him.
"I always feel it’s you."
She smiled, then slowly reached up, brushing a lock of hair away from his cheek. "You feel different lately," she whispered. "As though something inside you is softening."
Donato said nothing.
"You’re not just a man chasing a book," she continued. "You’re a man carrying a wound. Deep and unhealed."
Her words slipped under his skin like silk over steel.
"Princess Elowen..." he warned again.
"Let me kiss you," she whispered.
He turned fully to her, startled. Her lips were parted, her face lit with longing.
But he took a step back. "No."
Her face fell. "Am I not... attractive?"
He shook his head. "You’re more than attractive. You’re... breathtaking."
"Then why not?"
"Because it doesn’t feel right," he said softly. "There’s someone... in my world. A woman. She gave birth to my son."
Her eyes widened.
"I left before I knew," he said. "I carry the shame of a father absent, a man broken. And though she doesn’t know I still ache for her... I do."
Silence stretched.
"Then why are you still here?" Princess elowen asked, voice tight.
"Because this book... is the only way I can protect them. And maybe... earn redemption."
Princess elowen looked away, blinking fast. "Then I will love you... even if it breaks me.".....
******
Far from the palace towers, beneath the dense shadows of Virenkai’s forbidden woods, Enzo paced.
He pulled out the communicator device—a relic hidden phone and dialed into the Atlans’ hidden frequency.
A low hum answered.
"You’re late," the commander from the Atlans’ voice crackled.
"You betrayed me and left me when Luca knew my dirty secrets and I needed you all the most". Enzo said bitterly.
"Oh well, we are willing to work with you fully and be more loyal" The commander assured.
"I had to blend in," Enzo said coldly. "But I have news. Donato is close. He found the family that possesses the book. He’s helping them—trading favors."
Silence. Then:
"You’ve done well."
"I should’ve never been discarded," Enzo growled.
"We were wrong," the Atlans admitted. "Your loyalty has value. Complete this, and the gift we promised you... will double."
Enzo’s eyes gleamed. "What do you want?"
"Bring us the book. Donato trusts you, doesn’t he?"
"He trusts no one. But I’ll find a way."
"Then do it."
The call ended.
Enzo stared at the forest, shadows dancing like devils.
He could almost taste the power.
He moved to leave, stepping into the clearing—only to stop dead in his tracks.
A voice pierced the silence.
"What are you doing here in the dark?"
Enzo’s blood turned to ice.
He turned slowly.
There, barely illuminated by the faint glow of enchanted fireflies, stood Princess Elowen.
Her silver dress shimmered. Her moonstone eyes were no longer soft—they were sharp. Suspicious.
"I thought I was alone," Enzo said, trying to mask the tremor in his voice....