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Unveiling Shadows of Loyalty

Cedric, indifferent, turned his back on her. An ironic smile played on his lips as he retorted, "Does he mean that much to you? Is he your lover?"

Eveline felt a mix of indignation and confusion. She was determined to uncover the truth about her friend's whereabouts, but she couldn't understand why Cedric was so interested in her relationship with Rudolf. With a blend of frustration and curiosity, she questioned, "He's a friend, someone I promised to protect. But what does that have to do with you?"

The words hung in the air, charged with tension and mystery. Eveline found herself trapped in a dangerous game, where the pieces moved with ulterior motives. She knew she had to be astute and cautious, for there was something darker behind Cedric's words.

As she grappled with uncertainty and fear, Eveline couldn't help but let her mind be filled with memories of her time with Rudolf. The shared laughter, moments of mutual support, and exchanged confidences. Rudolf was more than a friend to her; he was a beacon of light in her monotonous life since she arrived at the castle and met him, a constant presence in trying times.

Now, this special connection was threatened, and Eveline felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. She was willing to face any danger to find Rudolf and ensure his safety.

Eveline brought her hands to her face, consumed by guilt for being responsible for leading Rudolf to torture and now to certain death. The anguish was driving her mad. Cedric turned, heading toward the door. Fueled by anger, Eveline leaped in front of Cedric, instantly transforming into her wolf form. Her paws hit the floor as she bared her sharp teeth in a menacing growl. Cedric was quicker, stepping back as the sound of his torn clothes echoed through the room. For the first time, he revealed his true self to someone other than his friend Gideon. Before Eveline stood an imposing werewolf in his bestial form, fur bristling and claws exposed. He was considerably larger than Eveline. She looked perplexed at the being before her.

"It couldn't be Cedric. He was one of the rebel leaders. They had fought side by side and frequently met over the past weeks."

"How dare you challenge me, you cursed wolf?" Eveline stuttered, shaking her head in denial, bewildered.

"I should kill you right here for defying me. You're nobody here. What were you thinking, attempting to attack me?" Cedric proclaimed.

"Forgive me..." Eveline murmured.

"Did you think I was weak, blind, and lame? Did you believe you could harm me? I am your prince," his words cut like blades.

Eveline remained hunched, head bowed, trying to comprehend what had transpired. How had the blind and lame prince transformed into a powerful werewolf, the leader of the rebels?

Confusion consumed her as she struggled to accept this new reality.

"What do I do with you now... know that I can be crueller than my uncle," Cedric threatened, his expression dark and menacing.

"I didn't know who you were... forgive me. We're on the same side, if I can say so," Eveline replied firmly, her eyes brimming with determination.

"How could I trust someone my uncle brought to this castle to spy on me? Know that if you tell anyone, I'll personally tear your head off," Cedric warned, his expression dark and menacing.

"I would never do that! I fight by your side. You should know I'm loyal," Eveline replied firmly, her eyes brimming with determination.

"Loyal? Do you understand the true meaning of that word?" Cedric questioned, casting a penetrating gaze toward Eveline.

Eveline lifted her head to face him, but Cedric asserted himself, causing her to quickly lower her gaze. Cedric's dominant presence filled her with fear and uncertainty.

"Now I can no longer trust you. You know too much and will hinder my plans," Cedric declared, his voice filled with a mix of suspicion and determination.

"That's not true. I will continue doing my job, fighting against the king, and freeing our people from this tyranny," Eveline declared with a fiery determination in her voice.

"Are you calling me a liar?" Cedric growled, raising his claws, ready to strike a deadly blow.

"If you wanted to kill me, you would have done it already. You wouldn't be arguing with me like this," Eveline courageously replied, standing firm in the face of Cedric's fury.

Cedric felt even more enraged. His claws moved swiftly, staining the ground with blood. Eveline brought her hand to her face, bewildered by what had just transpired. Cedric had wounded her.

"How could you do this to me?" Eveline questioned, her voice choked, while her hand trembled on her face.

Cedric turned his back, reverting to his human form. He picked up his cloak from the ground, quickly putting it on. His chest rose and fell with the intensity of his emotions.

"You challenged me. You thought I was weak. Don't doubt me again. Next time, I will rip your head off," he said threateningly, heading toward the door. However, he stopped abruptly. "Ah! Rudolf is safe," Cedric announced before leaving, leaving Eveline in a mix of confusion and concern.

Cedric's claws tore through Eveline's face, a piercing pain enveloping her in that moment. Blood flowed from her wounds, staining her skin and revealing the cruelty of the attack. Her emotions were in a turbulent confusion, but what troubled her the most was discovering that the prince had been lying all this time.

"How can he not be blind? So he saw me all this time? How could he make a fool out of me?" Eveline thought to herself, her mind filled with indignation and disappointment.

With effort, she rose from the ground, her hands still trembling from the intense pain she felt. She walked to the mirror in her room, facing her reflected image. Her face was dreadful, marked by deep and bloody wounds. Even though she knew her skin would heal completely soon, thanks to her accelerated healing power, she knew the scars would remain on her soul, reminding her of the betrayal she had suffered.

Cedric walked to his room, his cruel and merciless expression contrasting with the discomfort he felt over the injury he had caused Eveline. Upon entering the chamber, he sat on the bed and covered his head with his hands. His chest rose and fell frantically, as if trapped in an internal battlefield. Fury consumed him, and he abruptly stood up, knocking down and breaking everything in his path. After the outburst of anger, he threw himself onto the floor, his conflicting emotions consuming him. He didn't even understand what was happening to him at that moment. He had never experienced something so overwhelming before.

With Gideon's arrival, morning began to dawn. He entered the room and was shocked by the scene unfolding before his eyes. He brought his hands to his mouth, stunned by the destruction spreading throughout the room. In the corner of the room, Cedric slept curled up, as if seeking refuge from his own inner demons.

"My prince, what happened here?" Gideon hurriedly approached Cedric, concern etched on his face.

"Leave me, Gideon. I'm not in a good place right now. I want to be alone," Cedric replied with a mix of sadness and irritation in his voice.

"My prince, please tell me what happened. How can I help?" Gideon insisted, his gaze showing loyalty and willingness to support Cedric.

"She knows the truth about me," Cedric whispered, his voice burdened with deep emotional weight.

Gideon looked at Cedric, confused. "What truth? Who knows?" His expression reflected a mix of curiosity and concern as he waited for an answer that could clarify the situation.

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