Chapter 55: A Web of Secrets

The decision weighed heavier and heavier in her mind with each passing day. She avoided the prison cell of Riftan, knowing it was the only way she could do what she needed to. The memory of Riftan's face haunted her in her dreams, his sunken eyes a constant reminder of her guilt. Yet, the image of Daisy lying frail and unconscious in her bed pushed her forward. In the great halls of the palace, life went on. Alpha Ileus remained oblivious to the storm building inside Reika. Often, he tried to coax her into sharing her burdens, but with practiced ease she would deflect his questions. This evening, Reika was in the library, staring blankly at a ledger. She hadn't eaten all day, and her illness seemed to fasten tighter onto her. Her head pounded in her skull, and her hands shook just a little as she steadied herself. "You've been in here for hours," Ileus's voice cut into her reverie. Reika flinched, slamming the book shut before him. "I didn't hear you come in. Ileus leaned against the doorway, studying her. "You've been distant lately. Something's wrong." "I'm just tired," she lied, offering a weak smile. His piercing gaze lingered on her a moment before he sighed. "You're hurting yourself, Reika. Whatever it is, I can help you." Reika turned away, her chest tightening. "I'll be fine, Ileus. I just need some rest. He stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. 'Rest, then. But remember, I'm here when you're ready to talk." Reika nodded, avoiding his eyes. Once he left, she exhaled shakily, the weight of her secret threatening to crush her. --- Later that night, Reika summoned her trusted handmaid, Lyra, to her chambers. 'Close the door," she instructed, her voice low. Lyra obeyed, her expression curious but concerned. 'What's troubling you, my queen?" Reika paced, seeming to hesitate. Finally, she ceased and stood with her back to Lyra. "I need your help… with something delicate." Lyra frowned. "Of course, Your Majesty. What is it you need?" Reika faced her now, her eyes shadowed with doubt. "I need to arrange for someone to be removed from this world. Quietly." Lyra's eyes widened. "Removed? You mean— "Yes," Reika cut in, her voice firm even while her hands shook. "I don't want questions. I don't want loose ends. It must be done swiftly and without suspicion." Lyra hesitated, peering into Reika's face. "Who is the target?" "My brother," Reika said, the words bitter on her tongue. Lyra was shocked. "Riftan? But, my queen, he's already in the dungeons. What threat does he pose to you now?" Reika clenched her fists. 'It's not about him being a threat. It's about justice—for Daisy, for me, for everyone he's hurt. He's a criminal, Lyra. His existence is a stain on everything I'm trying to rebuild." Lyra's expression softened. 'You're not just doing this for justice, are you?" Reika looked away, her voice barely a whisper. 'The Moon Goddess demands a life for a life. Daisy's time is running out." Lyra laid a hand on Reika's arm. "There must be another way, Your Majesty. Killing your own brother… it's not a decision to take lightly." "I've already decided," Reika said, pulling away. "I just need your help to ensure it's done properly." Lyra hesitated but finally nodded. "As you wish, my queen. I'll make the arrangements." The day passed tending to court duties, the mask firmly in place. Ileus stayed by her side most of the morning; smothering and comforting. "You seem more focused today," he said as they pored over trade agreements. Reika smiled wryly. "It helps to stay busy." Ileus regarded her a moment before nodding. "I'm glad to see you back to yourself. You've had me worried." The thought had her stomach twisting at his words. If he knew, would he look upon her thus? --- The time of day was evening; the sun was setting and Reika met Lyra in the garden under the auspices of a walk. "It is all in readiness," Lyra whispered, barely audible above rustling leaves. Reika's heart fluttered with anticipation. "When?" "Tomorrow night," Lyra whispered. "At the switch between shifts. It will be fast, leave no tracks to speak of." Reika nodded once, her throat tight. "Good." Lyra hesitated before continuing to speak. "My queen, are you sure about this? There's no going back once it is done." Reika raised her head toward the darkening sky. "There was no going back from the very moment the Moon Goddess gave her decree." Later that night, Reika lay awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Ileus lay sleeping beside her-his regular breathing in deep contrast with the storm churning inside her. Her mind wandered back to memories of Riftan when they were kids: how he used to protect her from the bullies, how there were these rare moments when he really could be kind. Yet it was those moments that had been tainted by the darkness of his actions: the assault, the lies, and his involvement in her death. She clenched her fists, her nails into her palms. He had made his choice; now she had to make hers. The night following that, Reika sat in the silence of her chambers, awaiting word. Each chime of the clock was another strike on her chest. The metallic tap against the wood shook her into wakefulness. "Enter," she called out with her voice steady, while her heart was racing in her chest. Lyra entered with her grimmest look so far. "It is done." Lyra nodded. "There were no witnesses. The guards will find him in the morning and assume he died of his illness or his wounds." Reika closed her eyes, and a single tear followed the angle of her jaw. "Thank you, Lyra. Well done." Lyra paused for one moment more, then backed away. "If there is anything, my queen, I am here." For moments after Lyra left her alone, Reika sat amidst weight after oppressive weight had been settled over her head. She'd done what had needed doing, and that was why an unmitigated hollow stayed planted right within her chest cavity. A sudden gust of wind whirled through the room and snuffed out the candles. Reika shivered; her eyes darted at the shadows. "Reika…" The voice was barely heard, but it nailed her to the spot. Slowly, heart pounding, she turned around. And there, in the corner of the room, draped by darkness, was a figure, its eyes aglow dimly with an unearthly light. "Who are you?" Reika asked, her voice shaking. The figure stepped closer, its presence suffocating. "You have crossed a line, my queen. The Moon Goddess watches closely." Reika's blood ran cold. "What do you mean? The figure's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Your brother's death is only the beginning. The path you've chosen will demand far more than you realize." Before she could utter a word, he was gone, leaving Reika to stand in the dark, her chest heaving with fear. She clutched the edge of her desk hard, an avalanche of thoughts racing through her mind. Had she just made a mistake? Or was this a price for saving Daisy? The first light of dawn that seeped through the window marked that she had crossed the point of no return; her fate was sealed by the choices to be made, and the consequences were only just unfolding.