Chapter 75: chapter 75

Felix paced the length of the stone corridor, his boots echoing against the marble floor, each step heavier than the last. The weight in his chest had not lifted since last night. The image of Amelia struggling against the grasp of that winged creature haunted him.He knew she was innocent—he saw it. But how could he tell Caspian? The king would be furious. Not only because of the creature, but because Amelia had been outside the boundaries set for her. If he found out, Felix feared he might take it out on her.But hiding it would be a betrayal. Caspian trusted him more than anyone. He had stood beside him through wars, through storms, through loss. They weren’t just king and knight—they were brothers in everything but blood.Felix leaned against the cold stone wall and exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair. He couldn’t decide what was right anymore. All he knew was that Amelia didn’t deserve Caspian’s wrath. And Caspian didn’t deserve a lie.The decision gnawed at him like a slow-burning fire.Just then, a castle steward approached. “Sir Felix, His Majesty has summoned you. He awaits in the solar.”Felix closed his eyes for a moment, nodding. “Very well.”He climbed the grand staircase and paused at the ornate wooden door. His fist hovered mid-air before finally knocking.A calm voice responded from within. “Come in.”Felix pushed open the door and stepped inside, closing it softly behind him. The solar was bathed in morning light, casting golden shadows on the stone walls. Caspian stood by the arched window, his hands clasped behind his back, watching the sky as though searching for something far beyond it.“You summoned me, Your Majesty?” Felix’s voice was steady, but his stomach twisted.Caspian turned slowly. His sharp eyes, like cold steel, fixed on him. “Yes, Felix. Come.”For a moment, the silence stretched between them, taut as a drawn bow.Then Caspian spoke, his tone quiet but piercing. “Is there something you wish to tell me?”Felix lowered his head. Words caught in his throat. He could hear the faint crackle of the fireplace, the distant chirping of ravens beyond the glass. Everything seemed to pause.“I…” he began, then stopped. His fists clenched at his sides. “There was an incident last night.”Caspian’s gaze didn’t waver. “Go on.”Felix took a breath, each word heavy. “It’s about Amelia. She was… she was taken. By that winged creature."Caspian’s expression didn’t change, but a flicker of tension passed through his posture. “Taken?”“I saw her running from it. She didn’t provoke it—it was chasing her. Then, in a flash, it seized her and flew off the balcony. I didn’t even have time to react. Within seconds, it had vanished.” After a moment, Felix continued, “She returned a few hours later. His voice faltered. “I failed you, Your Majesty."Caspian turned back toward the window, silent for a long time. When he finally spoke, it was with an edge of restrained fury. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”Felix lowered his head, unable to meet the king’s eyes. The stone chamber felt colder than usual. Silence lingered between them like a heavy mist until Felix finally spoke, his voice low with guilt."I had no intention of telling you, Your Majesty," he confessed, his tone trembling with restrained emotion. "I’m only speaking now because you asked me directly."Caspian's gaze sharpened. The light in his eyes dimmed, clouded by a gathering storm of betrayal."So you were going to betray me?" he asked, each word slow and deliberate.Felix lifted his head at last, his expression earnest. "No, never. I didn’t want to lie to you. That’s why I chose silence instead. Amelia… she’s innocent, Your Majesty. She’s already suffering more than she deserves. I couldn’t bring myself to hurt her any further."The king turned away, his long cloak brushing against the floor as he approached the tall window overlooking the castle grounds. Outside, the night stretched endlessly, cloaked in shadows. The wind howled as if echoing the unrest in his heart."It seems I can’t trust anyone anymore," Caspian murmured, more to himself than to Felix. His reflection in the glass looked tired—haunted.He stood there for a moment, unmoving, then turned with renewed authority in his voice. "Increase the castle’s security. I want guards stationed at every entrance, and no one—no one—is allowed near Amelia’s chamber without my permission."Felix bowed his head, placing a hand over his chest. "Yes, Your Majesty."Caspian’s eyes glinted with a distant, haunted light, as though he were seeing something far beyond the stone walls of the chamber. His voice dropped, heavy with a mix of rage and helpless longing."I feel it in my bones… until I kill that winged beast with my own hands, she’ll never truly be mine. I can't touch her soul—not while his shadow clings to her. He’ll come for her again. he knows how to move through shadows. And if he wants her… he won’t stop until he has her."Caspian turned slowly back to Felix. His eyes, once distant, now held sharp purpose. "Felix," he said, his voice steady but heavy with unspoken thoughts, "do you know the witch—the one my father often sought counsel from?"Felix hesitated. The mention of the witch stirred something old, something uneasy. Her name was rarely spoken within the castle walls, even in whispers."Yes, Your Majesty," he replied carefully. "I know of her.Caspian stepped forward, "Very well then," he said with resolve. "We may have no choice. If the winged beast is bound to Amelia by a force beyond our comprehension, then we must match it with power beyond our own. We’ll need her help."Felix bowed his head slowly. "I will make the arrangements, Your Majesty. I’ll have the men prepare to bring her here before nightfall."But Caspian turned to him sharply, his voice firm with finality. “No, Felix. I will go to her.”Felix looked up, eyes narrowing with concern. “Your Majesty… are you sure? It’s dangerous, and honestly I don't trust that woman. She...""Neither do I,” Caspian interrupted. This must remain between us," he said, his voice dropping low. "Not a word to anyone. If word spreads, it will be our disadvantage.”Felix’s jaw tightened, unease creeping into his voice. “As your wish, my king."“Let’s see just how capable she really is,” Caspian said, his voice quiet but resolute. He turned back to Felix, his expression unreadable. Felix held his gaze for a brief moment, then bowed deeply. Without another word, Felix turned and walked toward the heavy oak doors. His footsteps echoed softly before the chamber swallowed the sound, and with a final glance back at his king, he stepped into the corridor and disappeared.Caspian remained alone, the silence around him thick and watchful. He drew in a slow breath and looked once more toward the window, where the wind whispered secrets through the glass. The path he had chosen was uncertain, shrouded in shadow and consequence.