Ch. 20 - Betrayal

Gabe POV

All I wanted was to be reunited with my father, a figure who had spoken to me through my mind and dreams since I was a child. He promised to be the source of my strength, my sharp wit, and the one to deliver me from my suffering.

But Dietus's words cut deep, twisting like a knife in my gut. He had always claimed that Sebastian and I were equals, that we shared a common destiny. The lies fueled a seething jealousy within me. The realization that I was merely a pawn, manipulated into this role, ignited a fierce rage. I understood now that I had no one and nothing left in my life.

I was nothing more than a tool, a foolish boy with grand ambitions that were never meant to be. I wasn't Dietus's son, nor was I truly equal to Sebastian. Watching Dietus twist and corrupt him, I saw that Sebastian was destined for greatness, or perhaps utter destruction, but not me.

The darkness consuming him was a stark contrast to the person I had thought him to be. I saw the raw hunger in his eyes.