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Chapter: The Child of the Shadow
Lex was a child born without being wanted.
All of his parents' love, all of their attention, always went to Riven.
"Make sure Riven doesn't get cold… Riven doesn't get hungry… Riven doesn't get sad…"
Lex was like an echo within the house — he existed, yet no one noticed him.
As time passed, the silence inside him turned into quiet resentment, and resentment into rage.
One night, without anyone noticing, he opened the door and left.
He didn't know where he was going — only that he had to get away.
Among the cold stones, he carried an invisible wound in his chest.
In a foggy alley, a man in a black cloak appeared.
His eyes were deep, as if they could truly see Lex.
"You… have been abandoned," the man said — his voice a whisper that blended with the night.
"I can be your real family. I can give you power."
Lex hesitated, but then thought: "My family never even saw me… but he said my name."
And from that day on, Lex was raised by the darkness.
He was taught pain, shaped by hatred.
Within him, one purpose was born: to surpass Riven.
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Years later, unease began to stir in the village.
Darel walked in with heavy steps, the concern on his face spreading through the air itself.
"Riven, we need to go to the village," he said.
Riven rose silently. As always — tired, but resolute.
Lex stepped forward from the shadows.
"Brother… may I come with you?" he asked.
Riven turned his head slowly, his cold, measured gaze extinguishing the spark inside Lex.
After a brief silence, he said only, "Fine."
Elya stood quietly in the corner, unease written on her face.
As she looked at Lex, a faint sense of danger crawled through her chest.
Corven was silent beside them, but his eyes were sharp — and in that moment, he saw the darkness moving within Lex.
That night, under the flickering light of the campfire, Corven broke the silence.
"My lord…" he said, turning to Riven. "I don't trust Lex.
It feels like… one day he'll try to kill you."
Riven's face remained expressionless.
"Corven," he said after a pause, "watch Lex. Don't leave his side."
Corven bowed slightly. "As you command."
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Later, silence once again fell heavy over the village.
Riven called out to Elya.
"Play chess with me," he said.
Elya looked up, surprised.
"Chess, my lord?"
"I command it. You don't have the right to refuse," Riven said, his eyes cold.
They entered the room.
The sound of the chess pieces striking the board filled the quiet air.
After a long moment, Riven spoke without lifting his gaze.
"Would you die for me, Elya?"
Elya's eyes widened.
"To die…? I would die for you, Riven. But… why?"
Riven gave a faint smile.
"Thank you."
He moved his pawn.
"To win, you must be willing to sacrifice your pawns," he said.
Elya froze.
"So… I'm just a pawn to you?"
Riven, still staring at the board, replied,
"Yes."
Elya drew a shaky breath and moved her queen.
Riven calmly advanced his knight.
"Checkmate," he said softly.
"That's why I win — by sacrificing my pawns."
Elya's heart cracked. Something inside her broke in silence.
---
That night, Lex came to Elya's room.
His voice was calm — but it carried the weight of darkness.
"Elya," he said. "Your master commands you.
You will slip a sleeping draught into Riven's tea."
Elya lifted her head, her lips trembling.
"My lord… but—"
Lex cut her off.
"This is your test of loyalty. Riven's sleep will begin with your obedience."
Elya bowed her head.
"As you command."
---
The table was set.
Elya poured the tea, her hands trembling.
"My lord… your tea."
Riven took the cup, sniffed it lightly, and frowned.
"There's a strange smell…"
"From the herbs, perhaps, my lord," Elya murmured, avoiding his eyes.
Riven took a sip.
Moments later, his head began to spin — his vision blurred.
"What… is happening… to me…" he muttered weakly.
Elya remained silent. The door creaked open — Lex stood there.
---
Riven awoke on the cold stone floor of a dark stable.
Chains bound his wrists; his breath rose like mist in the freezing air.
He lifted his head — Lex was standing before him.
Elya was beside him, her face pale with guilt.
Riven's voice was hoarse, filled with quiet disbelief.
"Really…?"
Lex's familiar smile curved his lips.
"Real," he said. "At last, you're looking at me, brother."
Elya lowered her head, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"Forgive me, my lord… I—"
"Silence," Riven said, his voice low but sharp.
His gaze turned to Lex.
"You want to kill me?"
Lex's eyes glimmered.
"No," he said. "I just want us to play on the same board now."
The chains rattled softly.
Lex leaned in, whispering close to his ear:
"This time, I'll make the move."
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