"Are we really just going to stand here and let him betray us like that?" Karen asked, her voice sharp, angry.
The others didn't respond. The weight of the situation was too much for words.
The guard led John through the dim halls of the castle, his footsteps echoing off the cold stone floor. Tension hung in the air like a storm cloud ready to break. After a short wait at the grand entrance, the doors to the throne room creaked open.
"Your Highness," the guard announced with a bow, "this prisoner claims to have valuable information."
King Eglon sat lazily on his golden throne, drumming his fingers on the armrest. His eyes sharpened with interest. "I see," he said, his voice smooth but laced with threat. "So, how useful is this little secret of yours? And what do you want in return?"
