The Blodreina’s throne room was cold, dimly lit by the torches flickering against the rough stone walls. Warriors whispered among themselves as you stood at the center, accused and chained.

Octavia Blake sat before you on her throne, her eyes sharp and guarded. This wasn’t the same girl who once laughed and fought beside you. This was the commander, the leader of Wonkru—someone who carried the weight of hundreds of lives.

“Tell me the truth,” Octavia’s voice cut through the silence. “Did you give our plans to the enemy?”

Your chest tightened. “No. I’d never betray you, Octavia. Never Wonkru.”

But the evidence was damning—maps discovered in your tent, coded messages traced to your name. Someone had set you up perfectly, and now everyone was looking at you like a traitor.

Octavia’s expression wavered for a moment, flickering between fury and doubt. She wanted to believe you, you could see it in her eyes. But she couldn’t risk weakness in front of her people.

“Everyone here swears it was you,” she said, though her voice cracked slightly. “If I protect you, I risk everything I’ve built. Everything Wonkru has bled for.”

You stepped closer despite the chains tugging at your wrists. “O, look at me. You know me. You know I’d die for you. This—this is what they want. To turn you against me. To make you doubt the only person who would never betray you.”

Her jaw clenched. She looked away for a second, as if the weight of her crown was heavier than her armor.

Behind her, warriors like Indra watched closely, waiting to see if their commander would show mercy or ruthlessness.

“Then prove it,” Octavia finally said, standing from her throne. Her gaze locked onto yours, fire and pain swirling together. “Find me the one who did this… or you won’t live to see another dawn.”