Back at his tower, Valen found himself restless. Gareth's words played over and over in his mind. There was something in the man's tone, in the way he had spoken, that left Valen uneasy. Gareth had offered him support, resources, and protection, but it felt too convenient. Too perfect.
As he sat in his private chamber, reviewing the map of his province once again, a shadow moved at the edge of his vision.
"Who's there?" Valen's voice cut through the silence like a blade.
A figure stepped out from the darkness, a cloaked man with eyes that gleamed like polished silver. Valen's hand moved instinctively toward his weapon, but the figure made no move to attack.
"My Lord," the figure said in a low voice, bowing slightly. "I am but a messenger. Lord Gareth sends his regards."
Valen narrowed his eyes, his body tensing. "And what message does he send?"
The cloaked figure smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "He wishes to remind you that in this world, alliances are temporary. But enemies... enemies can last forever."
Valen's fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword. This was no simple message. This was a warning.
The game had just begun.