Chapter 13: The Mage's Gambit

As Lucian was dragged from the council chamber, a heavy silence settled over the room. Valen's loyal warlocks and soldiers stood watch, their presence a reminder of the power he still commanded, despite the doubts that had been cast on him. But the threat from Lucian had only been the first layer of the conspiracy. Valen knew better than to assume his enemies would stop there.

With a calm and unreadable expression, Valen sat back down at the head of the table. His mind was already racing ahead, analyzing the implications of what had just transpired. Lucian had been a pawn—one with ambition, but ultimately one who had been easily manipulated. The real danger, Valen suspected, lay deeper within the council. He needed to know who else was pulling the strings.

Before he could speak, a figure emerged from the shadows of the chamber—a man cloaked in black robes, his face hidden beneath a hood. His presence sent a ripple of tension through the room, and Valen immediately recognized him as one of the high-ranking mages of the tower: Seraphis, a formidable sorcerer known for his mastery of illusions and mind magic.

Seraphis stepped forward, his voice a low, serpentine hiss. "My Lord Valen, if I may speak?"

Valen inclined his head slightly, giving him permission to continue. He had always distrusted Seraphis, but the man's skill and power made him a valuable asset. Now, though, Valen suspected that Seraphis might be more involved in the recent treachery than he let on.

"I had no part in Lucian's foolish plot," Seraphis said, his words smooth and calculated. "In fact, I warned him against such a reckless course of action. But there are... other forces at play here. Forces that seek to challenge your authority."

Valen's eyes narrowed slightly, though his face remained impassive. "What forces?"

Seraphis smiled beneath his hood, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "There are whispers among the mages, My Lord. Some believe you are growing too soft, too hesitant. They remember the days when you ruled with an iron fist, when your power was unquestioned. They wonder if you still have the strength to lead."

Valen's silence was unnerving to the others, but Seraphis continued, undeterred.

"Of course," the mage added with a faint chuckle, "I know better. Your strength has always been... underestimated."

The words held a subtle edge, a veiled threat, or perhaps an offer of allegiance. Valen couldn't be sure, but he sensed that Seraphis was testing him, probing for weakness. The mage was dangerous, that much was clear. He had likely been waiting for an opportunity to challenge Valen's authority, or perhaps to strike a deal with whoever was bold enough to defy him.

"The mages forget their place if they believe they can question me," Valen said softly, his voice devoid of emotion. "Perhaps they need a reminder."

Seraphis chuckled again, though there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. "Perhaps, My Lord. But I came to offer my support, not to stir up trouble. You know that I have always been... loyal."

Valen studied him for a long moment, his mind working through the implications. Seraphis was powerful, no doubt, and having him as an ally—at least for now—could be useful. But the mage was also too ambitious to be trusted completely.

"I will keep that in mind," Valen said coldly, dismissing him with a glance. "But if you ever cross me, Seraphis, know that there will be no warning. Only consequences."

The threat hung in the air like a blade. Seraphis bowed deeply, though his smile never faded. "I would expect nothing less, My Lord."

As the mage retreated into the shadows, Valen's mind returned to the broader game. He knew Seraphis was playing both sides, testing his strength while positioning himself for power. But Valen was always two steps ahead. He would allow Seraphis to think he had the upper hand—for now. When the time came, he would deal with the mage like any other traitor.