Unseen Eyes

Chapter 7: Unseen Eyes

Aiden couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

Ever since the mysterious figure had visited, there was a constant pressure in the air around him. As if, at any moment, something—or someone—was lurking just out of sight. His every step felt like it was being monitored, and the shadows around him seemed to stir more often, even in the middle of the day.

Elara, Mac, and Aiden had regrouped back at Mac's loft, trying to piece together what the factions wanted and what role Aiden played in the chaos that was rapidly closing in. But no matter how much they talked, the answers always seemed just out of reach.

"We need more information," Elara said, pacing back and forth. Her fingers absentmindedly toyed with the edge of her dagger. "If the factions are already watching us, then they know more about this convergence than we do. We can't just sit here and wait for them to make the first move."

Aiden sat on the edge of the couch, staring at the city lights outside the window. "And where are we supposed to get that kind of info? The last 'visitor' wasn't exactly an open book."

Mac sat across from him, legs kicked up on the coffee table. "I've been digging through some old contacts. There's this guy—Nico. Runs an underground info network, deep in the underbelly of Lumira. He knows things most people aren't supposed to know. If there's anyone who's got dirt on the factions, it's him."

Elara stopped pacing and crossed her arms. "You trust him?"

Mac smirked. "As far as I can throw him. But he's good at what he does."

Aiden glanced between them, his gut twisting with uncertainty. "So what's the plan? Just walk in and ask him about the supernatural war brewing under the city?"

Mac shrugged. "Pretty much."

"That seems... risky," Aiden muttered.

Mac grinned. "That's the fun part."

---

The trio found themselves navigating the back alleys of Lumira by nightfall, heading toward a part of the city Aiden had never seen before. It was darker here, the neon lights and bustling crowds fading into an eerie silence. The shadows seemed to press closer, clinging to the walls of the alleyways as they walked.

"I don't like this," Aiden whispered, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "It's too quiet."

Elara kept her voice low. "Stay sharp. This area is crawling with people who'd sell you out for a few coins."

Mac led them to a seemingly abandoned building tucked away between two towering complexes. The door was old and weathered, but as Mac knocked, a small slot opened, and a pair of cold eyes peered through.

"Nico in?" Mac asked, flashing a casual smile.

The eyes narrowed before the slot slammed shut. A moment later, the door creaked open, and they were ushered inside.

The interior was nothing like Aiden had expected. It was dark and filled with the stale smell of cigarette smoke. Low-lit chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting strange shadows over the mismatched furniture. People sat in various corners, whispering in hushed tones, their eyes flickering with suspicion as they eyed the newcomers.

A man in the far corner waved them over. Nico.

He was slender and tall, with slicked-back hair and a smirk that seemed permanently etched on his face. His fingers drummed against the table in a rhythmic pattern as they approached.

"Mac," Nico drawled, his voice low and smooth. "Long time, no see. Thought you were dead."

"Still kicking," Mac replied, sliding into a chair across from him. "But I've got a favor to ask."

Nico's smirk widened. "Of course you do. What kind of trouble are you bringing my way this time?"

Mac gestured toward Aiden. "We need info. On the factions. And the convergence."

Nico's eyebrows shot up, genuine surprise flickering across his face for the briefest moment. "Factions? That's big league stuff. Dangerous."

"We know," Elara said, leaning forward. "That's why we're here."

Nico's gaze shifted to Aiden, studying him closely. "This kid... he's part of it, isn't he?"

Aiden shifted uncomfortably under Nico's stare. "What do you know about them?"

Nico chuckled. "The factions? More than most. They've been around for centuries, battling for control of the shadows and everything they touch. The convergence... that's the endgame. Power at a level most can't comprehend. And from the looks of you, kid, you're right in the middle of it."

Aiden's stomach sank. "Why me?"

Nico leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? But here's the thing. If you're important to the shadows, they'll want you. And trust me, they won't be gentle about it."

Mac frowned. "So what do we do? How do we stop them?"

"Stop them?" Nico let out a bitter laugh. "You can't stop the factions. Not when they're this close to the convergence. All you can do is survive and figure out which side you're on before they decide for you."

Elara narrowed her eyes. "There has to be more to it than that."

Nico leaned forward, his smirk fading. "There is. But the deeper you dig, the more dangerous it gets. The factions aren't just playing for power—they're playing for control of reality itself. And once the convergence starts, there's no turning back."

Aiden's chest tightened. "So what do we do?"

Nico sighed. "Look, kid, you've got two options: you can try to run and hope the factions don't find you. Or you can stand and fight, but you better be prepared for the consequences."

Aiden's mind raced. The factions, the convergence, the shadows—they were all spiraling out of control, and now he had to make a choice. Run, or fight? Neither option felt right, but the thought of being hunted by the factions made his skin crawl.

Before Aiden could respond, Nico stood up and walked to a nearby desk, rifling through a pile of papers. After a moment, he returned with a small, worn book and handed it to Aiden.

"This," Nico said, "is the only thing I've got that might help you. It's old—really old—and it talks about the convergence. It won't answer all your questions, but it's a start."

Aiden took the book, the leather cover worn and faded with age. "Thanks."

Nico gave him a nod. "Just remember, kid—knowledge is power. And in this game, power is everything."

---

Later that night, back in the loft, Aiden sat on the couch with the book in his lap, his mind swirling with everything Nico had said. The factions, the convergence, the shadows—it all felt too big, too overwhelming.

Elara sat beside him, her expression unreadable. "What are you thinking?"

Aiden stared at the book, the weight of it heavy in his hands. "I don't know. Everything feels... impossible. Like no matter what we do, the factions are going to win."

Elara placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice soft. "We'll figure this out, Aiden. We've made it this far, right?"

Aiden nodded, but the uncertainty gnawed at him. He opened the book, the old pages crackling as they turned. The first page was filled with strange symbols, written in a language he didn't recognize. But there, in the center of the page, was a single word in English.

Balance.

Aiden's heart skipped a beat. The word echoed in his mind, and for the first time in days, something clicked into place.

Maybe there was a way to fight back after all.

---