Chapter 8: Allies and Enemies

The night air was cold against Aurelia’s skin as she ran through the narrow streets of the Shadow Market, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and anger. Luka’s betrayal had shaken her to the core, but there was no time to dwell on it now. She had the Veil, and that made her a target. Whoever Luka was working for wouldn’t stop until they had it—and her in their grasp.

Aurelia moved swiftly, her instincts guiding her through the labyrinth of alleys and shadowed streets. Her mind churned with thoughts of what had just happened, but she couldn’t afford to lose focus. She needed a plan—fast.

As she turned a corner, a figure emerged from the shadows. Aurelia drew her dagger, prepared for another confrontation, but relaxed slightly when she recognized the face.

“Thorne,” she breathed.

Thorne, a former thief and now an underground informant, had been one of Aurelia’s most trusted contacts since her days in Lysandra’s underworld. He was tall and lean, with sharp eyes that seemed to take in every detail, always one step ahead of everyone around him. If anyone could help her now, it was him.

“You’re in deeper than usual this time, aren’t you?” Thorne said with a wry smile, his tone casual despite the tense situation. His eyes flicked to the Veil in her hands, and his smile faded. “That’s the real deal, isn’t it?”

Aurelia nodded, catching her breath. “It is. And I need a way out, fast. Luka… he’s working for someone, and they want this.”

Thorne frowned, his gaze hardening. “Luka? That’s a surprise. He’s been loyal to you for years. Guess everyone has a price.”

“Not just a price,” Aurelia replied bitterly. “They promised to spare me if he brought them the Veil. But we both know they’ll kill me regardless.”

Thorne rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then motioned for her to follow. “Come on. We can’t talk here. Too many ears.”

Aurelia followed him through the winding streets until they reached an old, abandoned tavern on the outskirts of the market. Inside, the place was empty, save for a few broken tables and chairs scattered around. Thorne led her to a back room, where a small, hidden trapdoor led them to an underground hideout.

The space was cluttered with maps, stolen goods, and various contraptions Thorne used for his more “illegal” ventures. Aurelia felt a strange sense of comfort here, away from the eyes of the Shadow Market and the looming threat of her pursuers.

“Alright, talk,” Thorne said, crossing his arms as he leaned against a table. “Who’s after you, and what’s their play with the Veil?”

Aurelia recounted everything—her search for the Veil, the vision it had shown her, and Luka’s betrayal. As she spoke, Thorne’s expression grew darker.

“This is bigger than I thought,” Thorne muttered once she finished. “The Veil’s power… if what you saw is true, then whoever controls it could reshape entire kingdoms. No wonder they want it so badly. And you said you saw yourself as the cause of the fall of Lysandra?”

Aurelia nodded. “I can’t let that happen, Thorne. But I also can’t trust anyone. Luka’s betrayal proves that. I need a plan—one that doesn’t involve handing over the Veil or destroying myself in the process.”

Thorne was quiet for a moment, his eyes scanning the room as if weighing options. Finally, he spoke.

“There’s someone who might be able to help, but it’s risky. A sorceress named Amara. She operates in the mountains outside Lysandra, far from prying eyes. If anyone knows how to control or destroy the Veil’s power, it’ll be her.”

Aurelia’s brow furrowed. “A sorceress? I didn’t think there were any left.”

“Most keep a low profile these days,” Thorne explained. “But Amara is different. She’s been around for centuries, dealing in ancient magic and relics even older than the Veil. If anyone can help you change the future the Veil showed you, it’s her.”

Aurelia hesitated. Seeking out a sorceress was dangerous, especially one who dealt with relics and magic as ancient as the Veil. But what choice did she have? Every second she held the artifact, she was in danger—and Lysandra’s fate hung in the balance.

“Where can I find her?” Aurelia asked, determination settling in her voice.

“In the Forgotten Peaks,” Thorne replied. “It’s a tough journey, and the mountains are crawling with dangers. But if you’re serious about stopping this, you’ll need to make the trip.”

Aurelia stood, her resolve solidifying. “I don’t have a choice. I’ll go.”

Thorne nodded, though there was a flicker of worry in his eyes. “Be careful, Aurelia. Amara isn’t exactly known for her hospitality. And you’ll have to get there before Luka and his people catch up to you.”

“I will,” she said firmly. “Thank you, Thorne. For everything.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” he said with a crooked smile. “Just make sure you come back in one piece. I’m not in the mood to lose any more friends.”