Small Gathering

Astra smirked as he tapped his reply into the Regal Coin.

Astra: I wouldn't dare miss it.

He shut the coin with a flick of his wrist and turned to his wardrobe. Inside hung the newly tailored noble attire—dark, elegant, and made to command attention.

He slipped into a black high-collared tunic, its fabric soft yet structured, trimmed with subtle streaks of gray that caught the low light. A belt of polished obsidian leather cinched at his waist, lined with thin gold inlays—just enough extravagance to remind people he was of high standing, but not enough to scream arrogance. Over it, he draped a dark noble's coat, its long tails embroidered with House Shadow's signature motifs—ethereal wisps and trailing dusk.

His boots, sleek and well-fitted, clicked lightly against the wooden floor as he adjusted his cuffs. He glanced into the mirror.

With his untamed curls now perfectly in place, and his sharp, refined features no longer hidden beneath grime and exhaustion, he barely recognized himself. No longer a street-worn wanderer.

Now, he looked every bit the noble he claimed to be.

He chuckled under his breath, fastening his Regal Coin onto his belt before stepping out into the night-lit streets of Duskfall.

The deeper Astra traveled into the inner city, the more the atmosphere shifted. Gone were the lively, chaotic markets of the bazaar—here, wide marble streets stretched clean beneath glowing streetlamps, lined with estate manors, lavish townhouses, and private lounges filled with music and laughter.

Wealth dripped from the air. The people strolling past wore finery tailored to perfection, their carriages drawn by exotic mana beasts, their conversations laced with subtle boasts and political maneuvering.

Astra took his time, walking at an unhurried pace. To any noble watching, he was just another young lord enjoying the night's festivities.

But in his mind?

"Let's see just how far I can climb."

As Astra approached House Dune's estate, the sheer scale of it left him in awe. It wasn't just a noble house—it was a fortress of influence.

The massive estate stood like a smaller castle, its silhouette cutting through the dusky horizon, a symbol of power and prestige in the heart of the Inner City.

The walls were a blend of marble and sandstone, the rich, golden hues of the stone catching the last rays of the setting sun, giving the estate an almost ethereal glow.

The marble shimmered faintly with veins of desert gold, a reflection of House Dune's deep ties to the Saharan realm and its ancient desert heritage.

The estate's towers rose high above the city, their rounded tops adorned with gleaming spires, reminiscent of the pointed tips of desert cacti.

Between the towers, arches and open courtyards crisscrossed the estate like a labyrinth, adding to the castle-like feel. Wind chimes clinked softly in the breeze, the sound barely audible, but present enough to emphasize the deep sense of calm that clung to the estate.

The grounds surrounding the estate were nothing short of breathtaking. Oasis gardens sprawled out, with shimmering pools of clear water surrounded by lush greenery—palms swayed in the evening wind while the smell of desert flowers drifted through the air.

Despite its central location, the estate seemed like a world apart—an entire ecosystem cultivated to perfection, with various desert trees, vibrant cacti, and clusters of hardy flowering succulents filling the air with a mix of sweet and earthy fragrances.

Paths of smooth stone meandered between flower beds, leading to secluded seating areas where nobles could converse in private, shaded by the larger desert trees.

In the distance, there were sculpted water features that mirrored the gentle ripples of the distant desert dunes, and ivory statues stood tall, carved with delicate desert motifs. The gardens felt almost like an oasis in the middle of the desert, designed to provide a peaceful escape from the constant bustle of Duskfall.

To anyone who knew the true reach of House Dune, it was no surprise that this estate existed on such a scale.

The Royal Stewards of Sahara had never been just a title; their influence extended across realms. This estate was not merely a home—it was a stronghold. A testament to House Dune's undeniable power and wealth.

And as Astra approached its grand gates, it became clear that this was a place where politics, power, and wealth were forged together. The estate wasn't just built to impress—it was built to command respect.

As Astra approached the grand entrance of House Dune's estate, the size of the gathering struck him almost immediately. There were too many people for what Seraphin had described as a "minor ball."

Nobles and their entourages, politicians, merchants, and various other high-profile individuals milled about, chatting in groups.

He was immediately struck by the sheer luxury of it all—the air was thick with the scent of exotic perfumes, and there was a soft murmur of polite conversation that seemed to echo against the marble floors.

Elegant dresses in every imaginable color shimmered in the soft glow of chandelier light, and men wore finely tailored suits of deep blacks, silvers, and golds, their cloaks flowing behind them like rich tapestries.

Some were adorned with gilded jewelry and family crests that marked their high social standing, while others wore intricate masks to add an air of mystique.

But it wasn't the extravagance of the crowd that made Astra feel the most out of place—it was the way everyone seemed to be staring at him.

He could feel the weight of curiosity from the eyes of several nobles, their gazes lingering a bit longer than normal as he walked through the gates.

Astra's outfit, though dark and regal, felt almost like a sore thumb among the brilliant and over-the-top garments worn by others. His attire, though designed for noble status, lacked the layers of extravagant adornment most others wore. but that was in character with House Shadow.

Even the guards gave him an extra look as he approached, almost as if to confirm his identity, before nodding and allowing him through. Their eye-catching gold-plated armor gleamed under the lamplight as they opened the grand gates, and Astra was let into the estate.

He walked through the large archway and into the banquet hall, where the sheer opulence struck him like a physical blow.

The walls were lined with tapestries, and the ceiling, a towering masterpiece of architecture, seemed to stretch endlessly upward.

Golden chandeliers hung from above, casting a warm, welcoming light, and there were large pillars carved with intricate desert motifs.

The floor beneath his boots was made from polished stone that seemed to glimmer, and the long tables were covered with gilded dishes that sparkled with fine wine, delicacies, and fragrant desserts.

Despite all the grandeur, Astra felt a sense of being lost in the middle of it. Everyone in the room was either talking to someone or sipping from crystal goblets, exuding confidence and purpose. Here, Astra, dressed in his darker, more reserved attire, felt like he didn't quite belong. The hidden tension in the air was palpable—like every person in the room was part of a larger game of maneuvering and social alliances.

He caught a glimpse of Seraphine across the room, effortlessly commanding attention, her beauty and confidence shining among the crowd, and for a moment, he felt like a mere spectator in this elaborate theater of nobility.

As people whispered and glanced at him, he wondered if they could tell he wasn't exactly from this world. The wealth, status, and power in this room were too overwhelming, too suffocating.

Astra felt the uneasy weight of his disguise and the burden of his hidden identity. He had never felt more like an outsider—like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit in. But the moment Seraphin's gaze locked with his, his nerves seemed to ease, at least for a moment.

He walked further into the hall, all the while the feeling of being under the microscope continued, the eyes of the powerful lingering on him as he made his way deeper into the gathering.

Every step felt like it was being measured, scrutinized, and analyzed. Still, he pushed on, determined to play the part he had set himself in this high-stakes game. He didn't belong here, not yet, but Astra was here for a reason—and he wouldn't let anything shake his resolve.

Astra walked through the throngs of guests, his mind racing with the overwhelming sensations of the event. The murmurs, the laughter, the clinking of glasses—it all felt like a world he wasn't quite prepared for.

But through the maze of faces, his eyes locked onto Seraphine, standing like a beacon in the center of the room, surrounded by groups of nobles who were clearly in awe of her presence.

As he approached, his steps faltered for just a moment. He had to shake off the feeling that he was being watched from every corner, as if his every movement was being scrutinized.

His voice came out with a slight edge, forced and tense, as he finally reached her side.

"So… this is a 'small gathering,' huh?" Astra's tone was laced with an almost fake anger, his attempt to mask his nervousness.

"There are more people here than I've seen in an entire district!" His eyes darted around the room, but his irritation felt more like a poorly executed shield against the underlying anxiety that crept up on him.

Seraphine, effortlessly composed and always with a hint of mischief in her smile, glanced at him with an eyebrow raised. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Astra," she teased, her tone playful. "I didn't think a noble from House Shadow would be so easily intimidated by a bit of company."

Astra blinked, a flash of surprise flickering across his face as he tried to regain his composure. He quickly coughed, brushing off the comment with a forced chuckle.

"Intimidated? I'm not intimidated," he retorted, then immediately regretted it, feeling his voice drop to a quieter, more hesitant tone. "Just—didn't expect this..."

Seraphine's smile widened, and she leaned in slightly, her voice lowered, as though sharing a secret.

"You really thought I was going to invite you to a 'small gathering,' Astra?" She chuckled softly. "You, of all people, should know better than that."

He opened his mouth to reply, but the words caught in his throat, and for a moment, he felt the weight of the situation bearing down on him again. The bustling room, the lavish decorations—it all felt like a test he wasn't quite prepared to pass.

Instead of answering, Astra gave her a half-hearted smile, trying to regain some semblance of control.

"Alright, maybe you didn't exaggerate too much," he admitted, though he still felt his chest tighten as the atmosphere around them seemed to close in.

Seraphine's blue eyes twinkled with amusement, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "You'll get used to it," she said with a wink.

"Or maybe you'll learn to love it. You'd be surprised how much can be accomplished when you know how to move in the right circles."

Her words, layered with meaning, settled in Astra's mind as he tried to steady himself. Was she trying to push him into something?

Infiltrate the circles of House Dune? Or was she simply testing him—like a chess piece being moved across the board?

"I'll try," Astra finally said, his voice losing some of its earlier edge. He could feel the tension in his body start to ease, just a little, as he allowed himself to relax slightly in her presence.

But deep down, Astra knew that this evening was far from over, and the true game had only just begun.

Seraphine's eyes narrowed playfully as she scanned the room before turning her attention back to Astra. Her tone shifted, becoming more curious, though still laced with that playful edge.

"So," she began, her voice almost like a melody, "where are your fellow nobles from House Night? I figured you'd be here with some company. Or is this a solo mission tonight?"

Astra blinked at the question, his mind momentarily scrambling for an answer. His usual cool and confident demeanor seemed to falter under her gaze.

He hadn't expected her to ask about House Night at all, and the question caught him off guard. For a moment, he was unsure how to respond without revealing more than he intended.

"Ah..." he said, trying to mask his confusion, though it was evident in the hesitation in his voice. "I, uh, haven't exactly been... in touch with them recently,"

Astra replied, the words leaving his mouth far more nonchalantly than he felt inside. "You know how it is—business... politics... the usual."

He gave a shrug, hoping she wouldn't press further. In truth, the last thing he wanted was to have her digging into his ties with House Night.

Too much could slip out, and that wasn't something he could afford—at least, not yet.

Seraphine tilted her head slightly, as if trying to read his expression, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Mm, business and politics, huh?"

She paused, letting the words hang in the air for a moment. "I see... very convenient," she mused, clearly entertained by his attempt to deflect.

Astra smiled weakly, trying to regain his ground. "You know, not all of us like to be surrounded by other nobles all the time,"

He added with a slight chuckle, trying to deflect the attention off himself. "It's... refreshing to have a bit of space every now and then."

Seraphine's gaze softened ever so slightly, her tone still light but with a hint of something more curious behind it.

"I suppose that makes sense," she said, her eyes locking with his in a way that felt deliberate, as if she were weighing him for something.

"But it's odd, isn't it? A noble from House Shadow at an event like this... with no backup, no entourage. Not even a fellow noble from House Shadow by your side."

Astra's heart skipped a beat, his unease growing as he realized just how much attention he had drawn by being alone—how much scrutiny would fall upon him.

But instead of showing that panic, he simply smiled again, the facade of indifference settling back into place.

"Well," Astra replied coolly, his eyes glinting, "I'm not exactly a traditional noble, princess. I like to do things my way."

Seraphine's smile didn't falter, but there was a spark of challenge in her eyes. "Clearly," she said, her voice low and teasing.

"But you can't blame me for being curious. After all, it's not every day I get to meet someone with such... intriguing mystery."

"especially not someone as pretty as you" she smiled

Astra's expression tightened for a moment, but he quickly masked it, feeling the weight of the game between them shift once again. He couldn't let her dig any deeper. Not yet.

Astra's mind raced as Seraphine's gaze lingered on him. How does she see through me so easily? he thought, his brow furrowing slightly as he discreetly scanned the room. His usual cool composure was beginning to fray under the weight of her probing. This is bad...

As his eyes flicked across the banquet hall, he could feel the weight of the various auras pressing against him, subtly but undeniably.

Even as he tried to focus on his surroundings, his senses felt overwhelmed by the intensity of the gathered nobles.

In the distance, Astra noticed the unmistakable presence of several Rank fours, their auras pulsating with authority and power.

They were standing in a small group, conversing in low tones, their voices barely audible over the ambient chatter of the room. They were bishops—high-ranking officials, many of them carrying the weight of years of service, their mana as refined as their political prowess.

Astra's gaze shifted uneasily as he observed them. They were deeply entrenched in the game of the nobility, operating on a level that was far beyond his current reach. His instinctual wariness heightened, and he quickly turned his attention elsewhere, trying to keep his composure intact.

But there was a nagging feeling deep in his chest—the subtle awareness that, despite his best efforts, he wasn't truly hidden. The more he tried to mask his unease, the more he could feel eyes on him, watching.

Seraphine's voice broke through his thoughts, smooth and teasing once again, "You seem distracted, Astra. I'm sure you've noticed the... company here."

Astra blinked, as if snapping back into focus. He hadn't realized how much attention he had been giving the other nobles.

But it was hard not to when there was so much power in the room—people who had lived their entire lives refining their mana and influence, people who could crush him in an instant if they sensed even a hint of weakness.

"I've noticed," he replied coolly, his voice masking the unease that was slowly growing in the pit of his stomach. "It's a little... intimidating."

Seraphine raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his reaction. "Intimidating? I would have thought someone from House Shadow would be more comfortable in such company. Or do you think you're out of your depth?" she teased, her eyes gleaming with playful challenge.

Astra smirked, playing along, but inside, his mind was racing. I have to be careful. These people—these rank fours... they can sense weakness. They can see through me. What does she want from me?

He shifted slightly, trying to calm himself. He couldn't afford to show any more signs of vulnerability.

Not with Princess Seraphine, and certainly not with the weight of the entire room's attention on him. He wasn't a full noble yet. He wasn't ready to face the most dangerous players in this game.

"Well," Astra said, his voice settling into its usual confident tone, "I've never been one to shy away from a challenge."

But inside, a cold knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach as he caught the faintest ripple of energy coming from the bishops in the corner. They were watching him.

What have I gotten myself into?

The atmosphere around Astra shifted again, this time more subtle but no less impactful. He could feel a ripple in the air, a disturbance in the flow of energy, before a new presence entered the room.

The newcomer was cloaked in the unmistakable aura of a Rank four, his mana refined and stable, with a weight that seemed to press against Astra's skin. He felt the shadows suddenly grow deeper and starker.

Astra instinctively stiffened, his gaze darting across the room in search of the source.

A tall man dressed in an all black suit walked in, his suit had grey and gold accents, the man was tall and lithe, his hair raven black and his eyes a dark abyss, the man had extremely pale skin, and walked with arrogance and confidence, the confidence of someone who knew he was the strongest in the room. his coin pitch black with grey accents, one can almost see the difference from his coin to Astras coin

the man was undoubtedly a Rank four bishop from House Shadow and a powerful bishop at that. Astra saw how the other rank fours reacted to this mans presence 

but what drew Astra's attention was the subtle interaction that unfolded in a matter of seconds.

The bishop's dark eyes immediately locked onto Astra. For a moment, Astra's heart skipped a beat. The bishop's gaze wasn't an ordinary glance—it was an assessment. A question without words. confusion, then recognition?.

And then, just as quickly, the bishop smiled and turned away, as if nothing had happened. But Astra knew better. There was something off about that smile. A hint of suspicion? Curiosity? It was hard to tell.

Astra couldn't afford to make any assumptions. Not when his entire future hung in the balance.

And then it happened—like a shadow in the corner of his mind, the bishop's mana reached out to him.

A pulse of energy shot through the air, a discreet ripple in the flow of the room, and Astra's skin prickled as the Rank four bishop used a magic most people couldn't even begin to understand.

The spell wasn't something anyone could perceive easily—it was subtle, a whisper in the back of his thoughts, wrapped in shadows.

"Say, kid, just who are you and where did you get that coin?"

Astra's breath caught in his throat. The message wasn't just from anyone—it was from someone who could make or break his future with a single move. A Rank four. One of House Shadow's own. a genuine Demi-god.

He felt the sweat starting to bead on his forehead as his instincts screamed at him to keep his cool. What now? What do I say?

As Astra's mind whirled with potential responses, he didn't realize Seraphine had noticed the exchange.

She had seen the way Astra stiffened, the way his expression shifted ever so slightly, and a sly smile played at the corners of her lips.

"Oh look," she purred, her voice smooth and teasing, "it's a bishop from your house." She leaned in just a little closer, her breath warm against his ear, her words almost seductive.

"Well, he does seem to know you. I guess you really are from House Shadow."

Astra didn't have time to react before Seraphine whispered softly, her voice full of playful mischief, "Find me later, kay?"

Astra felt a chill run down his spine, but not from her words—it was the bishop's energy that had him rattled.

His entire focus was now on the shadowy tendrils creeping into his mind. The question was simple, but the power behind it was far from innocent.

With effort, Astra managed to keep his face neutral, trying his hardest to push back the overwhelming sense of panic creeping up his spine.

Stay calm. Just stay calm. You can handle this. You're of House Night. You can do this. But deep inside, Astra's mind was screaming.

His response to the bishop had to be perfect. He couldn't afford any misstep. If he acted too rashly, or worse, too weak, the consequences could be... unimaginable.

As he stood frozen in place, Seraphine's presence beside him felt almost like an afterthought, her words bouncing off his ears as he struggled to find an answer that would satisfy the bishop without exposing too much of himself.

Find me later? Was she trying to distract him?,"No, she saw the rank four see me, she's just shameless, but this is good, I can now reveal my imperial coin to him, I trust in Odins favor to my ancestor" Astra mind races

But right now, he couldn't afford to think about her. Not when a Rank four from House Shadow had his attention.

His thoughts were fragmented. He tried to concentrate, focusing on the bishop's magic as it flickered in his mind—distracting, insistent, and quiet as a whisper.

Who are you?