Chapter 5: A Dangerous Bargain

Riven knew when he was outnumbered.

The underground safehouse was dead silent, every pair of eyes locked onto him. The weight of their suspicion was almost tangible, pressing in from all sides.

The wrong move, the wrong word, and he wouldn't leave this room alive.

Still, he smiled.

Because fear wasn't something he allowed himself to feel.

He leaned casually against the nearest table, ignoring the way Kael tensed at the movement. "You're all acting like I walked in here just to start trouble," he mused. "I'm just a simple traveler—"

Kael's dagger embedded itself in the wood beside his hand.

He didn't flinch.

Slowly, he turned his gaze to her. "That's twice now," he murmured. "You really should stop throwing knives at me, sweetheart. One of these days, I might take it personally."

Kael's storm-gray eyes were unreadable. "Then stop talking like an idiot and start explaining."

Riven glanced at Bast, who was still watching him with that piercing, one-eyed stare. He got the feeling that whatever Kael lacked in patience, this man made up for in ruthless efficiency.

Fine. Time to give them something.

Just not everything.

Riven straightened, running a hand through his grey hair, deliberately slow, deliberately unbothered. "Alright," he said. "You want the truth?"

Kael crossed her arms. "Obviously."

He smirked. "I'm looking for something."

Bast didn't react, but Kael's brow furrowed slightly. "Something?"

Riven nodded. "Something important."

"That's not an answer," Kael snapped.

"It's the best answer you're getting," he countered smoothly.

Bast finally spoke. "And why would this 'something' bring you to Ravaryn?"

Riven exhaled through his nose, letting the amusement drain from his expression just slightly. "Because Ravaryn is where things disappear."

That wasn't a lie.

And it was just vague enough to keep them guessing.

Kael studied him for a long moment, and Riven found himself fascinated by the way her mind worked. He could see it in her eyes—the way she analyzed every word, dissecting his tone, weighing whether she should believe him.

He had met many people who thought they were clever.

But Kael?

Kael was dangerous.

Finally, she said, "You're hiding something."

Riven grinned. "Of course I am. That's what makes me interesting."

Kael looked like she was considering stabbing him again.

But before she could, the door slammed open.

The Warlords Make Their Move

A woman burst into the room, breathless, eyes wide with alarm. "We have a problem."

Bast turned sharply. "What kind of problem?"

She swallowed hard. "The warlords. They're moving. They're sending men through the tunnels—armed to the teeth."

Kael's entire body went rigid.

Damn it.

This was what she had been afraid of.

The warlords had clearly caught wind of Riven's presence. And if they were making a move this fast, it meant they wanted him badly.

Bast was already grabbing a weapon off the table. "They're not here yet, which means we have two options—hide or fight."

Riven let out a low whistle. "You people move fast."

Kael whirled on him. "You. This is your fault."

Riven raised his hands innocently. "I didn't invite them."

She grabbed the front of his shirt, hauling him closer. "They wouldn't be coming here if it weren't for you."

Riven definitely noticed how close she was.

She was furious, tension radiating off her in waves, but there was something else there too. Something beneath the anger.

Something that felt like fear.

Not for herself.

For her people.

That realization made something shift in Riven's chest.

Still, he couldn't help himself.

"You really like getting close to me, don't you?" he murmured.

Kael shoved him back so hard he nearly hit the table.

"Enough," Bast snapped. "We don't have time for this." He turned to Riven, eyes hard. "The warlords clearly want you. That means we can use you."

Riven arched a brow. "Oh? Do tell."

Bast's voice was like a blade. "You help us take down the warlords."

Riven tilted his head. "And if I say no?"

Kael's fingers twitched near her dagger. "Then you can take your chances alone."

Jorrik, who had been silent this entire time, groaned. "Gods, just take the deal, Riven."

Riven chuckled, but something in his expression turned serious.

Because the truth was—he had his own reasons for wanting the warlords out of the way.

His own reasons for being here.

And if teaming up with a knife-wielding menace was the fastest way to get what he wanted…

"Alright," he said, flashing a sharp grin. "Looks like we have a deal."