Chapter 12: The Journey Begins

Kael wasn't used to traveling with people.

She wasn't used to talking unless it was necessary. She wasn't used to the constant noise of someone like Riven.

And yet—here she was.

The underground stretched before them, a vast network of forgotten tunnels, collapsed ruins, and shadows that hid more than just secrets.

Kael walked ahead, leading the way with quiet precision, every step calculated. Jorrik followed close behind, ever-watchful, while Riven strolled too casually for someone with a target on his back.

"You know," Riven mused, his voice breaking the silence, "if this is how it's going to be the entire time, I might die of boredom before the warlords get to me."

Kael ignored him.

Jorrik groaned. "Kael, for the love of the gods, just say something. Anything. Insult him, if you have to."

Kael didn't slow her pace. "I don't waste my breath on meaningless things."

Riven grinned. "Oh, sweetheart, that hurt."

"Good."

Jorrik muttered something under his breath, shaking his head.

The path ahead narrowed, forcing them into single file as they climbed over fallen stone and twisted, rusted metal. The underground wasn't just tunnels—it was layers upon layers of old cities, buried beneath time and ruin.

Kael had memorized most of it.

But even she hadn't seen all of it.

"Where exactly are we going?" she asked finally, glancing over her shoulder.

Riven didn't hesitate. "To a place called Blackreach."

Kael frowned. She had heard that name before. A ruined district deep underground, abandoned even by the warlords. No one went there. Not unless they had a death wish.

Jorrik sighed heavily. "Of course we are."

Kael stopped, turning to face them. "And what exactly are we looking for?"

Riven's expression didn't change. "A key."

Kael's fingers twitched at the cryptic answer. "A key to what?"

Riven's smirk didn't fade. "You'll find out soon enough."

Kael exhaled slowly, reminding herself why she was here. She needed answers.

If playing along with his game got her closer to the truth, then so be it.

"Fine," she said flatly. "But if you get us killed, I'll make sure you regret it."

Riven's blue eyes glinted. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

*The First Night*

They traveled for hours, weaving through old passageways, avoiding places where the warlords' men might still be hunting.

By the time they stopped for the night, they had reached an old, collapsed library, its stone walls cracked and overgrown with vines, its books long turned to dust.

Kael sat near the entrance, back against the wall, her bow resting on her lap.

Riven and Jorrik set up a small fire, the flames flickering dimly against the broken ceiling.

"Alright," Jorrik muttered, stretching his arms. "Since we're all stuck together for the foreseeable future, someone needs to start talking."

Kael arched an eyebrow. "Talking about what?"

Jorrik shrugged. "Something. Anything. Your favorite way to kill someone?"

Riven smirked. "I like this game."

Kael rolled her eyes.

Jorrik turned to her. "Alright, what about your family? What were they like?"

The question hit harder than it should have.

Kael's fingers tightened around the bow. "Dead."

Jorrik exhaled sharply. "Right. That's one way to answer."

Riven watched her carefully. He hadn't said much since they stopped, but she could feel his eyes on her—studying, waiting.

She didn't like it.

She didn't like the way he looked at her like she was a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Finally, she said, "My family was noble. We came from a knight's bloodline."

Riven's expression didn't change. "Which house?"

Kael hesitated.

She hadn't spoken her family's name in years.

But then, quietly—"House Veyne."

Something flickered across Riven's face. Something she couldn't read.

But it was gone before she could question it.

Jorrik let out a low whistle. "House Veyne. That's not just any noble house."

Kael exhaled, forcing the past back down where it belonged. "It doesn't matter. They're gone."

Jorrik didn't push further.

But Riven?

Riven was still watching her.

Like he knew something.

Like he had heard the name before.

Kael's stomach twisted.

She didn't like this.

Didn't like that the truth was getting closer.

Because the closer she got—the more dangerous it became.