29 - True Intentions

——-present——-

As Aldric explained in detail the benefits of Raven's Shadow Guild to the five operatives, Mara spoke up, her tone laced with suspicion.

"Why do you offer us so many benefits? Spies like us are used to being discarded the moment we're no longer useful. If all you wanted was loyalty, gold would be enough. So why go so far as to ensure even our families receive part of our salary after we die?"

The other four operatives exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring Mara's curiosity as they turned to Aldric, awaiting his answer.

Aldric gave Mara a knowing smile, his eyes filled with a quiet conviction. "Gold can buy loyalty, but only for as long as the purse remains full. Fear can enforce obedience, but only until the chains rust and break. But respect… honor… a cause worth fighting for? That's what binds people in ways no coin ever could."

He leaned forward, his voice calm yet unwavering. "I don't see you as tools to be discarded. You and every operative in Raven's Shadow are not mere shadows that fade when the light shifts. You are people. Warriors of the unseen battlefield. And I refuse to build an empire on the backs of those who live and die in the dark, forgotten."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, his tone carrying a rare warmth. "The world has never been kind to people like you—to us. But I will be. Not because I expect blind devotion, but because I want you to believe in something greater than mere survival. If I treat you well in life, and honor you in death, then you'll know that in this guild, you are more than expendable pieces on a board. You are part of a legacy, a family. And a family does not abandon its own."

Aldric leaned back, his gaze steady on Mara. "So tell me… would you rather serve someone who sees you as a blade to be used and discarded? Or would you stand beside a leader who ensures that even if you fall, those you leave behind will never have to suffer for your sacrifice?"

A moment of silence passed, heavy yet powerful. Then, with a small smirk, he added, "Besides… when the enemy looks at you, I want them to wonder—what kind of leader inspires spies to fight for him so fiercely, even beyond the grave?"

Mara "Fox" Valen watched Aldric closely, weighing his words against the mission she and her team had been given. They had their orders—integrate into Raven's Shadows, rise through the ranks, and ensure Aldric succeeded in his endeavors, all without him ever knowing they were his father's hidden hand.

But now, hearing him speak, she found herself hesitating.

This wasn't the voice of a noble who saw spies as disposable blades. Aldric spoke with conviction, with purpose. He wasn't just commanding them—he was offering them something different.

Mara narrowed her eyes. "You talk like we're more than just tools, but I've heard that before. I've seen how it ends." Her voice was careful, calculated. "You say you value us. That we're not just expendable." A pause. A test. "Is that truly what you believe?"

Edgar "Red" Fallon, leaning casually against the wall, smirked. "I've tracked men across battlefields and beasts through the wilderness, and I know when something—or someone—is worth following." His sharp gaze locked onto Aldric. "Maybe you are. Maybe you aren't. But you don't speak like a man who plays games with people like us. And that's… interesting."

Tobias Gray adjusted his sleeves, his fingers instinctively brushing against the coded documents in his coat pocket. "Words are easy to say, my lord. But in my experience, the truth is always buried between the lines." He tilted his head. "And yet, I find myself wanting to read more of what you have to say."

Gerrod Holt let out a low chuckle, arms crossed over his chest. "Men like us don't get second chances. We don't get offered a place where we can be more than ghosts." His expression was unreadable, but there was something keen in his eyes. "So either you're naïve, or you see something in us that even we've forgotten."

Royce Tannor, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his voice smooth and unreadable. "If you're being honest, then you're either a fool or something far more dangerous." He studied Aldric, his interest piqued. "And I think I'd like to find out which."

Mara exchanged glances with her team, the unspoken understanding passing between them. Their mission had not changed—Duke Alaric's orders remained absolute. But something unexpected had happened.

Aldric had intrigued them.

Perhaps Aldric truly was different. And perhaps… just perhaps… he was worth following, not because Duke Alaric commanded it, but because of the man he was becoming.

Aldric listened to their words carefully, reading between the lines. They were testing him, assessing whether he was truly different or just another noble making empty promises. Their skepticism was expected—earned, even. He met their gazes without flinching.

"I wouldn't expect blind trust," he said evenly. "And I know words mean little without proof. You'll get your chance to judge me by my actions soon enough." His expression was firm, but there was no arrogance in his tone—only certainty. "You aren't disposable to me. If you were, I wouldn't be wasting my breath convincing you otherwise."

He let that linger before adding, "All I ask is that you do your jobs. Not for me, not for some lofty ideal—but because you chose to be here. If, in time, that choice turns into something more, then I'll have earned it."

A heavy silence settled in, thick with unspoken thoughts. Before it could stretch too long, Lucien let out a sharp exhale, pushing off from where he leaned against the wall.

"Well, now that we've gotten the dramatic speeches out of the way," he drawled, "I'd like to remind everyone that we do have an actual job to get to. Unless you'd all rather sit around swapping philosophy lessons?"

Aldric chuckled at Lucien. "Alright alright lets get to work."