32 - The Trap Closes

The river district of Ravensbourne was quieter than the bustling market, but its silence carried a different kind of tension. Narrow alleys twisted between stone buildings, moisture clinging to the walls from the mist rolling off the nearby waters. The sound of boats knocking against the docks echoed through the streets, mingling with the distant murmur of low voices.

Seraphina and Caelum moved carefully, sticking to the shadows as they approached a small, weathered apothecary tucked between two larger buildings. A faded wooden sign hung above the entrance, the paint long worn away by time and neglect. The place looked abandoned, but Caelum's instincts told him otherwise.

Seraphina cast a sharp glance at her father. "Are you sure about this?"

Caelum's expression remained unreadable, but she caught the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "If he's still the man I knew, yes."

That wasn't reassuring.

Seraphina's fingers tensed near the dagger hidden beneath her cloak as she stepped forward. With a final glance over their surroundings, she pushed the door open.

Inside the Apothecary

The scent of dried herbs and old parchment filled the dimly lit shop. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with glass jars containing powders, roots, and strange mixtures. A thick layer of dust coated most of them—except for a select few, the ones that were still in use.

A hunched figure emerged from behind the counter, his gray-streaked beard hiding most of his face. His eyes, however, were sharp as they flicked between the two visitors.

Caelum stepped forward first. "Leoric."

The old apothecary hesitated for only a second before sighing. "Should've known you'd come knocking eventually."

Seraphina didn't like his tone. She tensed, subtly shifting her weight into a stance that would let her move quickly if needed.

Caelum, however, remained calm. "We need safe passage out of the city."

Leoric exhaled through his nose. "And you think I have that kind of pull?"

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "If you didn't, you wouldn't still be here."

The old man let out a dry chuckle. "Smart girl." He turned back to Caelum. "The city's locked down tighter than I've ever seen. Your names are whispered in the dark corners of every street. You've stirred something big, old friend."

Caelum's face remained impassive, but Seraphina saw the way his fingers flexed at his side—a small tell, one only she would notice.

"We don't need much," Caelum said. "Just a window. Something to get us out before—"

Before Leoric could respond, a flicker of movement in the corner of Seraphina's eye set every nerve in her body on edge.

Too late.

The door behind them slammed shut.

Seraphina reacted instantly, spinning around, dagger in hand. Caelum had already moved, stepping protectively in front of her.

But the trap had already closed.

From the shadows of the shop, figures emerged. Five of them. All dressed in dark, practical clothing. No insignias, no armor—nothing that identified them as city guards or bounty hunters.

Seraphina's stomach twisted. No. These weren't ordinary mercenaries. Their movements were too controlled, their positioning too precise.

Whoever they were, they weren't here by accident.

A tall, lean man stepped forward, his face partially obscured by the dim candlelight. His expression was calm—collected in a way that was almost unsettling.

"Seraphina, Caelum Vaelcrest." His voice was measured, smooth. "You've led us on quite the chase."

Seraphina gritted her teeth. "And who exactly are you supposed to be?"

The man smiled faintly. "A concerned party."

Caelum's hand twitched slightly. Not enough for anyone else to notice, but Seraphina recognized it—his way of signaling her to be ready.

The others moved with calculated patience, spreading out just enough to ensure no clear escape route remained.

A trap, perfectly executed.

Seraphina's mind raced. Could they fight their way out? Possible, but risky. And they still didn't know who these people were or what they wanted.

Caelum exhaled slowly, then spoke in an even tone. "If you wanted us dead, you wouldn't have gone through this much trouble."

The man tilted his head slightly. "True."

Seraphina's grip tightened on her dagger. "Then what do you want?"

The man's eyes flickered with amusement. "A conversation."

Seraphina's jaw clenched. Every instinct in her body screamed that this was a mistake. But they were outnumbered, outmaneuvered.

Caelum met her gaze. A silent decision passed between them.

For now, they would listen.

But the moment an opening appeared—they would take it.