Into the Shadows

Emma walked beside Alexander, her heart pounding in her chest as they followed Lucien and Dmitri down the dimly lit corridor. The grandeur of the ballroom faded behind them, replaced by the cool hush of the private wing.

Every step felt heavier, the stakes rising with each passing second.

Marcus's voice crackled in their earpieces. "I don't like this. This isn't just a casual meeting."

Emma swallowed. She knew that. They all did.

Lucien led them to a set of dark mahogany doors at the end of the hallway. With a glance at Dmitri, he pushed them open, revealing an elegant yet intimate wine cellar.

Walls lined with aged bottles stretched toward the ceiling, dim lighting casting long shadows across the room. A polished wooden table sat at the center, already set with crystal glasses and an open bottle of Château Margaux.

Dmitri motioned for them to sit. "Please, Vincent. Join us."

Alexander slid into the seat opposite Dmitri, his posture relaxed yet alert. Emma took the chair beside him, keeping her movements graceful and composed.

Lucien poured the wine, his smirk never fading. "I must admit, I was intrigued when I saw your name on the guest list tonight. You've been rather… elusive."

Alexander took the glass but didn't drink. "I prefer to keep my affairs private."

Dmitri chuckled. "Privacy is a luxury, my friend. One that men like us can rarely afford."

Emma felt the weight of their gazes shift to her. She met Lucien's eyes with a carefully measured smile. "Men like you?" she echoed, feigning curiosity.

Lucien leaned back, swirling his wine. "Men who deal in things far more valuable than gold."

A cryptic answer. A test.

Emma tilted her head. "And what exactly would that be?"

Lucien's smile widened. "Loyalty. Power. Secrets."

She felt a chill creep down her spine.

Dmitri exhaled, placing his glass down. "Enough games. If Vincent is here, it's not by chance. What do you want?"

The tension in the room sharpened.

Alexander exhaled slowly. "Perhaps I'm looking for new business partners."

Lucien raised a brow. "Is that so?"

Dmitri chuckled darkly. "I find that hard to believe."

Emma gripped her glass, maintaining her facade of calm. They were being watched carefully.

Marcus's voice cut through her earpiece. "Emma, Sokolov's men are stationed at the exits. If things go south, you won't have an easy way out."

She fought the urge to react.

Lucien set his glass down. "Vincent, we've both been in this world long enough to know that trust is earned, not given. If you truly wish to sit at this table, then perhaps… a gesture of goodwill is required."

Emma's pulse spiked. A test.

Alexander leaned back, his expression unreadable. "And what kind of gesture would that be?"

Lucien's smirk returned. "There's a certain artifact I've been seeking. One that's recently come into the possession of an… unfortunate individual."

Dmitri's gaze darkened. "A politician who's been making trouble for us."

Emma's stomach twisted. She knew what they were asking.

Lucien rested his elbows on the table. "Retrieve it for me, and we'll consider your place among us."

Silence stretched between them.

Alexander exhaled through his nose. "That's quite the request."

Lucien simply smiled.

Emma glanced at Alexander. They had no choice.

Alexander lifted his glass, the reflection of the candlelight glinting in his eyes. "Consider it done."

Lucien's smirk deepened. "Excellent."

The game had officially begun.