Lucian followed Seraphine through the quiet forest, his senses sharp despite his outwardly calm demeanor. The offer intrigued him—but he wasn't foolish enough to trust it blindly.
Seraphine led him to a concealed campsite, where two horses were tethered to a tree. She mounted one with practiced ease and gestured toward the other. "Ride with me to Velmora. There, we'll meet someone who can give you answers."
Lucian mounted the horse without a word.
As they rode through the moonlit roads, Seraphine glanced at him. "You don't talk much, do you?"
Lucian didn't respond. Words were wasted on those who didn't deserve them.
She chuckled. "Fair enough. But since we're going to be working together, I'll give you some free advice—trust no one, not even me."
Lucian smirked slightly. "I never do."
They rode in silence for the rest of the night.
---
The Gates of Velmora
By dawn, the towering walls of Velmora's capital came into view. Stone fortifications stretched high, guards patrolling the entrance. A kingdom thriving on wealth and corruption.
Lucian observed everything—the positioning of guards, the movements of merchants, the hidden figures in the alleyways. The underworld operated in the shadows, but its presence was clear.
Seraphine guided him through the bustling streets, weaving past vendors and beggars. "The Syndicate's influence runs deep here. If you want power, this is where you start."
Lucian said nothing, but his mind was already forming a plan. Power wasn't given. It was taken.
They finally arrived at a secluded building in the lower district—an old tavern with no signboard. Seraphine dismounted and gestured for him to follow.
Inside, the air was thick with smoke and murmured conversations. At a corner table sat a man in dark robes, a faint scar running down his cheek.
Seraphine walked up and nodded. "Lucian, meet Darius Vale. One of the Syndicate's top enforcers."
Darius studied Lucian with sharp, assessing eyes. "So, you're the one who killed Garrik."
Lucian met his gaze without flinching. "If you're looking for revenge, get in line."
Darius smirked. "Not revenge. Opportunity."
He leaned forward. "The Syndicate has use for men like you. But first, you'll need to prove yourself."
Lucian's fingers twitched near his blade. Another test. Expected.
Darius slid a small parchment across the table. "There's a noble causing us trouble. Kill him, and we'll talk about your future."
Lucian took the parchment and unfolded it.
The target's name was Lord Edwin Caldor.
Lucian exhaled slowly.
The hunt had begun.
---