Shadows in Glowhaven.

"Another dead end, Eryndor?"

Vaelorian's voice echoed in the dimly lit alleyway, the disappointment palpable as they scanned their surroundings. The flickering light from a nearby lamp cast long shadows, deepening the air of mystery that marked yet another dead end to their investigation.

Sir Eryndor, the Prince's loyal and seasoned right hand man let out a heavy sigh, the disappointment evident in his furrowed brows.

"Afraid so, Your Highness. I'm sorry. I thought we had it this time." He paused, his voice tinged with a hint of self-reproach. "I should have known better."

"Nothing to be sorry about," Vaelorian replied, sheathing his swords with a practiced grace, the metallic sound ringing out against the cobblestones. Just moments ago, he had drawn them, sensing a threat lurking in the shadows—the skittering of alley cats had been the only danger. "This only proves that we're dealing with professionals. We're not facing simple cases of disappearance anymore, Eryndor. These are abductions!" he continued, his mind racing as he pieced the puzzle together.

Eryndor shifted, crossing his arms on his chest as he faced the Prince disguised in a hooded garment.

"Will you inform the Emperor this time?" There was an edge of concern in his voice, they both knew how precarious the situation was becoming.

Vaelorian shook his head lightly, hiding the frustration beneath his calm exterior. "Not yet! I need more information. Let's go back for now."

He could feel the weight of responsibility settling heavily on his shoulders. It wasn't just his duty that drove him; it was a sense of urgency, a desire to protect those who could not protect themselves.

"Will you head back to the camp?" Sir Eryndor asked again, a mixture of concern and confusion flickering across his face.

"No, there's much to be done. Let's head back to the hotel," Vaelorian replied quietly. A pause. Then, he added softly, "There's something we're missing, we need to keep digging."

Eryndor, ever the watchful guardian, looked like he wanted to say something further but ultimately chose silence. He bowed his head slightly and led the way through the winding streets, where the vibrant sounds of Glowhaven city pulsed like a living being.

It all began about a week ago. The prince had suddenly taken to following Eryndor on his mission to Glowhaven, curious about the recent disappearances plaguing the empire. It was risky—dangerous even—to step outside the boundaries of protocol, but Vaelorian had insisted on going anyway.

While it was good to have two people on this mission—more eyes, more chances—Eryndor couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong with the prince. Vaelorian's face, usually bright with youthful energy, now bore a trace of sadness. His appetite was gone; his focus was consumed by work. He barely spoke unless spoken to, as if trying to suppress a storm within.

The city of Glowhaven was a bustling hive of activity, a melting pot of cultures and stories within the Lumina Empire. Vaelorian had chosen this place for its diversity, hoping to gather crucial information about the recent disappearances that were sending ripples of fear through the empire.

After they entered the hotel, the young Prince wasted no time. He rushed toward the washroom and splashed cold water on his face. "Focus, Vaelorian. You can't lose sight of the mission now." he reminded himself silently, looking into the mirror, determination etched on his features.

He had relied on his network of spies, gathering whispers and clues from the city's underbelly. The intel seemed promising at first—traces, whispers of a hideout, a place where the victims might be held. But every lead had turned to ash. Dead ends. Misleading clues. Someone, somewhere, was deliberately steering him astray. The kidnappings weren't just random—they were orchestrated. Whoever was behind this knew Vaelorian was after them, and they were trying everything to stop or slow him down.

"I should have felt something—seen something by now," he thought, gnawing on the remnants of a thought that kept him awake at night. "These people don't seem to have been taken by force." How could they vanish into thin air, leaving no trail? Each time he arrived, it was a wild goose chase—an endless loop driving him deeper into paranoia.

Eryndor knocked lightly on the door, cutting into Vaelorian's silent reflection. "Your Highness, I have a few leads from the informants," he said cautiously, stepping inside with a handful of notes. "But they're vague at best."

Vaelorian turned to face him, the spark of hope flickering in his heart. "What do you have?"

Eryndor spread the parchment on the small table, the candlelight illuminating the hastily scrawled notes. "Reports of sightings in the eastern district—some believe they may have heard whispers of underground dealings." His voice dropped to a whisper, as if afraid of the walls listening in.

Vaelorian leaned closer, studying the frantic script. "Underground dealings...that seems too organized for the typical kidnappings we've seen." His brow furrowed in thought. "There must be something we're missing."

"You're right. Lumina has enjoyed twenty-six years of peace under the Emperor's reign," Eryndor noted, pacing the room. "Yet the disappearance of citizens is causing unrest, and it feels orchestrated… like someone wants to stir chaos."

Vaelorian's heart raced at the implication. "If they're trying to create unrest, what is the end goal? What do they want?" A shiver rolled down his spine. Every layer of this mystery raised more questions while answers slipped further from his grasp.

"Are we sure these victims aren't held for ransom?" Eryndor posed, concern threading through his voice. "They could be part of something much larger, more sinister."

The pieces danced in Vaelorian's mind, tangled and elusive. "Yes, but if they are taken for a purpose, why do we not hear any demands or pleas for help? Why are they just… gone?" He winced at the thought, a gut feeling spiraling deeper into unease.

"No one knows even when they are taken; they simply vanish." Eryndor mused, his expression gravely serious. "I fear we are dealing with someone—or something—that possesses gifts or resources far beyond what we've encountered. This could be years of planning."

Vaelorian's resolve hardened, determination blossoming within him. "We will find them, Eryndor. We must." He understood the stakes; it was not just the lives of a few missing citizens at stake, but the very fabric of peace binding Lumina Empire as a whole.

"Prepare for another trip into the east district, but this time, we do it carefully."

Eryndor nodded, understanding the gravity of their new mission. "I will gather what we need."

"Thank you, Eryndor." Vaelorian said genuinely.

"It's my pleasure, Your Highness." Sir Eryndor bowed before exiting the Prince's hotel room.

As Vaelorian glanced out the window at the flickering city lights and sighed deeply. He knew Eryndor was right in thinking someone was purposely stirring chaos. Lumina is a vast Empire—eight cities, each a jewel in the Emperor's crown, each with its own secrets. Luminary Prime, the Empire's capital. Aurelia, Stellara, Solaria, Dawnspire, Glowhaven, Argentum and Emberwick. These cities have all lived in harmony all until now.

Why the disappearances?

And why now?