Chapter 8 – The Truth in the Shadows

As the night deepened, Selena's thoughts remained clouded with the discoveries from the underground study of the Blanchard ruins. The documents hidden deep within, her father's records mentioning both Michel de la Longe and Leon Blackwood, and the ominous presence of the Shadow Council—each revelation seemed to pull her further into an abyss. Though she had survived the frantic battle that night, she now understood her fight had surpassed mere personal vengeance. She was facing something far greater—a conspiracy that reached deep into the roots of noble society.

"So, I have to ask—where do you go from here?"

The moment they stepped outside the ruins, Leon sheathed his sword and glanced at her. Beyond the broken walls, the night stretched into endless darkness, while bloodstains and dust clung to their boots.

"My father's records confirm that our family's downfall was orchestrated—not just the betrayal of a few individuals, but a deliberate, systematic effort."

Selena steadied her breath before continuing. "And at the center of it all is a group called the Shadow Council. If I'm going to fight back, I need more information."

"You're planning to go up against the aristocracy's ruling elite? Ambitious."

Leon's smirk was laced with sarcasm, but his eyes remained sharp.

"And you're right—I know you suspect that I might be tied to all of this, too. But even I didn't expect to see my name in your father's records. If the Shadow Council truly exists, this is no longer just about your personal revenge."

A silence passed between them. Even Selena had to admit—she was stepping beyond the confines of betrayal and exile, straight into the heart of a war much larger than herself. Her house had been reduced to rubble, far beyond saving, yet within those ruins, she had found a new battle to fight.

"But you realize," Leon spoke slowly, "if the Shadow Council really has the power to control this kingdom from behind the scenes, you won't be able to shake them so easily. Wandering into noble society without solid proof will only get you killed."

Selena nodded, her voice unwavering. "I know. That's why I'm going to the Ashen Quarter."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "The old black market? That place is a lawless pit."

"More than that now," she corrected. "It's a sanctuary for the desperate and those cast out by the nobility. If anyone has survived the Shadow Council's wrath or dares to oppose them, I'll find them there."

Leon let out a low whistle. "You really have been doing your research."

"I've heard about the Ashen Quarter before," he admitted. "The nobles treat it like a disease they pretend doesn't exist. But it's ruled by someone dangerous—Lucretia Haren."

Selena nodded. "She was once a noble herself, but they say the Shadow Council ruined her."

"If she truly holds power there," Selena continued, "then she's the one I need to meet. Whatever obstacles are in my way, I have to uncover the truth—the ones who orchestrated my father's murder, and what this organization truly is."

With her decision made, the two of them set out for the outskirts of the capital. Time was running short. The Shadow Council would move soon, and she had to act before they did. Though the road ahead was uncertain, she felt oddly relieved—at least for now, Camilo had disappeared from sight, sparing her the tangled emotions that came with him.

Days later, they arrived at the edge of the Ashen Quarter.

It was a desolate, lawless wasteland. Makeshift signs made of wooden scraps marked the district's borders, and every alley held watchful eyes. The air was thick with desperation and danger. Here, noble status meant nothing—it was a place where wealth or a careless glance could get you killed in an instant. Selena pulled her cloak tighter and shot Leon a warning glance.

"Try not to act like a privileged noble heir here."

Her tone was sharp, but concern underpinned her words. In this place, carrying a weapon was expected, but looking like easy prey would be a death sentence.

Leon, for once, didn't joke. He simply nodded and followed her lead.

The alleys twisted like a maze, lined with crumbling shacks and hidden figures whispering in the dark. The nobles feared this place, but here, it was Lucretia Haren who ruled. If the rumors were true, she was more than just a survivor—she was a power unto herself.

After discreet inquiries, they arrived at a worn-down estate rumored to be her headquarters. Armed guards stood at the entrance, watching them with cold, assessing eyes. This was no simple meeting.

Selena stepped forward, her voice firm. "We're here to see Lucretia Haren. Tell her we want to buy information—about the Shadow Council."

The guards stiffened at her words, glancing at the dagger at her belt. One disappeared inside, relaying the message. Moments later, the doors creaked open, and they were ushered in.

Inside, a woman sat upon a carved wooden chair, idly twirling a small dagger in her fingers. She was not dressed in luxury, but the aura of authority surrounding her was unmistakable. Her gaze was sharp, calculating.

"I hear you're Selena Blanchard," she said, voice laced with amusement. "The fallen noble, and… Leon Blackwood, of all people. Now, that's an interesting combination."

She smirked, leaning forward. "I never expected you two to come knocking on my door. Word is, you've made quite a few enemies lately. The Shadow Council is after you, and yet you risked coming here. Either reckless or desperate. Which is it?"

Selena met her gaze without hesitation. "Neither. We're here because we need the truth."

"And we're willing to pay for it."

Lucretia tilted her head, intrigued. "So, what you want is information. But I don't deal in favors—I need something in return."

Leon, ever cautious, spoke next. "We have no reason to betray you. If we wanted you dead, we wouldn't have come here. A deal benefits both of us."

A pause, then Lucretia chuckled. "Fair enough. But I don't give away my secrets for free."

She stood, walking to a tattered map on the wall. Tracing her finger along its edges, she spoke.

"Recently, I've noticed movement in my district—strangers, watching my people. Someone's infiltrated my territory. I suspect they're from the Shadow Council, trying to keep tabs on me."

She turned back to them. "Find out who they are. Bring me proof. Then, I'll consider sharing what I know."

Selena felt frustration rise in her chest, but she swallowed it down. This was no time for emotion.

"Fine," she said. "We came here ready to risk everything. We have no reason to betray you either."

Lucretia smirked. "We'll see about that."

And so, the deal was struck.

The next day, Selena and Leon prowled the alleys of the Ashen Quarter, watching, listening. The Shadow Council had already reached this place—she could feel it.

Then, the trap sprung.

They had barely begun their search when armed figures emerged from the shadows.

Leon's smirk was cold. "They were waiting for us."

A voice called out: "Selena Blanchard! We have orders to take you alive. Surrender now, or your companion dies."

Weapons gleamed in the dim light. These weren't common thugs—they moved with deadly precision.

Selena drew Blood Requiem, heart pounding. "If they want me alive, that means they still need me. I'm not running."

The battle erupted.

Unlike before, she didn't hesitate. The past months of struggle had sharpened her instincts, and now she fought back not as prey, but as a hunter. Leon kept their flanks covered, cutting down any who got too close.

"You're getting better," he muttered, parrying a blade. "Less like a fugitive, more like a predator."

Selena's breath was ragged. "I can't afford to lose anymore."

Within moments, the last attacker fell, groaning. Selena pressed her blade against one of the wounded men's throats.

"The Shadow Council sent you, didn't they? What were you looking for?"

The man spat blood but refused to speak.

Ignoring him, she turned to the abandoned warehouse they had been guarding. Inside, she found a bundle of aged parchment.

Leon's expression darkened as he read. "This document… it mentions House Blackwood."

Selena felt her chest tighten. "So, your family is involved with them after all."

Leon exhaled, his voice unreadable. "Looks like I have more to answer for than I thought."

And so, the fractures deepened. The truth was emerging, and with it, new dangers.