Chapter 15: The Path to Power
The Road Ahead
The fire had burned low, flickering shadows stretching across the rocky canyon walls. Kael sat in silence, turning Lyra's ring over in his palm.
A thousand years.
A thousand years since his empire had fallen.
A thousand years since he had watched his most trusted allies die.
And yet—Lyra Everhold still lived.
Across from him, Lyra leaned back against the stone, arms crossed. She wasn't asleep, but she wasn't speaking either.
Darius had long since drifted into a light sleep, though Kael could tell from his breathing that the old general remained on edge. Selene, however, sat beside the fire, absently sharpening her daggers.
The silence stretched.
Finally, Selene sighed. "So. What now?"
Kael didn't answer immediately. He watched the fire, his golden eyes reflecting its glow. He had a goal, but no army. A throne, but no kingdom.
He needed power. Resources. Allies. A foothold.
"The city of Ardentis," he said at last.
Darius stirred. "Ardentis?" He frowned. "That place is a viper's nest."
Selene raised an eyebrow. "What's in Ardentis?"
Kael's smirk was cold. "Opportunity."
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Ardentis: The City of Daggers
The road to Ardentis was long and treacherous. The city sat on the border of what had once been Kael's empire, a lawless stronghold controlled by crime lords, exiled nobles, and mercenaries who sold their blades to the highest bidder.
It was not a place for the weak.
Which made it the perfect place for Kael to begin.
Three days had passed since their escape from Blackhold. They traveled on foot, avoiding the main roads. Kael knew the Imperial Wardens would still be searching for them.
Lyra walked beside him, her steps light, her silver eyes ever watchful.
"You still don't trust me," she murmured.
Kael didn't glance at her. "Should I?"
Lyra chuckled. "You used to."
Kael exhaled through his nose. "I used to have an empire too."
Lyra smirked. "Fair enough."
Selene, walking ahead, groaned. "Great. More cryptic conversations."
Darius, ever the realist, ignored them all. "If we're going to Ardentis, we'll need coin." He gave Kael a pointed look. "I assume you have a plan?"
Kael's smirk widened. "Of course."
Selene sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of."
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The First Move
Ardentis was a city of shadows.
Its streets were tight and twisting, filled with merchants selling stolen goods, assassins looking for contracts, and mercenaries waiting for war.
As Kael and his group entered the city, he felt it immediately.
Eyes watching. Weighing. Judging.
A place like this devoured the weak.
Which meant Kael had to make it clear—he was not prey.
They moved toward a crowded market square, the air thick with the scent of roasted meat, spilled ale, and something sharper.
Blood.
A fight had broken out in the square's center.
Two men circled each other, knives flashing, as a cheering crowd placed bets.
Kael barely spared them a glance. He wasn't here for entertainment.
He was here to make a statement.
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A Name Worth Remembering
Kael stopped before a large stone building on the edge of the square. Its banners were black, adorned with a golden serpent.
Selene frowned. "This place… You're not serious."
Kael smirked. "Deadly serious."
Darius sighed. "You're planning to go after the Black Viper?"
Lyra's silver eyes gleamed with amusement. "I approve."
Selene threw up her hands. "Who the hell is the Black Viper?"
Kael turned to her. "The most powerful crime lord in Ardentis."
Selene crossed her arms. "And we're just… walking into her den?"
Kael nodded. "Yes."
Darius grunted. "And your plan?"
Kael's smirk was razor-sharp. "Simple. We take what we need."
Selene stared. "That's not a plan. That's a death sentence."
Kael laughed. "Then let's see if they can kill me."
And with that, he stepped inside.
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