Chapter 8: The Hunt Begins

The night stretched over Torren like a cloak, the streets alive with whispers of secrets, deals, and death. Leon and Iris moved through the maze-like alleys, their destination set—the Merchant's Quarter, where their target was last seen.

Leon unfolded the note Vance had given him.

Target: Roderic Vale.

Location: Merchant's Quarter, The Silver Lily Brothel.

Status: Eliminate quietly. No witnesses.

Leon smirked. "A brothel, huh? At least this job starts interesting."

Iris shot him a glare. "Don't get distracted."

He chuckled. "What, worried I'll get lost in temptation?"

She rolled her eyes. "I know you will."

Leon grinned but stayed focused. He had no intention of failing his first real contract.

A Name Worth Killing For

As they neared the Merchant's Quarter, Iris spoke in a hushed tone. "Roderic Vale. Name sounds familiar."

Leon glanced at her. "Who is he?"

"A noble-born merchant. Used to have connections to the Black Vipers, but word is he tried to cut a deal behind their backs." She smirked. "And if there's one thing the Vipers hate, it's a traitor."

Leon hummed. "So we're doing their dirty work for them?"

"More like cleaning up the leftovers."

Leon's grip tightened on his sword. "If he's just a merchant, this'll be easy."

Iris shook her head. "Don't be stupid. A guy like him? He's expecting assassins."

Leon smirked. "Good. That'll make it fun."

The Silver Lily

The Silver Lily was a grand establishment, the kind of place where the wealthy came to indulge their pleasures. Velvet curtains, golden chandeliers, and soft music filled the air as servants moved between guests, catering to their every desire.

Leon and Iris entered separately. She blended into the shadows, while he walked in boldly, dressed in fine clothes they had "acquired" earlier.

A beautiful hostess approached him. "Welcome, my lord. How may we… serve you tonight?"

Leon flashed a charming smile. "I'm looking for a friend. Roderic Vale."

The hostess hesitated, then lowered her voice. "Third floor. Red door at the end of the hall."

Leon pressed a gold coin into her hand. "Forget I asked."

She smiled and vanished into the crowd.

Iris reappeared at his side, whispering, "You're paying way too much for information."

Leon smirked. "Charm has its price."

She scoffed. "Let's move."

A Room of Secrets

They made their way up the grand staircase, slipping past drunken guests and oblivious guards.

Leon pressed his ear against the red door. Voices inside. Two men.

"—I told you, I had no choice!"

A deep voice responded, calm and deadly. "And I told you, traitors don't get second chances."

Iris shot Leon a look. "Someone beat us to him."

Leon grinned. "Not for long."

He kicked open the door.

Inside, Roderic Vale stood trembling, a dagger in hand. Across from him, a hooded figure held a thin, curved sword—a professional assassin.

The hooded man turned. "Hmph. More interruptions."

Leon unsheathed his sword, smirking. "Sorry, but this one's ours."

Blades in the Dark

The assassin moved first. He lunged at Leon with terrifying speed, his blade flashing under the dim candlelight.

Leon barely dodged, the assassin's sword slicing a few strands of his hair.

Iris attacked from behind, daggers flashing. The assassin spun, blocking effortlessly.

Roderic, seeing the chaos, made a break for the window.

Leon growled. "Oh no, you don't."

He kicked over a table, knocking Roderic to the floor. "Stay put, coward."

The assassin came at him again—faster this time. Their blades clashed in a deadly dance, sparks flying.

Iris feinted, throwing a dagger. The assassin dodged, but it was enough.

Leon saw his opening. He twisted his body, driving his sword through the assassin's gut.

The man gasped, eyes wide in shock. Then he slumped, dead.

Leon exhaled. "Not bad."

Iris wiped her blade. "You're getting better."

Leon turned to Roderic, who was whimpering on the floor.

"Please," Roderic begged. "I can pay you."

Leon crouched, gripping Roderic's collar. "You made enemies in the wrong places."

Roderic's eyes darted around, desperate. "You don't have to do this—"

Leon smiled darkly. "Yes, I do."

A swift strike. Blood pooled on the floor.

Iris sighed. "Messy."

Leon smirked. "Effective."

They slipped out before the guards even knew what had happened.

A Taste of Power

Back in the alley, Leon felt a rush of satisfaction. His first real contract was done.

Iris leaned against the wall, watching him. "You like this, don't you?"

Leon exhaled, smirking. "More than I thought I would."

She studied him, then shook her head. "You're dangerous."

Leon laughed. "And you're still here."

Iris sighed. "Yeah. I am."

Their eyes met for a moment, something unspoken passing between them.

Then, footsteps approached.

Leon turned, gripping his sword.

A figure stood at the alley's entrance.

It was Cain.

"Well," Cain said, smirking. "Looks like you do have potential after all."