Chapter 25: The Silver Serpent’s Identity

Leon moved silently through the upper floors of the Red Lotus Pavilion, his steps light despite the weight of his sword at his side.

The hallway was dimly lit, the red silk curtains shifting slightly as warm air moved through the corridors. The scent of exotic perfume and spiced wine filled the air, masking the stench of corruption that lingered beneath.

At the end of the hallway, a lavishly decorated door stood closed.

The Silver Serpent was inside.

Leon placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. He wasn't here for games.

Taking a deep breath, he kicked the door open.

Face to Face with the Mastermind

Inside the private chamber, a man in elegant robes sat leisurely on a velvet couch, a goblet of wine in his hand. He looked completely unbothered by Leon's sudden entrance.

The noble's piercing green eyes met Leon's with amusement, his lips curling into a smirk.

"Ah… I was wondering when you'd come knocking, Leon."

Leon narrowed his eyes. "You knew I was coming?"

The noble chuckled, swirling his wine. "Of course. You're not the type to let an assassination attempt slide."

Leon stepped forward, gripping his sword. "Then you should also know I don't tolerate snakes."

The noble sighed dramatically, setting his goblet down. "Snakes? My dear Leon, that's such an ugly term. I prefer… strategist."

Leon's patience was wearing thin. "Enough with the word games. Who hired you?"

The noble tilted his head. "Why don't you take a guess?"

Leon's eyes darkened. "The Crimson Fang."

The noble grinned. "Correct."

Leon clenched his fists. "And who the hell is that?"

The noble took a slow sip of wine before answering.

"Your dear older brother, of course."

A Family Betrayal

For a moment, the world went silent.

Then, cold laughter escaped Leon's lips.

"Of course," he muttered. "That bastard always did want me dead."

The noble leaned forward. "It makes sense, doesn't it? Your brother sees you as a threat. You've humiliated him just by breathing."

Leon smirked. "I do have that effect on people."

The noble chuckled. "Indeed. But that's not the best part."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

The noble's grin widened. "Your father knew about it."

Silence.

Leon's smirk vanished.

"What?"

The noble leaned back, pleased by Leon's reaction. "I see you're finally taking this seriously."

Leon's grip on his sword tightened. His father knew.

And he did nothing.

Of course he did nothing.

His father had abandoned him before. Why would he care now?

Leon took a deep breath, shoving the anger down. "Why are you telling me all this?"

The noble's smirk never faded. "Because I find you… interesting."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "That so?"

The noble nodded. "You're different, Leon. Smarter. Stronger. Unpredictable. I like that."

Leon chuckled. "So what, you want to switch sides?"

The noble shrugged. "I prefer to side with whoever is winning. And right now? You have the potential to win everything."

Leon studied him carefully. The Silver Serpent was dangerous. But he wasn't necessarily an enemy.

Not yet.

"Fine," Leon said. "Tell me your name."

The noble smiled.

"Darius von Leclair."

Leon smirked. "I'll remember that."

A New Ally?

As Leon turned to leave, Darius called out.

"Oh, and Leon?"

Leon paused. "What?"

Darius grinned. "If you ever want to make your dear family suffer, you know where to find me."

Leon chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

With that, he walked out, his mind racing.

His own brother had put a price on his head.

His father had let it happen.

And now?

It was time to strike back.