Chapter 7: The First Fracture

The city of Eldoria, a bastion of civilization, had always prided itself on its order. Yet, beneath its polished exterior, cracks had begun to form. Kael stood in the heart of it all, watching from the shadows as his carefully placed whispers took root.

In the grand hall of the merchant guild, tensions flared. Accusations of unfair deals and hidden taxes flew like daggers, each word another fracture in the delicate balance that held Eldoria together. Kael smirked. He had merely fanned the embers, and already the fire was beginning to spread.

One noble, Lord Varun, stormed from the meeting, his face dark with barely restrained fury. Kael followed, stepping into his path as though by coincidence.

"A man of your vision deserves better," Kael murmured, his voice a velvet snare.

Varun hesitated, his anger making him pliable. "And who might you be?"

Kael smiled, the predator beneath his skin barely concealed. "A friend to those who seek change."

By nightfall, Lord Varun's loyalty belonged to Kael. And he was only the first