Phedora_Phiri

Cassia Varganoth Drakhelm, a young woman with a secretive and mysterious lineage, becomes entangled in a deadly game of power, love, and betrayal. As she uncovers hidden truths about her family’s past and her uncle’s ties to the Black Knights, a covert assassin organization, she must navigate the treacherous politics of Velmora. Alongside Lucius Marcellus, the Crowned Prince, their paths intertwine, forcing them into a dangerous dance of destiny. But the cost of uncovering these empire-shattering secrets might be more than either of them can bear.

The Secrets Of Velmora

The chill of the Valenport night seeped through the cracks in the cobbled streets as Dorian carried Cassia through the back alleys, away from the chaotic remnants of the auction. She was shivering, whether from shock or the cold, he wasn't sure. Blood—Master Theon's blood—had stained her hands, and though her grip on his tunic was weak, it was desperate.

"We have to go back," she muttered, struggling feebly. "The gem—"

"I have it." Dorian's voice was firm but calm as he adjusted his hold on her. He loosened the clasp of his coat, wrapping it around her trembling form. "Lucius gave the order. I secured it before anyone could notice. We're getting out of here."

Cassia went still at his words, her breath uneven. The gem. She had been about to go for it, but Dorian had already ensured its safety.

Her fingers clutched the note Master Theon had slipped into her palm before he died. She hadn't had the chance to read it yet, but his last words rang in her ears: Get the gem. Go to the Arcane Kingdom. Trust no one.

Cassia squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, then opened them to glance at Dorian. He was focused ahead, his sharp blue eyes scanning the streets for threats, his grip on her steady. Did Master Theon mean not to trust even him? Even Lucius?

Her thoughts were cut short when they turned a corner and nearly collided with Castor. His twin brother, Ulderic, was a few steps behind him, scanning the path they had come from.

"We have to move," Castor said, his tone clipped. "Lucius is handling the fallout, but we don't have much time before the city watch starts shutting down exits."

"Selene?" Cassia asked, voice hoarse.

"With Lucius," Ulderic answered. "He pulled her out when she made a scene over Master Theon's body. She's in shock."

Cassia closed her eyes for a fraction of a second, guilt gnawing at her. Selene had lost her teacher—someone important to her—right in front of her. And yet here Cassia was, being carried away, protected, while her friend had to be dragged from the scene.

No. Selene was strong. And Lucius would handle her.

Cassia pushed away from Dorian's hold, steadying herself against the cold stone wall of the alley. "I can walk," she muttered.

Dorian hesitated, then let her down. "We need to get to the docks," he said. "Lucius will meet us there."

Cassia nodded, though she felt unsteady. Her mind was still racing—Master Theon's words, the gem, the danger they were in. And Aurelian Varro. The name had surfaced at the worst possible time, distracting her, making her vulnerable. Who had spoken it? And why?

The group moved quickly through the winding alleys of Valenport, careful not to draw attention. The city's usual vibrancy had dimmed, replaced by the lingering tension from the assassination at the auction.

As they neared the docks, Cassia finally looked down at the crumpled note in her palm. Her fingers trembled as she unfolded it.

A single name was scrawled inside.

Cassia's heart pounded. She had no idea who Elarion was, but Master Theon had spent his last breath making sure she had this message. And it meant one thing:

Their journey was far from over.

Chapter 22: The Flight from Valenport