Chapter 11: Shadows of the Past

The night was thick with tension as Liam and Tielen sped through the empty streets, their minds still reeling from what they had uncovered. The Black Viper Syndicate—an organization so powerful that even the wealthiest and most influential figures feared whispering its name—had marked Liam as a target.

The weight of it pressed against Liam's chest, but he didn't let it show. There was no time for fear, only action.

"We need to get off the streets," Tielen said, checking the side mirror for any tails. "They'll come looking for us soon."

Liam nodded. "I know a place. Head to the old district, near the abandoned cathedral."

Tielen gave him a sideways glance but didn't question it. He turned the wheel sharply, taking a side road that led them away from the main highways.

The old district was a place most had forgotten. Crumbling buildings, broken streetlights, and the ghosts of a time when the city had been something more than just a battlefield for the powerful.

As they reached their destination, Tielen parked the car near a rundown alley. The only sound was the distant hum of traffic and the occasional bark of stray dogs.

Liam stepped out, scanning the area. "Come on."

They entered through a rusted metal door, leading into what once had been an underground bunker. Dust covered most of the furniture, but the space was still functional. A table. A few chairs. A stash of weapons hidden behind an old cabinet.

Tielen sat on the edge of the table, exhaling. "Alright, what now?"

Liam paced the room. "The Black Viper Syndicate isn't just after me. They have connections everywhere. They probably had a hand in my parents' deaths, and if they do, I need to know why."

Tielen frowned. "You think Evelyn was working for them?"

Liam's jaw tightened. "She had to be. She was too well-funded, too confident. She thought she had already won."

Tielen leaned forward, rubbing his temples. "So we're up against a ghost organization with unlimited power, and our only lead is a woman who wants us dead?"

Liam smirked. "Sounds about right."

Tielen chuckled dryly. "You really know how to pick your enemies."

Liam grabbed one of the burner phones and dialed another number. It rang three times before a voice answered.

"You're calling late."

"I need information," Liam said.

The person on the other end sighed. "That's going to cost you."

Liam's voice was cold. "Then name your price."

A pause. Then—"Meet me at The Blue Lotus in two hours. Alone."

The line went dead.

Tielen raised an eyebrow. "Friend of yours?"

"Something like that," Liam muttered.

Tielen stood, stretching. "Well, I hope your friend doesn't get you killed."

Liam grabbed his coat. "If they try, they'll regret it."

Liam's mind raced as he slipped the burner phone into his pocket. The Blue Lotus wasn't just any meeting place—it was a high-end underground club, one that only the most dangerous figures in the city dared to enter. Deals were made there. Lives were bought and sold. And now, it was the next step in uncovering the truth.

Tielen exhaled, rubbing his neck. "We've been running all night, man. You sure you wanna walk straight into a trap?"

Liam glanced at him. "I don't have a choice."

Tielen sighed but nodded. "Fine. But I'm going too."

Liam shook his head. "No. They said alone."

Tielen scoffed. "And you trust them?"

"No," Liam admitted. "But I need them to trust me long enough to get what I need."

Tielen crossed his arms. "You get in trouble, you better have an escape plan."

Liam smirked. "I always do."

---

The Blue Lotus sat in the heart of the city, tucked between high-rise hotels and luxury casinos. From the outside, it looked like just another expensive lounge, but those who knew better understood its true purpose.

Liam adjusted his jacket as he approached the entrance. Two massive guards stood at the doorway, their suits perfectly tailored, their gazes cold. One of them eyed Liam before speaking.

"Name."

Liam met his gaze without flinching. "I'm expected."

The guard didn't respond, simply pressing a small earpiece. After a moment, he nodded and stepped aside.

Liam walked in.

The inside of The Blue Lotus was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of expensive cigars and whiskey. A live band played soft jazz, but the real action was in the private rooms above.

He moved toward the bar, scanning the room. Then, he saw her.

A woman sat alone in a booth near the back. Long black hair, piercing green eyes, a crimson dress that clung to her figure. She held a cigarette between two delicate fingers, her expression unreadable.

Liam approached.

"You're late," she said without looking up.

Liam slid into the seat across from her. "Traffic."

She smirked, taking a slow drag of her cigarette. "Still sharp with the words, I see."

Liam leaned forward. "I need information."

She exhaled, watching the smoke curl in the air. "And what makes you think I'll give it to you?"

Liam met her gaze. "Because if The Black Viper Syndicate is involved, you want to know as much as I do."

A flicker of amusement crossed her face. "Interesting theory."

Liam didn't blink. "Not a theory. You don't meet people unless it benefits you. That means you have questions, too."

She tapped her cigarette against the ashtray. "Clever."

Liam waited.

Finally, she leaned in, lowering her voice. "The Black Viper Syndicate has been moving pieces for years. Your name appearing on their list means you're either a threat… or an opportunity."

Liam's jaw tightened. "I'm not working for them."

She smiled. "Then that only leaves one option."

Liam exhaled slowly. "Who's pulling the strings?"

She studied him, then said, "A name surfaced recently—Gabriel Dorne."

Liam frowned. "Never heard of him."

She tilted her head. "You wouldn't have. But he knows you."

Liam's pulse quickened. "Where can I find him?"

She chuckled. "That's the problem. No one knows. He doesn't exist in any official records, but he controls more than you think."

Liam leaned back. "So what's your angle? Why help me?"

Her eyes darkened. "Because if they're after you, it means they're planning something big. And I don't like being left in the dark."

Liam nodded slowly. "Then let's shine a light on them."

She smirked. "Now you're speaking my language."

Liam stood. "I'll be in touch."

She watched him for a moment before flicking her cigarette away. "Be careful, Liam. You're playing a dangerous game."

Liam turned, walking toward the exit. "I always am."

As he stepped into the night, the weight of what he had just learned settled in his chest.

The Black Viper Syndicate had a ghost at the top. And if he wanted to survive, he had to find him first.