Chapter 16: The Whisper of Shadows

Alistair Kane took a slow sip of his whiskey, his cold eyes never leaving Liam. The casino around them buzzed with life—laughter, cheers, and the occasional groan of someone losing their fortune. But in the dimly lit VIP lounge, the air was thick with unspoken truths.

"You really want to know about Valerio?" Kane finally said, setting his glass down with a soft clink. "That name isn't one you speak lightly, boy."

Liam leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping idly on the table. "And yet, you just did."

Kane smirked. "You're braver than most—or dumber. Either way, I respect it. But information like this… it costs more than just a game of poker."

Liam's expression didn't change. He had expected this.

"How much?" he asked.

Kane chuckled. "Not money. Something more valuable." He leaned forward, his voice dropping. "Loyalty."

Tielen, who had been standing behind Liam, tensed. "What kind of loyalty are we talking about?"

Kane's eyes gleamed. "Simple. You work for me. Just for a while. Prove you're worth my time, and I'll give you what you want."

Liam studied him carefully. He knew men like Kane—calculating, always three steps ahead. This was a test.

"And if I refuse?" Liam asked.

Kane shrugged. "Then our little conversation ends here, and you leave empty-handed."

Tielen muttered under his breath, "This smells like a trap."

Liam smirked. "Everything is a trap, Tielen. The trick is knowing how to walk through it without getting caught." He turned back to Kane. "Fine. I'm in."

Kane's grin widened. "Good. Your first job starts now."

---

The mission was simple—on the surface. Retrieve a stolen shipment belonging to Kane. The details were murky, and the location was in one of the most dangerous districts of the city—Ravenshade, a place where crime thrived in the shadows.

Liam and Tielen arrived at a rundown warehouse on the edge of the district. The air smelled of oil, rust, and old blood. The streets were lined with broken streetlights, and distant sirens howled like ghosts in the night.

"This place is crawling with gangsters," Tielen muttered, adjusting his coat.

Liam's sharp eyes scanned the perimeter. "Then let's make this quick."

They slipped into the warehouse through a side entrance. Inside, crates were stacked high, some marked with Kane's insignia—a golden serpent wrapped around a dagger.

Voices echoed from deeper within.

"Move the shipment faster. If Kane finds out we double-crossed him, we're dead."

Liam and Tielen exchanged glances. Kane had been right—someone was betraying him from the inside.

"How do you want to play this?" Tielen whispered.

Liam's smirk was lethal. "We remind them why betrayal is a bad idea."

Moving like shadows, they approached the group of thugs. The moment one of them turned, Liam struck—fast, efficient. His fist connected with the man's jaw, sending him sprawling.

Tielen grabbed another by the collar and slammed him against a crate. "Where's the shipment?"

The man stammered, "W-We sold it!"

Liam's eyes darkened. "To who?"

"A man… named Silas Graves. He runs the Black Fang syndicate!"

Silas Graves. That name sent a ripple through Liam's mind. A powerful figure in the underworld, controlling weapons, drugs, and illegal gambling rings.

Kane wasn't just being betrayed—he was being targeted by a rival.

Liam stepped closer to the terrified thug, his voice cold. "Where is Graves now?"

"T-The old docks… Pier 17."

Liam looked at Tielen. "We have our next destination."

---

At Pier 17, the air was thick with salt and smoke. Crates of illegal goods were being loaded onto a cargo ship under the glow of floodlights. Armed men patrolled the area, their weapons glinting under the dim light.

Liam crouched behind a stack of crates, eyes locked onto the central figure giving orders—Silas Graves.

He was a man in his mid-forties, tall and broad-shouldered, with a cruel scar running down his cheek. He exuded power, the kind earned through blood and violence.

Tielen whispered, "How do you want to handle this? Guns blazing or quiet?"

Liam's smirk was sharp. "A little bit of both."

He moved swiftly, taking out one guard with a silent strike. Tielen followed suit, eliminating another. They worked their way through the dock, leaving a trail of unconscious men behind.

When they reached Graves, Liam stepped into the light.

Graves turned, a smirk forming. "Well, well. Who do we have here?"

Liam's voice was calm. "You stole from Kane. That was a mistake."

Graves laughed. "Kane's getting weak. I'm just helping him retire early."

Liam didn't blink. "You have something that belongs to him. I suggest you return it."

Graves gestured to his men. "And if I don't?"

Liam smiled—dark, dangerous. "Then you won't leave this dock alive."

The air crackled with tension.

Then the fight began.

Liam moved like a storm, dodging blows, striking with precision. Tielen handled the others, his fists landing like sledgehammers.

Within minutes, the dock was littered with groaning men.

Graves staggered back, blood dripping from his lip. "You… You think you've won?"

Liam stepped forward, his voice quiet but lethal. "I don't think. I know."

He grabbed Graves by the collar. "Tell your men to return the shipment. Now."

Graves hesitated—then nodded. "Fine. It's yours."

Liam released him and stepped back. "Smart choice."

As they walked away, Tielen shook his head with a grin. "You enjoy this way too much."

Liam smirked. "It's just business."

---

Back at the casino, Kane greeted them with an amused expression. "I heard you handled things well."

Liam tossed a USB drive onto the table. "Footage of Graves admitting he betrayed you. Consider it a gift."

Kane chuckled. "I like you, kid. Maybe too much. But a deal's a deal."

He leaned in, voice dropping. "Valerio's organization is bigger than you think. He controls more than just the underworld—he has people in governments, corporations, even the elite families."

Liam's jaw tightened.

Kane continued, "You want to bring him down? You'll need more than just fists and wit. You need power. Influence."

Liam's eyes gleamed. "Then I'll take it."

Kane smirked. "Good answer. But be careful… because once you start down this road, there's no turning back."

Liam stood, his voice steady. "I never planned to turn back."

The storm had begun. And nothing would stand in his way.

The night was far from over. As Liam walked out of the casino, Tielen followed closely behind, his expression unreadable.

"You sure about this?" Tielen asked, lighting a cigarette. "Once you start playing at this level, there's no walking away."

Liam didn't hesitate. "I was never planning to walk away. If Valerio controls everything, then I'll just have to become someone he can't control."

Tielen let out a low chuckle. "Then we need to get stronger. Influence isn't built overnight."

Liam nodded. He had known this from the start. Power wasn't just about wealth—it was about reputation, control, and fear. He needed to rise high enough that even Valerio would have no choice but to acknowledge him.

As they reached the car, Liam's phone buzzed.

Unknown Number: We need to talk. Pier 32. Midnight.

Liam narrowed his eyes. "Looks like the night isn't over yet."

Tielen exhaled. "This better not be a trap."

Liam smirked. "If it is, then someone's about to regret it."

The game had only just begun.