Chapter 38: SHADOWS IN COURT

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Chapter 38: Shadows in the Court

The moon hung high over the vampire territory, casting an eerie glow across the castle grounds. Rio, Iris, and Retina trailed the cloaked intruders from a distance, their steps silent as shadows.

"Are you sure they'll lead us to their master?" Iris whispered, her beast vision locked onto the figures ahead.

"They have no choice," Rio murmured, his eyes focused. "I planted a faint shadow marker on them. Even if they try to hide, I'll know where they go."

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Into the Heart of Betrayal

The intruders moved swiftly, weaving through narrow alleyways and slipping past guards unnoticed. They entered a hidden passage behind an ancient mausoleum, concealed by illusion magic.

"Clever," Retina murmured, analyzing the spell. "But not clever enough."

With a faint pulse of her magic, she disabled the illusion temporarily, allowing the trio to follow through the secret entrance.

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The Council's Hidden Chamber

Inside, a dimly lit chamber stretched before them. At the far end, two imposing figures stood—Lord Valen and Lady Selira, both radiating a sinister aura.

"Report," Valen's voice echoed, cold and commanding.

The captured intruders knelt before him, unaware of Rio's presence in the shadows.

"The decoy was in place… but something went wrong," one of the shadow mages stammered.

"Wrong?" Selira's crimson eyes narrowed dangerously.

"The targets… they knew," the mage confessed, trembling.

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A Calculated Move

Rio's eyes gleamed with determination. This is it.

"Now," he whispered.

Retina's magic surged, sealing the exits, while Iris shifted into her beast form, ready to strike.

"Hello, Lord Valen," Rio's voice echoed from the darkness as he stepped forward, sword drawn. "And Lady Selira… we finally meet."

The nobles' eyes widened in shock, but Valen's lips curled into a sinister grin.

"Well, well," Valen murmured. "I was wondering when you'd show up."

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A Dangerous Proposition

"Let's skip the formalities," Rio said coldly, his sword glinting in the dim light. "You've been conspiring against your own kind. Why?"

Selira chuckled softly, her tone dripping with amusement. "Why? Because the vampire lord has grown… weak. And the demons? They've humiliated us for too long."

Valen's eyes gleamed with ambition. "We aim to change that. But you… you're a wildcard."

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A Game of Power

Rio's mind raced. They're after control.

"If you truly want power," Rio said calmly, "you'll need allies. And I'm offering you a chance."

Valen's eyes narrowed. "What kind of chance?"

"A deal," Rio smirked. "Help us reach the Land of Demons, and when the time comes… you'll get your revenge."

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A Risky Gamble

Silence filled the chamber.

"You think you can manipulate us?" Selira sneered.

"Not manipulate," Rio said with a confident smile. "I'm giving you a choice. Stand against us… and you'll fall. Stand with us… and you might survive."

Valen's eyes flickered with thought. "Interesting…"

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A Deadly Agreement

After a tense moment, Valen spoke.

"Very well," he said softly. "We'll help you reach the Land of Demons. But remember, Rio Fate… betrayal cuts both ways."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Rio replied, a dangerous gleam in his eyes.

As the deal was struck, Rio knew the stakes had just been raised. Allies or enemies… only time would tell.

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To Be Continued..