Chapter 6: Shady Deals and Hidden Factions

Aerisfall's streets never slept. Even during sunset, when the light was dim, the city throbbed with life. Kaiden walked down alleys and side streets, taking care to stay away from main roads and boisterous taverns. His steps were soft, his hood low. He couldn't risk drawing attention to himself, not with as little as he knew this city.

As he turned a corner into an empty alley, a voice called out from behind him. "You've been busy, haven't you?"

Kaiden spun around, one hand already gripping the hilt of the dagger hidden at his side. A man leaned against the wall, his face mostly hidden under a wide-brimmed hat. His grin was sharp and confident, as if he already knew Kaiden wouldn't attack.

"Who are you?" Kaiden demanded, his tone icy.

The man laughed. "Just a friend. Let's just say I look out for strangers, particularly those who appear. unusual."

Kaiden's gaze narrowed but he said nothing. His heart pounded, but he did not allow it to betray him. This guy was not right. His calm state of mind was too quiet, his movements too fluid.

"I know your type," the man went on, advancing. "You're not local, but you're a quick study. You've already picked up some work, made a name for yourself in the Outer Ward. Not bad for a one-man shop."

Kaiden's hold on his dagger tightened. "What do you want?"

"I want to help," replied the man briefly. "But you will have to observe things in Aerisfall. The city is special than cities elsewhere."

Kaiden had no response. He did not think this stranger was telling him the truth, but curiosity paralysed him. If the stranger actually had the secrets of the city, then it was worth listening.

The man waved for Kaiden to come with him, deeper into the maze of alleys. The walls of the buildings here were old, with cracks and crawling green moss. They finally arrived at a darkened courtyard, well out of sight of prying eyes.

"Let me tell you," said the man, walking toward Kaiden. "Aerisfall is split. You've met the factions, haven't you? The devils and the gods each have their own kingdom, their own creed. But they're not one."

"There are others," the man growled, his voice dropping. "The mortal gangs, the black markets, the assassins' guilds. And the independents. Individuals like you and me who don't take orders from anyone."

Kaiden's eye flashed with surprise. "And they're all fighting for power?"

The man smiled again. "Not in the open, not yet. The devils and the gods are too strong to do something that blatant. But just beneath the surface? Ah, war. Power is taken and grasped every day. You could say it's a sensitive balance."

Kaiden crossed his arms. "Why are you saying this?"

"Because," the man continued, moving closer, "you're playing a very dangerous game. Whatever it is that you're hiding, you won't be hiding it much longer. Organisations like the Celestial Guard or the Infernal Syndicate—if they catch wind of what you are—they won't rest until you're dead."

Kaiden's heart tightened up. He'd known it as much himself, but it sounded different when someone said it out loud. "So, what's your play?"

"My side?" The smile of the man became wider. "I like keeping track of interesting people. And you. you're pretty interesting. I'm offering you a choice. Stay hidden in the background and hope no one notices you, or join in the game and become someone. Aerisfall rewards those who take risks."

---

Kaiden didn't answer immediately. How long he looked at the man, his sharpened features and natural arrogance. No ugliness colored his words, but Kaiden was too intelligent to believe him. Still, the words hung.

"Thanks for the warning," Kaiden answered finally. "But I work for myself."

The man shrugged again. "Your loss. But don't forget, the city watches. It waits. Eventually, you'll have to join one of us."

With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Kaiden standing by himself in the courtyard. For a moment, the only noise was the distant hum of the streets. Kaiden's fists were clenched. The man's words were right—hiding was temporary. If he ever wanted answers, if he ever wanted to live, he'd have to do something.

The city was unsafe, but it was promising. Kaiden would get the others to do his will. For now, however, he would remain on the quiet streets, listening and observing. The game was just starting.