Questioning

The dim light of the small chamber beneath the Langley estate created a quiet, almost haunting atmosphere. Chains softly clinked together, adding to the eerie feel. The air was thick with the strong odors of blood, rust, and sweat, making it hard to breathe comfortably. In the center, a bandit sat restrained, his determination clear despite his situation. He looked back and forth, focusing on Duke Elias Langley, who stood with crossed arms and a stern expression, and at me, standing calmly, hands clasped together.

"You're accused of stealing, killing, and armed assault," Duke Elias stated, his voice cold and without empathy.

The bandit let out a low laugh. "Then hang me. I've got nothing left to lose."

I moved closer, keeping my gaze steady. "Then answer me this: Why are there so many bandit camps near Langley?"

"Why should I share any secrets with you?" he retorted, curling his lip in disdain. "Do you really think you're still a prince? Everyone knows you're a fraud."

I remained silent, unaffected by his insult, waiting instead for the calm that followed.

Then, I focused inward.

The room's energy shifted immediately. My inner power awakened—not as a show, but as a precise force, concentrated and invisible. It felt as if the air turned into an iron collar around the bandit's throat. He gasped, eyes wide with panic, struggling against his bindings as they groaned under his weight.

I didn't move or speak. The pressure grew even tighter.

Elias noticed but didn't say anything. He chose not to intervene—not out of approval, but because he recognized true control.

The bandit frantically grasped at his neck. "Stop—please stop—I'll talk!"

The pressure eased slightly.

He gulped for air, then finally spoke. "This place... Langley's been forgotten. The kingdom left it behind. No lords come here, no knights patrol. Bandits like us found refuge. We conduct our business here. It's been untouched."

Elias narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying Langley has been a haven for criminals?"

"No," the bandit coughed again. "Langley has been blind. You're new, she's new. Before you, there was no real ruler—just names on paper. People like me moved in."

"And your camp?" I continued.

"It's one of the biggest in the kingdom. Maybe the strongest. That werewolf you killed was the second in command, only below one."

He looked down. "You... you destroyed him like he was nothing."

After pausing, he looked back up. "I have a proposal. Let us operate freely. In return, no more attacks on your people, no more raids. We'll protect Langley, keep the roads safe. We ask only to be left alone."

"You're talking about a pact between outlaws and the duchy," Elias said, clearly disgusted.

I glanced at Elias and then back to the bandit. "Bring your leader here. Let him speak for himself."

Three days later.

A shadowy caravan arrived quietly at nightfall. A figure emerged, covered in worn leathers and multiple layers of battle-marked furs. He moved with a quiet confidence, silently followed by his people, who seemed to blend into the darkness.

He didn't say anything at first, just stared at me for what felt like an eternity.

"You took down the Wolf?" he finally asked.

I nodded.

He gave a slow, cunning grin. "I don't take people at their word lightly."

He raised a hand.

Suddenly, an arrow shot from the treetops with a sharp whistle.

Time seemed to stop.

I didn't flinch.

A thin sliver of my aura formed a shield, shattering the arrow in mid-air, and its pieces fell harmlessly to the ground.

I advanced quickly, stopping in front of him, holding the broken arrowhead just under his chin.

His smile vanished.

"You do not test me," I said quietly. "You speak, or you leave."

He looked deep into my eyes, not with fear, but with respect and curiosity.