Chapter 4: Oath in Blood
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[Scene: The Knight Station – Reporting Back]
Lethe stands in a small, dimly lit room, facing Sergeant Orlen. The older man looks exhausted but focused.
Orlen: “So, you chased them?”
Lethe: “Yes. Took down two. The third got away.”
Orlen (frowning): “And the bodies?”
Lethe (shrugging): “Gone. No blood, no trace. Like they were never there.”
Orlen exhales sharply, then slams his hand on the desk.
Orlen: “Damn cartel. Has to be them. They use soul contracts.”
Lethe: “I know what those are, but never the details.”
Orlen leans forward.
Orlen: “A soul contract binds you for life. If the conditions break—death, failure, or betrayal—your body and soul vanish. No evidence, no loose ends. The cartel’s way of keeping secrets.”
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Lethe’s expression hardens.
Lethe: “Then they know. And they’ll come for me.”
Orlen sighs.
Orlen: “I’m sending this up the chain. The Crown needs to hear it.”
A young knight rushes out. Moments later, distant footsteps echo as the message is relayed.
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[Scene: The Royal Throne Room]
Lethe enters the grand hall. The King sits on his throne, Princess Aery standing beside him. A royal scholar watches silently.
King: “Lethe Riven, step forward.”
Lethe kneels.
King: “Tell me everything.”
Lethe speaks clearly.
Lethe: “Three assassins. I cut down two. Their bodies vanished—soul contract. Whoever made it knows I stopped them.”
The King leans forward.
King: “A soul contract erases failure. That means you’ve made an enemy—one who doesn’t tolerate mistakes.”
The scholar steps forward, voice measured.
Scholar: “Your bloodline swore an oath long ago. Should you ever fail, your body and soul will vanish—same as them.”
Lethe’s hands tighten, but his voice remains steady.
Lethe: “I won’t fail.”
The King watches him, then nods.
King: “Because of this, you will serve directly under Princess Aery. No further trials. Your actions prove your worth.”
Aery’s gaze meets Lethe’s—calm, unreadable.
Aery (quietly): “I expected no less.”
Lethe inclines his head.
Lethe: “Understood.”
The King’s tone grows firm.
King: “This is more than duty. You’re a target now. The cartel will retaliate. Protect the Crown. Protect your people.”
The scholar lifts a scroll, the family crest stamped in red wax.
Scholar: “The Riven line has upheld this oath for generations. Honor it.”
Lethe takes a breath, then nods.
Lethe: “I will.”
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[Scene: Lethe’s Quarters – The Message]
Later that night, Lethe sits in his small room. A sleek holographic console hums softly on his desk.
Without warning, the screen flickers. A single message appears in bold red text:
“One life for one mistake.”
Lethe stares at it for a long moment. His expression doesn’t change.
Lethe (quietly): “Fair play.”
The screen goes dark. He leans back, eyes closed for just a second.
He knows what this means. The cartel has marked him.
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[Scene: Outside the Throne Room]
Lethe steps into the corridor where Orlen waits, arms crossed.
Orlen: “Well? What did they say?”
Lethe: “I’m assigned to the princess’s guard. Effective immediately.”
Orlen lets out a low chuckle.
Orlen: “Straight to the top, huh? Guess you made an impression.”
Lethe doesn’t respond. Orlen sighs, then speaks again.
Orlen: “They say you kicked the hornet’s nest today. That cartel—when they strike back, it won’t be subtle.”
Lethe meets his gaze.
Lethe: “Then I’ll be ready.”
Orlen smirks.
Orlen: “Just don’t get erased.”
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