《Oakthorn》


 Chapter 1: Stealing a Pretty Necklace

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    <h3 style="text-align: center">Cade


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    ¡°Who puts a dragon statue next to a sculpture of a naked lady?¡± Cade asked.


    Honestly, it was a question he didn¡¯t expect his best friend, Orro, to answer. The two of them waited behind a tree where the brooding assassin meditated in the relative darkness of the woodland.


    The silence of the slumbering forest gnawed at Cade¡¯s patience. He tugged at the brown tunic he wore under his cloak, eager to shift the cold sweat that had accumulated there, and shook out his wrists in a vain attempt to quiet his unsteady nerves. He tapped on the dagger in the sheath on his thigh and another on his boot to assure himself they were still there in case things went wrong.


    The moments before a heist began always left him a little on edge¡ªespecially when the stakes were this high.


    Through gaps in the thick brush, Cade studied the statue of the goddess Scorn. He could make out just enough detail through the darkness of a moonless night lit only by the fires raging at the entrance of her temple just beyond it. He wouldn¡¯t exactly call it art, but he wasn¡¯t the expert. Thieves like him usually focused on the expensive-looking things and didn¡¯t ask questions.


    He absently massaged his left shoulder, where his near-constant companion Bunny usually sat. Now, however, the little dragonling was sneaking into position for his special role. It had taken days of convincing the rest of his team to let their resident dragonling in on this job, given that he tended to set things on fire at the worst possible moment, but this time that would be to their advantage.


    They couldn¡¯t see Bunny¡¯s raw potential, but that was fine. They would see his grandeur soon enough.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Orro,¡± Cade continued, shifting uneasily as his deep voice broke the woodland¡¯s silence. ¡°Why decorate your temple with a lovely lady in all her glory, only to ruin it by having a dragon hover over her like some overprotective hen?¡±


    Cade waited for his best friend to rise to the bait of his casual banter, but the muscular warrior merely took in a sharp breath and meditated harder. The young thief didn¡¯t miss it when Orro¡¯s hand instinctively shifted to the thick pommel of his broken sword, his gloved fingers squeezing the comforting leather grip.


    Even without an awakened core, Orro held an aura of quiet lethality. Cade had met countless core users during his travels with his mentor, Hugh, who had a knack for finding strong fighters and convincing them to join their team. Those lucky enough to have an awakened core ended up choosing various paths of the elements, from fire to wind and even¡ªfor the truly talented¡ªshadow.


    However, Cade had only ever met one other silver ranker besides Hugh who was able to shift the gravity of his immediate surroundings to devastating effect. That particular gentleman had used his wondrous gift to control over a dozen tinctures and concocted the most spectacular cocktails Cade had ever tasted, only to then crush a man¡¯s spine like it was made of rotten peas in the same breath.


    But even the silver rankers didn¡¯t have a predatory aura that came close to Orro¡¯s.


    The assassin was a ruthless hunter, born of darkness and steel. His cloth mask and thick scarf were both dyed in a shade darker than midnight, which only furthered this dangerous mystique.


    Though Cade would never admit it out loud, he thought the whole get-up was ridiculous. Besides, he was fairly certain Orro only did it to make the barmaids swoon.


    Girls loved a brooding badass.


    Despite Orro¡¯s silence, Cade continued. ¡°Did the sculptor think she would like to have a mythical beast breathing down her neck? Talk about drafts of air where you least expect them.¡±


    He sighed dramatically at this clear oversight from the long-dead artists.


    ¡°Will you focus? It¡¯s nearly dawn.¡± Orro snapped.


    Cade knew his best friend always got like this right before a job, and that was exactly why he prodded the man this way.


    Orro needed to relax.


    Tension bred mistakes. It was something his buddy hadn¡¯t learned over their years together, running one heist after another, so Cade had opted for a different approach to make his point.


    Besides, it was fun to mess with someone who brooded this much.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know which part is worse: the sculpture, or the fact that Scorn¡¯s followers said, ¡®yeah, that¡¯ll show the people what our goddess stands for.¡¯ I mean, is Scorn the naked woman, or the dragon?¡±


    ¡°Probably the dragon,¡± Orro muttered.


    ¡°I wonder if Bunny will look like that one day.¡± Cade quipped. ¡°The dragon, not the lady, to be clear.¡±


    Orro scoffed and finally looked up. ¡°Doubtful. If he ever grows that big, the world is doomed.¡±


    Cade smirked.


    Despite their lighthearted banter, Cade¡¯s eyes roamed the surrounding landscape for any threats or factors that might ruin their plan. He scanned the cliff top edged by an evergreen forest barely tall enough to mask their current position in the shadows. The first cries of the birds as they spotted the sun in the east stole his attention for a breath, but he returned his focus to the temple of Scorn.


    Cade decided it was an affront to architectural enthusiasts everywhere. It was like the goddess¡¯ acolytes couldn¡¯t decide whether they wished to go with an imposing or regal appearance, and so failed miserably at both.


    He sighed. Truly, art was dead and all they had left to live for was cheap ale and lining one¡¯s purse with gold.


    Lots of gold.


    ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± Orro said suddenly, rising from their nook behind a large pine tree.


    Cade nodded, and in an instant, his demeanor shifted. He was all business, ready for their heist and keenly aware of the world around him.


    They stepped onto the rickety cobblestone path that led up to the temple, careful not to upset the loose rocks underfoot. The trees above him bent and swayed in a gentle western breeze that carried the faint traces of burnt incense from the temple. Sunlight through gaps in the canopy behind them glinted across dew gathered on the sparse patches of grass amidst the road. Cade went over what he might say when confronted but quickly discarded all of his options.


    He worked best in the moment, anyway.


    ¡°Oy! Scorn! I beseech thee! Come, and have your way with us humble travelers! We seek solace and your guidance, for we have been wronged by this world!¡± Cade yelled as they neared the thick obsidian doors and charred sconces of the front entrance.


    The young thief briefly appreciated how the dawn¡¯s light captured the golden filigree that swept across the black stone that composed the temple. While most would¡¯ve looked at these jagged lines and seen a symbol of hope amid darkness, Cade only saw an untapped opportunity.


    Maybe if he played his cards right¡­


    ¡°Laying it on a bit thick, aren¡¯t you?¡± Orro hissed under his breath.


    His question returned Cade¡¯s focus to the present. Orro¡¯s gloved grip tightened on the pommel of his blade until his knuckles cracked. Cade tilted his head to the side to take in his friend. He grinned and leaned in.


    ¡°You¡¯re blushing under that cute mask of yours, aren¡¯t you?¡± Cade gestured at his worn traveler¡¯s garb. ¡°What, are you embarrassed by all this raw man standing before you?¡±


    ¡°...you¡¯re an idiot,¡± Orro replied, but a smile crinkled at the edge of his eyes despite his best efforts to hide it.


    He widened his stance and signaled to Cade that something caught his attention ahead of them. The ornately carved stone groaned as the front doors creaked open on ancient iron hinges. A balding head peeked out, and the man blinked as the first lights of dawn struck him in the eyes. Cade and Orro, now illuminated by the sun¡¯s sleepy rays, waited. Cade nonchalantly tucked his hands into his pockets, his right hand twiddling the small glass orb he hid there. His fingertips traced the magical runes etched into the tiny device with practiced movements.


    Though currently deactivated, the weight of it brought him a little comfort. If everything went to shit, this was his failsafe.


    ¡°Can¡­ can I help you, travelers?¡± The middle-aged man asked.


    When neither of them attacked or spoke, the black-clothed acolyte stepped out. He wore the familiar raven-wing attire of a standard follower of Scorn.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Cade had to look up into the tall man¡¯s squinty gaze. The trollish man was easily a head taller than him and had more girth than the plain black robes he wore knew what to do with.


    ¡°Are you here to devote yourselves to the most excellent Scorn? We¡¯re always accepting new followers!¡± The man promoted enthusiastically. His protruding belly quivered slightly as he practically jumped up and down in anticipation.


    Cade schooled his expression and went to work.


    ¡°Oh, my fellow scorned, we are indeed here to witness the grandeur of your goddess. We are, in fact, seeking to bow before all of your temple¡¯s wonders. Will you show us the way?¡± Cade asked, his voice forcefully sincere as he met the man¡¯s gaze. ¡°And may I ask you your name, my dear disciple of the honorable goddess?¡±


    ¡°Kill me now,¡± Orro muttered under his breath, too quietly for the man to hear.


    Cade replied with an elbow to his ribs. Unfortunately, Cade¡¯s aim impacted against the hilt of a concealed dagger, and he winced while Orro shot him a triumphant smile in their momentary exchange.


    More light from the dawn¡¯s procession greeted their little gathering and cast long shadows into the temple¡¯s open doors. The darkness within hinted at the faint outlines of pews set on either side of an intricate corridor.


    ¡°I am Gunn Gunderson!¡± The acolyte exclaimed with a smile that had way too many missing teeth. Combined with the cauliflower ears this Gunn sported, Cade got the distinct impression this earnest man was once quite the fighter. His enormous forearms didn¡¯t hurt the image this conjured in Cade¡¯s mind. ¡°I have been serving Scorn ever since my wife cheated on me with my brothers!¡±


    ¡°Did he say, brothers?¡± Orro whispered behind his cloth mask. ¡°As in, plural?¡±


    ¡°Will you focus?¡± Cade whispered back, smirking as he quoted the warrior¡¯s earlier chiding.


    Orro only shrugged unapologetically.


    Cade composed himself and scanned the acolyte before him. The gods rewarded their followers by activating their cores and giving a breath of their magic to those loyal to them. It was rumored that Scorn, however, was infamous for delivering the weakest ones.


    Sure, once someone established their core, it always started out as copper ranker. According to the rumors, however, Scorn¡¯s acolytes could never level up to silver or gold.


    ¡°So! Will you show us the inner sanctum?¡± Cade asked smoothly.


    The man flinched, and Cade patted Gunn affectionately on the shoulder. Patting the man¡¯s muscle was like smacking solid rock.


    When Gunn frowned, Cade chuckled lightheartedly. ¡°Just kidding. Lighten up, Gunn Gunderson. We are here to see and feel Scorn¡¯s presence. Please, show us what drew you to her, and hopefully, we too shall be inspired! Spare no detail!¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­Erm¡­Alright! I¡¯ve never gotten past this part in a signup before. I¡¯ll do my best.¡± The large brute paused in the doorway. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t catch your names.¡±


    Cade did a little flourish and bowed dramatically. ¡°Fret not, Gunn Gunderson. I am Bert of Silfheim. This is my illegitimate cousin, Dopey.¡±


    Behind him, Orro choked behind his black mask.


    Cade grinned. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Dopey. Be proud of your heritage.¡±


    He patted his best friend on the back until the man¡¯s muttered curses died down. Cade snuck a glance at Orro¡¯s expression and immediately regretted it.


    Death peered at him from behind that scarf.


    ¡°Great to meet you, Bert and Dopey!¡± Gunn answered with a faint flush to his cheeks. ¡°Right this way!¡±


    As the three of them entered Scorn¡¯s temple, Cade held open the door for just a moment longer than necessary. He waited until he saw the faintest blur of white above him, and then shut the large entrance.


    When he crossed through, he felt a wave of magic sweep over him. The hair on his neck stood on end, and his heart sank as a blue torch ignited near the entrance.


    ¡°Sorry, Bert, but do you have any magical items with you right now?¡± Gunn¡¯s tone was cautious, but Cade waved off his concerns.


    Damn. He¡¯d been caught. His enchanted cloak had set off enchantments he hadn¡¯t realized engulfed the temple, and he couldn¡¯t risk anyone taking it from him.


    This cloak¡ªand its explosive magic¡ªwas their only way out of here alive.


    His heart quickened as the alert activated, and his mind raced to come up with an excuse.


    ¡°Of course I do, Gunn Gunderson,¡± he said as he cleared his throat. ¡°My cloak is enchanted to repel rain and wind, that¡¯s all. I got it from a traveling merchant in Silfheim a few harvests ago.¡±


    A lie, but a damn good one. Cade smiled, exuding the confidence any thief needed to have once he was caught in a lie, and it worked.


    Gunn squinted in confusion but eventually shrugged. ¡°Must be nice, especially with the blizzards we get here.¡±


    The acolyte moved deeper into the temple, and the two followed behind.


    Phew.


    Cade looked up briefly to see a tiny white dragonling scurry across the ceiling, his claws digging into the stone with practiced ease.


    Now that their latest addition was inside, Cade prepared for phase two: chaos.


    Truth be told, it was his favorite part.


    He reached into his pocket and pressed down hard on one of the runes that lined the glass orb he¡¯d brought with him. After a few seconds of holding the orb, Cade felt a shift within his thoughts, as if some barrier that was always there dissipated.


    ¡°Bunny¡¯s inside the wards,¡± he said through the now-open connection to the rest of his team. ¡°No issue getting the cloak through either. We¡¯re getting in position now. How¡¯s everything going, boss?¡±


    There was a perk to having a telepath in their group, in that it made heists far easier.


    Not easy, of course. Just less painful and with fewer prison sentences, given that it usually resulted in better coordination.


    The mental connection he¡¯d opened with his mentor, Hugh, sent a pulsing hum through his mind. His right hand felt the glass orb heat up slightly as magic coursed through it. Labeled by the common folk as a focal stone, his was modified so that their leader could track and communicate with him anywhere in his sphere of perception.


    It was one of the many factors that ensured their plan couldn¡¯t fail.


    ¡°About damn time,¡± Hugh¡¯s gruff voice replied in his head. Even through their telepathic link, Hugh sounded like a rusty sword dragged over gravel. ¡°I swear by Honor¡¯s hairy ass that if that dumb creature of yours messes this up, I am going to roast it over a fire and eat it.¡±


    Cade winced.


    ¡°Something the matter?¡± Gunn inquired, and the large man looked suddenly quite insecure.


    ¡°Not at all!¡± Cade said. ¡°Can you explain what each of these carvings mean? And do you have a library or some other repository?¡±


    ¡°Of course! If you look at the walls here, you¡¯ll see¡­¡±


    Cade tuned out the acolyte as he fiddled with the warm focal stone, careful not to let go. He didn¡¯t want to risk closing off the connection.


    ¡°Don¡¯t threaten Bunny like that, Hugh, or I¡¯ll have him soil your pillow. Again,¡± Cade shot back telepathically.


    ¡°Real mature, Cade,¡± Hugh responded coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t you have somewhere to be?¡±


    ¡°Can we keep this uber-expensive magical link between our minds clear for people actually doing what they¡¯re supposed to do?¡± Elena¡¯s snarky voice called out, shutting them both up.


    ¡°...And over here, we have the illustrious depiction of Scorn when she cast judgment over Silfheim,¡± Gunn continued, oblivious to the evolving heist around him. ¡°You know, the way she disowned the Duke kind of reminds me of how my little brother stole my birthright. It¡¯s a funny story, actually¡­¡±


    Gunn droned on as he led them deeper into the temple. The three of them passed empty pews adjacent to bronze bowls set atop stony pillars, each with a ghostly flame at the center. The flickering light cast strange aberrations of figures in misery and sorrow across the distant walls. Cade shivered. Despite the fires, this place felt cold.


    Soon, they reached a large circular chamber lined with balconies that stacked atop each other for the next three stories. Two tightly wound staircases set to either side of the entrance led up to those subsequent floors and lent the spacious room a sense of symmetry. Cade walked past these and didn¡¯t have to fake his amazement. Whoever designed this room had taste.


    Cade¡¯s hope in mortal-kind was restored.


    Orro navigated around the circumference of the ground floor while Cade continued to listen with the occasional nod or grunt. Neither looked surprised when the tiny white dragonling that had followed them inside hopped from one pillar to the next until he reached the second floor.


    The little dragon continued to ascend, his mission clear, and Cade waited until he saw Bunny silently slip through the railing of the fourth balcony.


    Good.


    Now, for some acting.


    ¡°Oh! AGH! My heart! Scorn¡¯s presence is here! It¡¯s too much!¡± Cade suddenly yelled, and he clutched his brown tunic like it was the culprit for his agony.


    He leaned heavily against a nearby shelf and waited for three heartbeats. Then, he swooned and fell to the ground, taking the books and urns that sat atop the stony outcropping with him. The crash that followed echoed far and wide in the spacious chamber and accompanying corridors.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Orro yelled and rushed over.


    ¡°By Scorn¡¯s almighty scepter, are you alright?¡± Gunn exclaimed.


    Orro reached Cade first and felt for injuries along his skull and spine. Cade grunted in annoyance.


    ¡°Dopey¡­ What are you doing?¡± Cade whispered as Orro continued to run his hands across his vital points.


    ¡°You¡­ you fell.¡± Orro¡¯s eyes were partially dilated as they met Cade¡¯s squint.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cade hissed under his breath. ¡°That¡¯s the whole point. We¡¯re the distraction, you lovable idiot. Get into character.¡±


    With that, Cade resumed acting. He groaned loudly again and rolled around on the ground, as though writhing in agony, and Orro sighed under his breath.


    ¡°Here goes nothing,¡± the assassin muttered.


    Orro stood up and shook their host by the shoulders. ¡°He¡¯s dying! Get help, dear Gunn! Help!¡±


    The assassin yelled far too loudly, and his voice was thick with forced concern. Cade moaned inwardly at his friend¡¯s terrible acting.


    ¡°I¡¯m dying!¡± Cade reinforced, and he clawed at his throat. ¡°That potion¡ªthat witch must have cursed me!¡±


    There was no potion, of course, but Gunn didn¡¯t need to know it.


    As expected, Gunn froze up for a moment, and that was all they needed. He growled, masking the sound as a groan of pain, and glanced up at the ceiling as Bunny¡¯s white head peeked around a column.


    It was the signal for Bunny to do the thing he did exceptionally well¡ªwreak havoc.


    ¡°We¡¯re clear for phase two,¡± Cade told the team through Hugh¡¯s mental bridge, as the first wisps of smoke drifted down from the floor. ¡°Alright, team. Let¡¯s steal some shit.¡±

 Chapter 2: Im Dying, You Idiot

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    <h3 style="text-align: center">Cade


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    ¡°Phase two is a go,¡± Hugh confirmed gruffly in Cade¡¯s mind.


    Cade, meanwhile, peered into Gunn¡¯s gobsmacked face and resisted the urge to laugh. The trollish figure stooped low and fumbled with Cade¡¯s collar in a vain attempt to alleviate whatever phantom force clutched at Cade¡¯s throat. Needing this farce to continue, Cade kicked off a nearby pillar and rolled around.


    ¡°The goddess!¡± Cade croaked. ¡°She is too powerful! Please! Save my soul!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ yeah. Help us!¡± Orro stiffly cleared his throat as the assassin did his best to join in on Cade¡¯s dramatics. His eyes shifted momentarily as he struggled to remember his lines.


    ¡°We could really use a medic,¡± Cade said with a sidelong glare at his best friend. ¡°As many of them as possible!¡±


    ¡°Yes¡ªeveryone!¡± Orro gestured wildly, and Cade stifled the urge to sigh in annoyance at the stiff movement. ¡°Everyone you can think of, dear Gunn!¡±


    The moment Gunn looked away, Cade shook his head at Orro¡¯s performance. He vowed to pay the next artisan they came across to teach his best friend how to act.


    Fortunately, Gunn was too surprised by what unfolded before him to pick up on the blatant deception.


    ¡°Ummm, uhhh, well¡­¡± Gunn cleared his throat. ¡°I don¡¯t really have the kind of pull to get everyone here.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s dying!¡± Orro bellowed, far too loudly.


    Gunn turned to Cade again.


    ¡°Death¡­ he comes for me¡­¡± Cade said with a melodramatic flourish as plumes of smoke drifted slowly down from the upper balconies. ¡°And is it supposed to be this smoky in here?¡±


    Gunn looked up and noticed the fire for the first time. ¡°No! Oh no, oh no, oh no! Not again!¡±


    ¡°Again?¡± Orro asked.


    For the briefest moment, Orro and Cade looked at each other in surprise.


    Focused as he was on the fire, Gunn didn¡¯t notice their exchange. Whatever hesitation the large man felt turned to vapor. He nodded earnestly, then started to rush deeper into the temple.


    ¡°Stay right here, you two!¡± Gunn called back to them. ¡°Don¡¯t go down the stairs! They¡¯re off-limits, okay? I¡¯ll go get¡­ someone.¡± But Cade didn¡¯t miss his parting words. ¡°...Maybe they¡¯ll listen to me this time.¡±


    When the heavy footsteps had receded to silence, Cade let out a breath of relief. The smell of smoke was far more ominous now, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a wave of pride sweep over him. Bunny was doing so well in his very first heist. Cade would treat him to something special afterward.


    He got to his feet with a dramatic twirl, and Orro groaned.


    ¡°Really?¡± The darkly robed assassin demanded. ¡°Death comes for you now, does he?¡±


    ¡°Call it a spark of the divine.¡± Cade shrugged and grinned devilishly. ¡°I live to please.¡±


    ¡°If you two are done flirting, we need that lever pulled now!¡± Hugh¡¯s voice cut through Cade¡¯s mind. ¡°We got sentinels crawling out of our asses!¡±


    ¡°Not to be rude, but Hugh is right,¡± Elena¡¯s no-nonsense voice rang out in his head. ¡°We could really use that door opened now, Cade. Orro, you take the lead because you¡¯re going to have to come out of the gate swinging.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Cade sent to his comrades somewhere below them.


    Orro, meanwhile, didn¡¯t answer. In his usual brooding manner, he instead simply nodded a quick affirmation.


    Cade chuckled. ¡°They can¡¯t see you do that, Orro.¡±


    The assassin frowned and, with a quick sidelong glare, narrowed his eyes in annoyance.


    ¡°You just hate it when I¡¯m right, don¡¯t you?¡± Cade asked.


    Orro grunted in irritation, which usually meant yes.


    Cade darted toward the stairs. ¡°Let¡¯s go stab things, shall we?¡±


    Together, the two of them rushed down the off-limits stairs. They hugged the corner of the cold stone as the steps swirled downward, sparse torchlight along the walls their only illumination as they fled underground.


    There would be no windows letting in the dawning sun¡¯s embrace down here, and they all knew it.


    Luckily for them, they brought a little sunlight with them. Several crystals clinked against one another in a small leather pouch slung on Cade¡¯s belt as they sprinted.


    The stairs disappeared behind them in a rush, and as they ran, something tugged at the back of Cade¡¯s mind. He didn¡¯t want to entertain the thought that something was off, but a thief¡¯s intuition was never wrong.


    Any time he ignored a gut feeling, he usually ended up getting stabbed with something.


    This had all gone smoothly. Exactly to plan, and with perfect timing on every beat. Usually by now things had gone to hell in a handbasket. Chaos was sort of their trademark, after all, and the smooth sailing left an uncomfortable pit in his stomach.


    Magic had a way of ruining even the best laid plans, after all. At this point in a heist, Cade was usually trying his best to come up with a new plan on the fly.


    ¡°You feel it, too?¡± Orro asked in a hushed voice.


    Cade¡¯s gaze shifted toward his friend, and the two of them shared a knowing look. Momentarily, he let his hand off the little orb in his pocket so that the two of them could have a moment alone. Orro followed suit, and for a minute or two, they simply ran in silence while Cade tried to put this sensation into words.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t seen a single guard,¡± Cade pointed out now that they could speak freely. ¡°Not one. For a goddess¡¯s temple, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s¡­ strange?¡±


    ¡°Hugh said there wouldn¡¯t be any.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Cade muttered absently. ¡°But he won¡¯t tell us how he knows that.¡±


    ¡°He has loads of contacts all across the continent,¡± Orro said with a lazy shrug. ¡°Maybe we just got lucky this time.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Cade said, not entirely convinced.


    In unison, they both reached into their pockets and reconnected with the rest of the team.


    ¡°You disappeared,¡± Hugh said tersely, and Cade could imagine the man¡¯s scowl.


    ¡°I fell,¡± Cade lied.


    ¡°Get your shit together,¡± their boss snapped. ¡°There¡¯s more at stake with this heist than you know.¡±


    Once again, Cade and Orro shared a knowing glance, but this time they kept quiet.


    They reached the bottom of the staircase without issue and turned left down a dark corridor. Moisture clung to the obsidian walls like an unrequited lover. The torchlight flickered at their passage, the two of them at one with the shadows.


    At least, Cade thought so, and yet he couldn¡¯t help but notice that he only heard his own footsteps echo throughout the black and gold hallway. Orro, despite keeping pace with him, was silence incarnate.


    Not for the first time, Cade wondered if his best friend was secretly a silver ranker and just didn¡¯t tell him.


    ¡°Over here,¡± Orro muttered.


    The two of them stopped in front of an iron-grated door. Behind it was a single oak lever with worn steel studs lining its length. It was the solitary contraption within the tiny room, the torchlight glinting off the metal inside. Cade reached forward and tried the handle. It was locked tight.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Elena when you need her?¡± Cade asked rhetorically.


    ¡°Doing her job, idiot,¡± Elena replied telepathically.


    Cade jumped in surprise at her terse tone and was grateful only Orro was there to witness it.


    ¡°No need for a lockpick with this one. No enchantments to worry about. It¡¯s just iron,¡± Orro surmised as he stroked his chin over his cloth mask.


    ¡°You just want to show off, don¡¯t you?¡± Cade asked with a shit-eating grin.


    With a grunt of annoyance in Cade¡¯s direction, Orro unsheathed his blade. The orange metal shard that sat atop the ornate hilt and crossguard shone with an eerie light in the dark tunnel. Typical of the assassin, the blade was silent as it blurred through the air right before it cleanly cut through the lock. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Orro resheathed it in one fluid motion and kicked open the door without ceremony. Cade snuck in behind him and threw the lever before his friend could. He grinned up at Orro¡¯s dark scowl, his body contorted around the assassin as he balanced precariously on one leg.


    ¡°You¡¯re a child,¡± Orro grunted.


    ¡°You know you love me,¡± Cade answered right before he reached into his pocket to call on Hugh.


    ¡°The door should be open now!¡± He sent.


    ¡°About damn time,¡± Hugh¡¯s voice replied. ¡°We nearly ran out of sunstones while you two cucks waddled about up there.¡±


    ¡°Stop complaining, old man. We¡¯ll see you down there in just a moment,¡± Cade sent right before he let go of the warm glass orb.


    ¡°They need us,¡± Orro said, picking up his pace.


    ¡°Sounds like it,¡± Cade agreed, the joviality he felt a moment before gone.


    He felt that strange unease again, and looked around for hidden threats. The torches crackled softly, but beyond them, no sound came from these lower floors. There was no one here, sure, but his unease set him more on edge with every step.


    He was missing something, and he had to figure it out soon.


    Save for a gentle trickle of water that wormed its way down the stairs, Cade couldn¡¯t even discern any movement. The quiet stream struck Cade as odd, but he shrugged.


    They were underground, after all. Cade felt the prickle of unease grow sharper. Water, seeping through the stone¡ªit wasn¡¯t just inconvenient. It felt like the earth itself was sweating, warning them to turn back.


    Orro followed Cade¡¯s gaze for a heartbeat before he started down the next set of stairs that led toward their goal.


    Cade cursed under his breath. It was growing harder and harder to avoid the puddles that coated the ground the deeper they went. He observed them under the stagnant torchlight, but he was unable to pin what unsettled him with each step they descended into the bowels of this divine fortress.


    They reached a long hallway and stopped. Broken weapons, shattered armor, and splattered blood adorned the ground like gruesome decorations. Craters and trenches marred the once smooth ground, evidence of explosive magic and brute force. The aftermath was illuminated by the warm sheen of sunlight, deep in the earth where it didn¡¯t belong. Sunbeams danced through the unsettled dust.


    Cade took in the area with professional ease, just as Hugh had taught him. A dozen closed doors on either side had claw marks across them, and the ground was practically aglow with the warm radiance of a summer afternoon. Crystals, no longer than his fingers, were strewn everywhere, but most were embedded within random pieces of old armor.


    Cade squinted at the sudden brightness, but he huffed in appreciation at Hugh¡¯s efficiency. In his periphery, he saw the faintest of outlines around each eclectic mix of armor, and his smile turned grim. Poisoned as they might¡¯ve been by the light, the sentinels still would not remain banished for long.


    He carefully stepped around the undead guardians as they made their way through the discarded sunstones and pieces of armor that littered the ground. He took no risks as he led Orro through the long and well-lit hall. He knew the sentinel¡¯s infamous icy touch could paralyze just as often as kill, and that didn¡¯t even take into account the armor and weapons they were often bonded to from their previous lives.


    ¡°Looks like the sentinels are taking a short nap.¡± Cade shook his head at the inert sentinels. ¡°Hugh¡¯s enchantments should hold them for a bit, even if it was a rush job the old man pulled off.¡±


    He scanned the area for signs of reinforcements, either from Scorn¡¯s acolytes or other sentinels, but there was no one. Save for the ghostly figures trying in vain to claw out the sunstones with incorporeal hands, they were alone.


    At the end of the long corridor, the double-doored gates stood ajar, their ornately carved metal barely visible through the bright glimmer of the crystalline light. It was impossible to avoid getting their feet wet as they jogged up to the gates. Puddles were everywhere now.


    ¡°Not that I¡¯m one to judge,¡± Cade muttered. ¡°I spent three years living out of a sewer, after all, but I should really tell Gunn Gunderson about the leaky drainage down here. This is inexcusable for a place that serves a lady who loves smiting people.¡±


    Cade only received a quiet chuffing sound from his friend as they passed through the gates.


    What they entered into was what Cade could only describe as a maelstrom of activity.


    Chills rushed over Cade¡¯s skin, hinting that they passed through some kind of ward as they stepped into the new chamber. The moment they did, the sounds of battle crashed into them.


    Cade and Orro stopped briefly atop a ledge with two short staircases designed to look like the tails of dragons descending down on either side. It was barely a five-foot jump to the ground below.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Cade yelled to his friend.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate to jump over the rail and race over to where his team continued to fight, with Orro directly behind him.


    Cade rushed over to where Elena was busy in front of a small chest set atop a podium near the center of the room. Her bright red hair was pulled up into a messy bun, and she knelt in front of the box with a deep scowl of concentration. Security runes hung in the air above her, crackling over the redhead with crimson energy, eager to annihilate Elena should she make a single mistake. The hovering threats forced her into an awkward slouch while she worked diligently on the lock, and a bead of sweat rolled down her face as her brows furrowed with intense focus.


    Behind her, an old man with wavy gray hair and a full beard darker than most storm clouds was joined by a young man who could¡¯ve passed as Elena¡¯s masculine doppelg?nger¡ªher twin, Jer.


    Cade took in Hugh and Jer respectively, appreciating how they fought like a well-oiled machine. Their opponents¡ªa half-dozen icy blue ghosts clad in full armor¡ªcut and stabbed at the pair with silent derision. Their steel pikes and axes whipped through the air in a blur.


    A single sentinel snuck past the two of them and beelined for Elena.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Cade shouted.


    He sprinted for his friend, unwilling to let harm reach her, but Orro was faster.


    The rogue sentinel glided over the wet stone and stabbed straight for the back of her neck with a chipped pike of rusted iron.


    But Elena didn¡¯t move.


    Seconds before the sentinel could cut off her head, an orange blade collided with the pike¡¯s crossguard. The sudden and violent swing halted the sentinel¡¯s momentum as easily as a rocky cliff buffeted the ocean¡¯s advance away.


    ¡°Thanks, Orro,¡± Elena said without so much as a glance his way.


    ¡°No problem,¡± he growled.


    The muscles on his neck strained as he shoved against the sentinel¡¯s strength. It slid backward but recovered easily.


    Cade rushed forward as the undead guardian reached for Orro¡¯s throat with its semi-corporeal blue hands, each finger tipped into a gruesome claw. Orro ducked out of reach and kicked the undead soldier¡¯s chestplate, shooting it momentarily backward.


    Furious, the sentinel slashed wildly, claws extended.


    Instinctively, Cade ducked the horizontal slash, reached into his pouch, and flicked a single sunstone into the creature¡¯s permeable gut. The second the crystal entered its semi-transparent abdomen, the ghost writhed in pain. With a comical poof, its form exploded into a thick mist.


    Orro adjusted his stance, careful not to bump Elena.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let them touch you!¡± Jer warned. ¡°Their hands seem to ignore mundane items like they don¡¯t exist! I think it has something to do with their gestalt nature!¡±


    ¡°Who taught you the word ¡®gestalt¡¯?¡± Elena chimed in without turning her back.


    Before her twin could respond, a sentinel sliced at Jer¡¯s chest, and the man flipped backward, narrowly dodging the strike.


    Hugh, meanwhile, pulled a bright crystal from his pocket and snapped it in half. Their boss threw the illuminated shards at two of their foes. The sunstones Hugh had made just for this occasion embedded deep in the ghosts¡¯ chestplates, and an ungodly shriek tore through the underground air.


    Satisfied with knowing that Hugh and Jer were safe, Cade turned to check and see if Elena was alright.


    But as he turned his back on a single patch of shadows in the otherwise sun-filled room, he realized his mistake.


    Ghostly fingers shot out of the isolated darkness. He stiffened on impulse, but he couldn¡¯t move fast enough. Those icy claws reached for his neck. They pulsed with frigid magic as the sentinel¡¯s agonized expression emerged from the darkness and glinted with endless malice.


    It grabbed him, and it hurt.


    The gnarled fingers closed around Cade¡¯s throat before he could think, much less dodge, and his eyes widened as ice crackled over his jaw. It seared his skin, so cold that it burned, and he stifled an agonized yell of pain.


    ¡°No!¡± Jer yelled, his freckled face pale.


    The sentinel¡¯s hand met the edge of a dark orange blade, and it simply stopped. Cade¡¯s hackles shot to attention as he witnessed the impossible within a single heartbeat.


    Yet again, Cade¡¯s best friend had saved the day.


    Orro tugged hard on his blade, twisting it within the ghost¡¯s armor, and the otherwise uncuttable form of the sentinel was torn apart by the assassin¡¯s strange weapon.


    The sentinel shrieked like its fallen brethren, but Orro didn¡¯t hesitate. He shot forward, his blade turned in a reverse grip as he ducked under a wild swing of the sentinel¡¯s pike. With a grunt of effort, he drove his blade deep within the chestplate of the ghostly creature.


    The monster froze and, with an ungodly moan of pain, fell over. Unlike the others, it dissolved slowly into white mist before it was gone entirely.


    Silence dominated the room.


    Cade saw the edges of Orro¡¯s eyes crease as he smiled triumphantly.


    The last sentinel was taken care of¡ªand unlike the others, this one was dead for good this time.


    ¡°A bit overkill, if you ask me,¡± Jer grumbled before he dusted off his pants and clapped Cade on the shoulders. ¡°Show off.¡±


    In answer, Orro merely shrugged.


    Hugh glared at Cade, his scarred forearms crossed across his bulky chest. ¡°Took you long enough, lad. I was about ready to start some tea while you took your dear time getting here. Do you have it?¡±


    Cade squirmed a bit under his mentor¡¯s attention but eventually nodded. ¡°Here.¡±


    He carefully took off his cloak, even though he knew that it was impossible to activate the enchantment sewn into it without Hugh¡¯s help. Still, he made sure to avoid touching the inside hems whenever possible.


    With exploding capes, it was best to be careful.


    Hugh took it from his grasp nonchalantly and then walked over to one of the nearby walls. Cade watched as the man counted a certain amount of stones from the corner, then spread the cloak out against the wall. He tapped the runes sewn into the large cloth at regular intervals, and a dark red glow emanated from each in response as the adhesive magic kicked in.


    A cold prickle gathered at the base of Cade¡¯s neck, and he glanced around to see if there were any more traps waiting for them to stumble upon. The torches flickered softly in their iron holsters.


    Cade¡¯s brows knitted together in concentration. Something wasn¡¯t right.


    He continued to study the underground sanctum carefully as Hugh smoothly went about his work. Within moments, the cloak was stretched to every corner, looking for all the world like its former owner had been pancaked against the wall it was now stuck on.


    Hugh waited to activate the final and largest rune, which stood out in the center of the textile. Cade shivered at the size of it. He knew from previous heists that this rune¡¯s payload would be enough to melt over a dozen feet of stone without even trying.


    Cade hoped it was pointed in the right direction this time.


    ¡°How much longer, Elena?¡± Hugh barked.


    Everyone turned to see her, tongue pinched between the side of her lips, raise two fingers provocatively in Hugh¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Is that supposed to mean two minutes, or just that she hates him right now?¡± Cade asked Jer.


    Her twin shrugged. ¡°Both, I suppose. She does love to multitask.¡±


    ¡°Done,¡± Elena said right as a satisfying click echoed throughout the chamber.


    The small chest whirred as the half a dozen mechanisms locking and booby-trapping the box were disarmed all at once. The heavy lid hissed, and Elena opened it up with a rare sign of reverence.


    Based on her love of magical devices, Cade knew that satisfied grin of hers was more toward the locksmith who constructed such a masterpiece than the magical artifact it housed.


    And though Cade appreciated a good chest, he was there for something far more important.


    Loot.


    Lots and lots of loot.

 Chapter 3: Conning the Conman

    <hr>


    Cade


    <hr>


    Cade looked into the treasure chest and basked in the rich red glow that emanated from it. Inside, a single object rested on a velvet cushion.


    It was, without a doubt, the most grotesque necklace Cade had ever seen.


    A gaudy chain of gold inlaid with jewels sprawled out from the pendant, which wasn¡¯t much better. An uncut gem the size of Cade¡¯s fist was clutched in a silver dragon¡¯s claw. The chain looped through the claw unevenly, giving Cade the impression that the three components¡ªthe claw, the chain, and the uncut gem¡ªwere all distinct pieces cobbled together for some function.


    That was the curse of complex enchanted items. Everyone was so willing to give up on fashion the instant more power could be crammed into their gear or accessories. Cade¡¯s pessimism returned in a rush.


    Art was dead. Long live anarchy.


    ¡°Stop scowling at the amulet,¡± Hugh ordered. ¡°Get it into this box. One touch and you¡¯ll probably keel over, so don¡¯t touch it, Cade.¡± Hugh amplified his words by also sending them telepathically.


    The result was as eerie as it was annoying. Cade shook his head to clear it and snatched the box his mentor handed him. Gingerly, he tipped over the treasure chest and slid the affront to beauty into the protective container they had prepared for it.


    Cade¡¯s ears were opened to any sound of boots on stone, or even the sentinels soft scratching. But none of it came.


    Then it hit him¡ªthe reason he was so on edge. It wasn¡¯t the battles, or the unusually aggressive tone Hugh was using, or even the near-death experience. It was much simpler than that.


    This heist had been too easy.


    Way too easy.


    There hadn¡¯t been a single living soul down here the whole time. No mortals. No bloodshed. Nothing. Not even the opposition Hugh and the others encountered had any mortals. As terrifying as sentinels could be, it still struck him as odd that there hadn¡¯t been a single human here to guard something that could fetch this much gold.


    His eyes narrowed in suspicion, and he cast a sidelong glare at his mentor.


    ¡°Alright, hand it over, Cade.¡± Hugh¡¯s voice echoed through Cade¡¯s thoughts like a poison.


    Cade swiveled and flicked the box closed, his mind and heart both racing.


    ¡°Hey, boss,¡± Cade replied cautiously. ¡°Why was there never anything in our plans for what to do when encountering mortals down here? We all got sunstones for the sentinels, sure, but we knew about them going in from our client¡¯s intel. How come there are no guards or even the odd janitor?¡±


    The thief did his best to keep his tone light and carefree, but his ears continued to search for any signs of life.


    Nothing.


    The only sound was water dripping in a steady rhythm down the twin staircases. In fact, it was getting louder.


    The others glanced from Cade to their boss, back and forth, as their eyes widened with realization.


    Cade was right¡ªand everyone knew it.


    Hugh pinned him with a scowl, and his eyes burned with impatience. ¡°You¡¯re losing it, lad. No mortals are around because no one in their sane minds would dawdle where sentinels linger. That¡¯s just asking for your soul to get ripped out when your back is turned. Hell, even I don¡¯t want to be here a moment longer than necessary because those sunstones aren¡¯t going to last forever. We can get out of here and line our purses with more gold than a dragon could carry as soon as you give me that box.¡±


    Hugh still stood by the explosive cloak pinned to the wall, and his hand hovered over the large rune in its center. He was clearly ready to blow the wall to pieces as soon as Cade obeyed, but his mentor never once broke eye contact. In fact, there was no reason for Hugh to wait. Cade could¡¯ve just as easily given him the box once they were safely out of the temple.


    This wasn¡¯t adding up.


    A thief¡¯s intuition was never wrong. Cade learned that the hard way, and he wasn¡¯t about to ignore it now.


    The hair on the back of Cade¡¯s neck stood on end, and he swallowed hard as he prepared himself for what he knew he had to do.


    ¡°No.¡± Cade¡¯s words cut through the group like a knife.


    Everyone turned to him with various expressions of incredulity, but Hugh¡¯s face was a mask of rage set in cold steel.


    ¡°No?¡± Hugh whispered through his gritted teeth. ¡°Care to explain why you¡¯re burning precious seconds of our escape on your little delusions?¡±


    ¡°I meant not yet,¡± Cade lied. He held Hugh¡¯s gaze, masking the churn of suspicion in his gut.


    He needed to buy some time to figure out what to do.


    ¡°I¡¯m just ensuring our prize is secure,¡± he lied smoothly, the weight of the box a reassuring presence under his fingers. ¡°You know how it is, Hugh¡ªcan¡¯t be too careful. You taught me that.¡±


    Hugh cursed under his breath and briefly rubbed his eyes with his burly hand. The moment the man looked away, Cade shifted the box subtly against his hip, allowing his hand to brush the hidden clasp. His fingers moved with practiced grace, palming the amulet and shifting his last sunstone in its place before he relocked the metallic container. The sunstone he¡¯d replaced the amulet with thudded softly inside the box as he shook it in front of his mentor¡¯s gaze.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Hugh¡¯s eyes flickered, missing the subtle transfer. ¡°Last chance, kid.¡±


    ¡°Boss, I have a question,¡± Cade said stiffly, ignoring the unspoken threat in those words. The box was still firmly in his hand even as the heavy amulet weighed down his pocket. ¡°This was too easy, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Elena cursed under her breath and ran a shaky hand through her hair. ¡°He¡¯s right.¡±


    Jer, meanwhile, took a few cautious steps away from the man who had brought them all together, so many years ago.


    ¡°Kid, give me the¡ª¡±


    ¡°What aren¡¯t you telling us?¡± Cade interrupted.


    At that, something changed in Hugh¡¯s face¡ªsomething Cade couldn¡¯t quite place or identify. It was like his mentor had taken off a mask he¡¯d worn for years, and Cade was finally seeing the real man for who he actually was. ¡°You know, Cade, sometimes you¡¯re too smart for your own good.¡±


    ¡°What the hell does that mean?¡± Orro snapped, his grip tightening on his broken sword.


    By the gods, they did not have time for this. They needed to get the hell out of here, but Hugh was blocking their only means of escape.


    Hugh¡¯s gaze briefly flicked toward the assassin, but it didn¡¯t linger. Once again, that intense glare settled on Cade, and a wicked sneer settled on his mentor¡¯s face. He shifted his attention to the shadows of a dark tunnel and addressed the darkness. ¡°Get out here, crew. It¡¯s time to clean up this mess.¡±


    A chill, more than the usual dampness of the underground lair, crept along the stone walls.


    The shadows shifted.


    Three figures emerged from the dark¡ªghosts made flesh. A dark elf, skin like the purple dusk that precedes the night sky, stepped forward, her presence commanding yet silent.


    She was followed by a young man with handsome features marred by a sharp sneer.


    Looming behind them both was an orc easily three heads taller than Cade. He emerged from the darkness like a war monument brought to life, his twin cleavers glinting with a sinister promise.


    Orro caught Cade¡¯s eye, and they shared a slight nod between them. The assassin¡¯s hand rested on his blade, ready.


    The arrogant gentleman¡¯s lip curled. ¡°These are the scapegoats, boss?¡±


    The bastard¡¯s voice was like honey spilled lazily from a silver spoon, his violet eyes glinting with disdain. His clothes were too fine a make for some commoner, and yet there was no real inspiration or taste about them. That, combined with his clear prejudice, was enough.


    Cade instantly hated him.


    The man had called Cade¡¯s crew scapegoats, and these were clearly secret members of a team that already knew his mentor. Together with his sneaking suspicions that something was off, confirmed everything Cade hadn¡¯t wanted to believe.


    Hugh had betrayed them.


    Hell, their boss had replaced them.


    The young thief kept his focus split, his gaze shifting back and forth between the arrogant aristocrat and the dark elf. Her fingers danced through the air at her sides, weaving moisture into deadly shapes. Without a sound, she flicked her wrist¡ªsudden, sharp.


    A knife emerged from a pool of water, glinting in the fake sunlight as its lethal edge took form even as it lifted into the air.


    ¡°Orro!¡± Cade yelled. ¡°Move!¡±


    A blade of water spun silently towards Orro. Reacting instinctively, the assassin sidestepped, the weapon grazing his arm, drawing a line of red against his dark leather. The dagger splashed against the wall behind him, sending a spray of frigid water into the air, which briefly glittered in the dim light.


    Phew.


    That had been close. Now he understood why there were puddles everywhere.


    Orro caught Cade¡¯s eye and gave a lazy salute in thanks. Cade returned it before shifting his attention back to the newcomers.


    ¡°Nice trick,¡± Cade remarked. ¡°Was playing in puddles a lifelong dream of yours, or just something you picked up recently?¡±


    His tone was edged as he appraised Hugh¡¯s new allies. The dark elf sneered, her cobalt eyes shifting from Orro to Cade. Then, as quick as an arrow in flight, her expression changed to a seductive smile.


    ¡°I like your lips, boy,¡± she purred.


    Um.


    Well, alrighty then.


    Of everything she could¡¯ve said, that was probably last on the list of what he¡¯d expected to happen.


    Cade gulped, briefly stumped by this change in behavior. Most people threw things at him after he prodded them like that. His grip tightened, the box in his hands a welcome distraction.


    It took a moment more to center himself, but he managed to get his head back in the game. He noticed how all three of the newcomers kept glancing toward the box, and he grinned.


    ¡°What, these?¡± Cade winked and pointed at his mouth with his free hand. ¡°Thanks, scary elf lady. I made them myself.¡±


    Her grin widened, but her eyes remained narrowed in warning.


    Undeterred, Cade tossed the small container back and forth in his hands, the container moving in a gentle arc. The veins on Hugh¡¯s neck throbbed as he gritted his teeth. But with a quick sigh, their backstabbing leader relaxed his shoulders.


    Hugh¡¯s grin was tight. Predatory. ¡°C¡¯mon, Cade. There¡¯s no need for this to get ugly. We need that amulet. We¡¯ll take it with or without you bleeding out on the floor.¡± He stepped closer, hand outstretched. ¡°The box, Cade. Now.¡±


    Cade weighed the box in his palm, feigning reluctance. He needed to keep Hugh talking, to draw out the moment for him to think of an escape plan.


    The clock was ticking. At any moment, Scorn¡¯s acolytes could barge in. So far, however, he wasn¡¯t really coming up with anything that had good odds of survival.


    ¡°And if I do¡­¡± the young thief hedged. ¡°What¡¯s to say you won¡¯t just cut us down anyway?¡±


    Hugh¡¯s eyes darkened, a storm brewing behind them. ¡°You always had to make things difficult, boy. Why can¡¯t you listen to me for the first time in your gods-damned life?! Hand me the box or I spill your friend¡¯s blood at your feet while you watch.¡±


    Cade had never heard his mentor speak with such blind hatred. He took a step back, shock and fury coursing in equal measure through his tight veins. This man he had respected for so long, whom he¡¯d followed into battle after battle, had traded him in like a rusty old sword he didn¡¯t want anymore.


    Fine.


    So be it.


    He didn¡¯t need the bitter old man. If he wanted to play this out, Cade would show him just how much Hugh had underestimated him and his crew.


    The air thickened, charged with magic and malice. Cade sensed the elf move before he saw it¡ªa wave of moisture gathering around her fingertips as the countless puddles were drawn toward her.


    He glanced at Orro, a silent agreement flashing between them.


    ¡°If I give you this box, I want something in return,¡± Cade said, stalling as Orro settled into his stance. ¡°We live, and you get us out of here with you.¡±


    ¡°Deal,¡± Hugh snapped quickly.


    Too quickly.


    A lie.


    ¡°Guess we¡¯re on the same page, then,¡± Cade said with a shrug of feigned compliance. ¡°Time to see if this prize is worth all the fuss.¡±


    Cade chucked the box toward Hugh. As it arced through the air, his heart raced¡ªnot from fear, but from the thrill of the game.


    After all, a thief lived for these moments, and Cade always had another trick up his sleeve.

 Chapter 4: That Gods-Damn Traitor

    <hr>


    Cade


    <hr>


    The game had begun, and it was time to make Hugh regret ever trying to replace Cade and his crew.


    Cade watched the decoy box arc through the air toward his mentor, whose full attention had shifted toward the airborne container. The true prize was secure in Cade¡¯s pocket, its power warm against his thigh through his pants¡¯ fabric. He grinned, watching as his throw went wide by several feet, directly into the pile of inert sentinels.


    As planned.


    Hugh lunged, but even his efforts weren¡¯t enough. The metallic cube clipped an iron chestplate and careened off to the side.


    ¡°Damn it all, Cade!¡± Hugh yelled as he rushed after it.


    Cade just smirked.


    With Hugh¡¯s attention briefly diverted, the dark elf¡¯s smile turned wicked. With a nonchalance that screamed of practice, she launched another watery assault. This time, the daggers flew directly at Orro, sharper and faster than before.


    That was when it all went straight to the deepest hell.


    The cavern erupted into chaos as the elf, with a twist of her wrist, sent yet another pair of water daggers slicing through the air after the first ones. Orro ducked low and charged forward. Each step was a splash, his boots sending ripples across the growing puddles that the dark elf conjured with a malicious flurry of her dark fingers.


    Evidently, she wanted their resident assassin dead first.


    At the same time, the heavy clang of the orc¡¯s cleavers met the parried thrusts of Jer and Elena¡¯s weapons. The giant orc swung with brutal force, his weapons a blur of steel and death. Each blow that Jer dodged sent sparks flying across the roughly hewn stone. The flashes of flint illuminated Elena¡¯s fierce expression as she countered with sharp, precise jabs with her stiletto knives. The twins danced around each other, one omen of death and mayhem split into two forces.


    Cade, meanwhile, focused his full attention on the young man with the permanent sneer. The arrogant bastard advanced with his rapier drawn and walked with a cocky swagger that reeked of entitlement.


    Admittedly, Cade was more of a talker than a swordsman, and he¡¯d always relied on his fast reflexes and quick wit to get out of dangerous situations. He had a few daggers to his name, and he was better suited for close combat than anything else. Orro had taught him the basics so that he could defend himself in situations like these, and that had gotten him this far. Sure, his offense wasn¡¯t the best, but his defense and dodging was the stuff of legend.


    He thought it was, anyway.


    As the stranger advanced, Cade began to circle. He tilted his body so that the hidden amulet wouldn¡¯t get hit or damaged in his pocket, and he shifted his weight slightly to his toes to ensure his speed would outmatch his opponent. He needed to keep moving, as momentum was key in a good defensive plan, and he kept his new opponent at a safe distance while he studied the stranger¡¯s posture. The thief was careful to avoid the shifting puddles covering the floor, unwilling to let this fight be decided by something as foolish as a premature slip.


    His adversary methodically pressed closer as the man traced lethal arcs in the cool cavern air.


    Cade realized with annoyance that this expensively dressed swordsman was enjoying this. The man¡¯s violet gaze brightened as Cade took another step back, and his opponent seemed to mistake the calculation as cowardice.


    ¡°You¡¯re even less impressive in person,¡± he remarked, his voice a smooth, chilling drawl. ¡°Hugh said you were resourceful. I see now he was being too kind.¡±


    The duelist stabbed at Cade¡¯s heart, but the thief used the edge of a nearby column to divert the attack as he leapt behind it. In one fluid motion, he drew a dagger from the sheath on his waist and held it in front of him, ready to strike the moment the opportunity arose.


    ¡°And you are?¡± Cade gritted out, ducking a swipe that sliced perilously close to his chest, though it nicked the fabric of his tunic. ¡°I don¡¯t recall Hugh¡¯s type being the silver spoon sort.¡±


    ¡°Fenwick Thorn,¡± the man replied with a mocking bow. ¡°Since I¡¯m going to kill you, it doesn¡¯t matter if you know.¡±


    Man, even this guy¡¯s name was annoying.


    Cade dashed for another set of columns, a plan forming as to how he could use the environment to his advantage, but Fenwick swiped at the air in front of him. The near-miss redirected Cade¡¯s movements toward the wall, and Cade couldn¡¯t let himself get cornered.


    He had to keep this guy talking to buy him some more time to think of a way out of this.


    ¡°I¡¯m your replacement.¡± Fenwick sneered. ¡°You were easy to replace, really, especially since I actually know how to listen. Hugh decided to invest in a more promising prospect. He outgrew you, peasant.¡±


    Cade smirked, already figuring out how to get under the man¡¯s skin. ¡°You¡¯re a chatty jackass, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Fenwick¡¯s smile faded, and he once again swiped at the air in front of Cade¡ªonly for Cade to effortlessly dodge it.


    Time for a bit of improv.


    The thief pretended to stumble over a loose stone, catching himself against the wall, though he didn¡¯t have to fake how his breaths were coming in sharp rasps. He¡¯d endured worse than this, though, and he knew how to keep from exhausting himself.


    As planned, the feint set off a flurry of jabs and swipes from Fenwick, and the man started breathing heavily as well.


    It looked like Hugh¡¯s new protege didn¡¯t have the stamina to sustain this fight for long. Good¡ªthat gave Cade the advantage.


    His grip tightened on the dagger in his hand, wondering if he¡¯d have to use it or not. Fenwick probably had daggers of his own, and judging by the arrogant man¡¯s ornate clothing, he¡¯d likely been trained fairly well.


    ¡°What about your friends over there? Are they supposed to be the improved versions of my crew?¡± he nodded briefly towards the dark elf and the hulking orc preparing their next moves.


    Fenwick smiled thinly. ¡°To call your idiotic team a crew is far too generous, you gutter rat. Selena, Jug, and I are not just Hugh¡¯s allies. We¡¯re extensions of his will like you lot never were.¡±


    ¡°Must make for dull company,¡± Cade quipped, ducking quickly as Fenwick¡¯s blade came in fast. The metal rang close to his ear, and his skin prickled with the near miss.


    ¡°Enough of this idiocy,¡± Fenwick snapped, his patience apparently at an end.


    Good. It was time to get to work.


    ¡°You started it,¡± Cade sniped back.


    He grinned in victory when he saw this annoying ass choke on his next words.


    The gaudily dressed duelist lunged, and Cade narrowly sidestepped in time. He felt the sting of the rapier as it grazed his side, and warm blood trickled down his rib with every beat of his chest.


    With a quick thrust, Cade shifted his grip on his dagger and jabbed it into Fenwick¡¯s bicep. The man twisted out of the way at the last second, and the sharp blade merely sliced through his opponent¡¯s fine cloak.


    Fenwick growled in frustration and stood to his full height. He slowly rolled his shoulders back as he swept a few errant strands of his pale hair behind his ear. Fenwick¡¯s violet eyes landed on Cade, violence etched into every detail of his dark visage.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to bleed for that,¡± Fenwick promised. ¡°Then I¡¯ll make that sister of yours bleed for it too.¡±


    Cade¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and a sickening sense of dread settled in the pit of his stomach.


    This moron knew about Rayka.


    Hugh¡¯s new pupil laughed in mocking delight. ¡°Oh, I know that she waits for you and the others just a few miles from this temple. She¡¯s going to be so surprised when she finds me at her doorstep, but probably not nearly as surprised as when I run her through over and over again with my sword.¡±


    Despite the surge of hatred Cade felt at that threat, he forced himself to remain calm. It was like holding back the tide, but he would not let this snake in mortal¡¯s clothing rile him up.


    ¡°Do you practice these speeches in front of the mirror?¡± Cade inquired with forced calm. ¡°Or do they just come to you in the moment? Seriously, your acting is spot-on. Do you give lessons? Because my best friend is in desperate need of them, you spineless twat.¡±


    Hugh screamed in rage to their right, and Fenwick turned instinctively toward his master.


    Now was Cade¡¯s chance to disarm this arrogant bastard.


    He grabbed one of the few remaining sunstones in his pocket and threw it at Fenwick¡¯s face. The duelist yelled in surprise and sliced his rapier at the crystal right as Cade turned his back and clenched his eyes shut. The steel blade cracked the enchanted rock, and light burst out of it with a flash of magic.


    Fenwick screamed.


    With a snarl of fury, Cade closed the distance. Water whipped off of his pant legs as he crushed his knee into Fenwick¡¯s exposed nose. The man¡¯s head rocked back and Cade grabbed a handful of his hair. He once more shifted his grip on his dagger and aimed for Fenwick¡¯s bicep again, eager to disarm the man and end this.


    He didn¡¯t get the chance to strike.


    A grip like iron stopped his fist just a mere inch before it landed home.


    ¡°Not so fast, little thief,¡± Hugh growled.


    Cade was thrown back, his back slamming into the uneven stone of the wall behind him. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Where is it?¡± Hugh¡¯s eyes were alight with greed and fury. ¡°You stole it. I know you did.¡±


    The man raised his dagger¡ªa leech blade. It was a vicious weapon that seemed to suck in the dim light of the cavern, and it would drain the life out of Cade if he let it touch him.


    Never¡ªnot once¡ªdid Cade imagine his mentor would point it at him.


    It hit home, then, just how messed up this whole situation was. The man he had spent so long fighting for, defending, and obeying had dropped him and his crew the moment he thought he¡¯d found something better.


    Cade would show the man just how wrong he was.


    Though his options were limited, Cade glanced at the armored husks of the sentinels lining the chamber walls. Their sunstones flickered weakly. With a desperate idea forming, he ignored Hugh¡¯s question and dove to the right.


    He landed by the nearest figure, his fingers closing around the glowing stone. He yanked it free. The armor clattered to life, the ghostly sentinel stirring with a hollow moan.


    These undead soldiers didn¡¯t have great situational awareness, and that meant he could kneel motionlessly beside it without it noticing him. Its essence rushed back into its armor and, true to form, it lunged for Hugh right as Cade¡¯s old mentor yelled in frustration.


    His back still stinging, Cade repeated the process as many times as he could with the other nearby suits of armor scattered across the slick ground. His fingers shook, though from pain or disbelief, he couldn¡¯t tell.


    As one of the sentinels rose, its icy touch swept out, searching for life to drain. Fenwick cursed, parrying the ghostly limbs as Hugh sidestepped, his focus still fixed on Cade.


    ¡°Enough games!¡± Hugh shouted. ¡°Give me the Remnant!¡±


    He charged at Cade with the leech dagger raised. Cade kicked out, but Hugh blocked the blow and knocked him into a pillar he hadn¡¯t seen. Hugh shoved Cade against the carved surface with one arm and lifted his dagger with the other.


    Cade coughed and tasted blood.


    ¡°Remnant?¡± Cade demanded. ¡°What in the hells are you talking about?¡±


    Hugh¡¯s eyes widened at his blunder, and he snarled maniacally. His ungodly dagger descended, aimed right for his head. Cade tried to lean away, but his mentor¡¯s grip was like iron. Cade looked up to see Hugh¡¯s faded tattoo of broken manacles glistened with sweat along his neck, veins bulging with rage.


    A white blur shot forward and slammed into the hand rushing toward Cade. Hugh stumbled away and his dagger spun out of his grip. Bunny roared and stood in front of Cade protectively. Even though the adorable white dragon barely came to his knees, the ferocity in his eyes was enough to startle both humans.


    ¡°I am going to destroy everything you care about,¡± Hugh promised darkly.


    Cade¡¯s stomach dropped as his boss¡¯s hands began to glow with silvery tendrils. Before Cade could call to Bunny¡ªto warn him of the danger Hugh posed to them all, his lifelong mentor moved. With a roll, he recovered his dagger, the silvery magic coating the tortured emerald blade. In one fluid motion, he got back to his feet and threw the blade back as he leaned heavily against the stone.


    Time slowed.


    The silvery weapon spun end over end. Hugh¡¯s wind affinity was on display as the projectile cut through the air unhindered.


    Bunny lunged for the hilt but his position was too far away. Hugh¡¯s infamous weapon spun end over end, and Cade realized Hugh never meant the life-draining item to embed itself in his chest.


    No. It headed directly for Orro¡¯s back.


    The leech dagger danced through the air, rapidly approaching where his best friend locked blades with the dark elf, Selena. Even if he sensed the danger now, he would expose himself to another strike from the sadistic waterweaver.


    Orro needed help, or he would die.


    Cade was moving before he fully processed any of these details. His exhausted feet dug into the moist stone and found the purchase he needed. He pushed every drop of strength he had left into his legs. His best friend in the whole world would not die today. Cade refused to let his blindness to Hugh¡¯s betrayal cost any member of his crew their lives.


    The thief shot through the underground chamber like an arrow, and given his position, he was able to get in front of it at the last second.


    He tried to grab it, to hit it maybe and knock it off course, but he missed.


    It hit him.


    The dagger twisted right as his torso collided with the lethal projectile. He felt the blade slice through his jacket, his pants, and his thigh like they were cheap parchment. Its razor edge slammed into something hard, and a fiery warmth burst over Cade¡¯s exposed skin.


    Bone cracked against stone as he landed against a pillar, and his shoulder took the entirety of his weight. Coldness spread from his fingertips and through the rest of his body as the leech dagger drained him.


    It was eating away at his soul.


    His life ebbed away like the receding tide, each breath more labored than the last as he laid crumbled over the dagger.


    The splitting of crystal echoed throughout the wide chamber, and Cade had just enough time to look down and see the ripped pocket and the exposed leech dagger partially embedded in the amulet before light and heat bloomed over the entire room.


    A surge of unrestrained power burst forth as the blade shattered the artifact''s outer shell and Cade was crushed against the far wall.


    The explosion of magic was blinding. Light and force radiated outward, sending everyone flying back.


    The released energy pulsed through Cade¡¯s veins like fire, and his agonized yell echoed off the stone as the pendant¡¯s power melded into his pores. It overwhelmed him. It spread throughout his veins like streams of magma burning their way through his entire body. His vision roiled with smoke, and he tasted the heady scent of rust in the air, as if a maelstrom was about to break out in this underground sanctum.


    Around Cade, the battle pitched to a frenetic crescendo.


    Despite the blinding light, he saw the silhouettes of Orro and Selena as they clashed amidst rising torrents of water. The elf¡¯s spells became more ferocious as she summoned whips of liquid that snaked through the air like vipers in the grass. Orro moved through the deluge, his blade an orange flash cutting through water and air.


    Jer and Elena¡¯s silhouettes struggled under the relentless assault of Jug, whose laughter boomed over the clash of steel. As the freshly animated sentinels joined the fray, the orc found himself beset by enemies on all sides, his cleavers swinging wildly at the spectral forms.


    As much as Cade wanted to help, he could barely move. He slid down the charred wall. He collapsed to his knees, doubled over by the power of the gaudy necklace¡¯s magic burning inside him. The coldness Hugh¡¯s leech dagger had caused was replaced by endless flames.


    This Remnant¡ªwhatever that even was¡ªhurt like hell.


    Cade glanced upward, his vision a dizzying collage of reds and oranges and whites. He barely noticed how Orro glanced back, his expression torn between concern and the need to defend. Cade tried to call out, to tell his best friend to focus on the fight, but a fresh wave of agony swept through his bones, etching misery into his marrow as it steadily coursed through his veins.


    The pain crept ever upward, toward his chest, until it settled in his heart. He gritted his teeth in misery, trying and failing to fight off the sensation, but the crystal¡¯s magic only grew stronger.


    Somewhere to his right, Elena shouted out a curse. He glimpsed her toss a shining orb in front of Cade¡¯s beleaguered form. It shattered on impact, and a shield of shimmering light encased Cade as he writhed on the ground.


    Too weak to say anything, he merely offered her a weak salute in thanks.


    The cavern filled with the screams of battle, the groans of the awakening sentinels, and the roar of water and magic. Light, shadow, and sound, intermixed into a maddening cacophony, each moment scarring itself into the obsidian chamber. But it was nothing compared to the vengeful storm clawing its way through every inch of Cade¡¯s mind and body.


    He was falling apart.


    The cavern shook as if the very earth rebelled against the raw power Cade unleashed. Uncontrolled magic spiraled out from him in a violent storm, splintering stone and vaporizing air into charged particles. His scream transformed into a primal roar, the surge of dark energy ripping through the confined space like a tempest unleashed.


    Fenwick was slashed across the neck by an invisible force. His hands flew to the wound, blood seeping through his fingers in a dark, steady stream. He stumbled backward, his eyes wide with shock and pain.


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this!¡± Fenwick screamed wildly. ¡°I swear by the gods, I will make you beg for death!¡± His voice cut off as his mouth gurgled with blood.


    Nearby, Hugh¡ªhis instincts honed over countless battles¡ªseized a disoriented sentinel by its armor, dragging the spectral form in front of him as a shield. The magic collided with the ghostly armor, sending shrieks of agony echoing off the walls as it disintegrated, its cries a harrowing testament to Hugh¡¯s desperation.


    A second explosion deafened those present as the forgotten cloak-explosive ripped through the opposite wall from Cade. It tore a jagged opening to the world up above. Sunlight and fresh air burst down into the darkened lair, stark against the chaos within.


    And for the love of the gods, this whole mess just kept getting worse.


    From the twin stairs, soot-covered acolytes began to descend like dark angels of vengeance. Gunn Gunderson, his sleeves a charred mess, led the charge, screaming something about his bad luck with strangers.


    The robes of Scorn¡¯s underlings fluttered ominously, faces marred by ash and fury as they flooded the chamber. As one, they began to weave their magic together, slips of copper and silver entering the mix.


    Orro was at Cade¡¯s side in a heartbeat, ignoring the burns his proximity incurred. He grabbed Cade¡¯s limp form, hoisting him over his shoulder. Every step toward the exit was a battle, acolytes swarming, their dark magic flaring around them.


    Bunny, ever the helper, darted between their legs and nipped at exposed ankles. Cade reached out for the tiny cloudrift dragonling, but his throat refused to work. The white dragonling raced toward Cade¡¯s outstretched arm, however, and licked the tip of his finger before darting for the tunnel. Some unspoken tension eased in Cade¡¯s ruined chest at the sight of his little friend escaping toward safety.


    The wily dragonling disappeared up the new tunnel, and the relief Cade felt at the safety of his young friend was enough to nearly buckle him at the knees.


    Elena and Jer, a few paces ahead, cut through the attackers with vicious efficiency.


    ¡°This way!¡± Elena shouted, her voice a beacon in the tumult.


    She tossed another orb and it unleashed a blinding burst of light when it shattered, forcing the acolytes back as Jer laughed wildly, swinging with ferocious glee.


    ¡°I absolutely refuse to die without finding true love! Be gone, love-killers!¡± Jer bellowed as an acolyte¡¯s blade came too close, his counter-strike knocking the weapon aside.


    As they neared the exit and sweet, sweet freedom, the ground beneath them cracked. Cade¡¯s vision blurred, and he couldn¡¯t quite make sense of the chaos as his body crumpled in mind-blistering pain.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Orro roared in frustration. Cade¡¯s vision briefly cleared just as their exit was cut off by over a dozen enraged acolytes.


    Unbidden and wild, a web of destruction spread from Cade¡¯s hand. The fissure deepened and raced toward their exit, threatening to collapse their only way out. Orro leapt, joined swiftly by the others as the chamber collapsed around them. Cade tried to protest, but pain ripped the words out of his mouth.


    On the opposite side of the forming canyon, Hugh paused by their exit and looked briefly back even as more Scorn guards surrounded Cade and his team. The two of them locked eyes. Cade¡¯s vision swam with hatred and flames as he saw his mentor leave him to die in this gods-forsaken hole, the rest of his cutthroats close on his heels. Fenwick raised a rude gesture as he, too, fled the temple grounds and into the forest above.


    And then, everything faded to black.


    The sounds of their failed escape echoed like the distant rumble of thunder, leaving behind the chaos of a battlefield-turned-tomb. The last image that seared into his mind was an entire squad of sentinels and acolytes with their weapons pointed at him and his friends.


    He had to stay awake.


    He had to think of a plan.


    He had to get his friends out of here. That was his job. They were his responsibility to protect and keep safe, but he couldn¡¯t even lift his head.


    His chin fell limply to his chest. The magic invading his veins reforged his bones beneath his skin. They cracked and ripped apart, only to be restored with incredible force.


    ¡°Drop your weapons, Bert and Dopey!¡± Gunn shouted in some distant place that grew farther and farther from Cade with each passing heartbeat. ¡°We¡¯ve got you surrounded!¡±


    The churning magic inside Cade stabbed into his very essence, and in the seconds before the darkness swallowed him whole, he had a vision.


    Of a woman with fire for hair.


    No, not a woman.


    A goddess.


    She knelt on the ground, chained by thick brambles and heavy thorns, her billowing hair little more than dying embers that pulsed with light and fury.


    The woman lifted her head, and she stared into his soul with all the intensity of a wildfire. The power rolling from her presence dwarfed anything Cade had ever known.


    And as his world faded entirely, he heard her name echoing through the depths of his mind.


    Destruction.

 Chapter 5: A Brewing Bloodbath

    <hr>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">The Goddess of Destruction


    <hr>


    Through the millennia, she had waited.


    For chaos.


    For bloodshed.


    For revenge.


    In the darkness of a cold stone prison, a figure stirred. She knelt amongst a blanket of thorns and vines, trapped in the earth of some other god¡¯s domain, and each roughly hewn brick of her cell merged with the shadows. It had no door, nor windows, nor weaknesses in the runic magic holding her in place.


    It was here that she had been trapped for so long, isolated in the darkness and forgotten.


    The mortar binding the stone walls together glowed with an eerie blue and green light, as if the very stones were etched with the cold flame her sister had used to bind her. Magical runes locked her in this prison, each pulling her to her knees as her enchanted chains kept her rooted in place. Echoes of ancient torments lingered in the damp air, whispering of her untold miseries.


    The faint drip of water from an unseen source punctuated the silence, each drop resonating like a sinister heartbeat.


    She was a silhouette of raw power, barely contained by the gloom that sought to bind her. Destruction, one of the four true gods, lay in wait. Her vivid, fiery red hair, once a blazing inferno, now smoldered with suppressed rage, casting dim ripples of light against the forbidding walls.


    She had begun to wonder if the world had truly forgotten her.


    Perhaps they had grown soft.


    Or, in their blissful escape from the ravages of her true nature, her legends had faded to myth, and then disappeared entirely.


    Good.


    It would make them all easy prey when she inevitably broke free.


    Her eyes opened, glowing like molten gold, piercing through the darkness that sought to hold her. The faint, glowing veins that traced her skin pulsed with a sinister energy, promising chaos to come. She knew this place well, for it had been her tomb for five thousand interminable years¡ªyears of enraged contemplation and a festering hunger for vengeance.


    Damn her sister. Once she escaped, she would see to it that her lifelong enemy burned.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    She wanted her sister to suffer.


    Destruction had been trapped in this forsaken abyss for too long. The cavern around her dripped with an unnatural chill, each droplet echoing through the damp, shadow-cloaked chamber. Clinging vines, thorned and twisted, encased her, their barbs digging deep into her flesh, drawing forth black blood every time she dared to so much as stretch her fingers.


    Her sister''s magic had sapped her strength, leaving her a husk of the force she once was¡ªan enraged lion, snared and contained by chains of treachery.


    The air was thick, acrid with the stench of decay, and the walls seemed alive with the whispers of the devious shadows. Flickers of faint light danced across the jagged stone, casting grotesque shapes that morphed and clawed as if eager to finish what the thorns had begun.


    Despite the suffocating darkness, Destruction remained the most terrifying figure in this pit, for she was a suppressed storm bristling with wrath.


    It hit her, then¡ªthe surge.


    It was familiar. Haunting. Distant, but there all the same. Her own magic pulsed from beyond her prison, beckoning her, calling her, aching to be one with her yet again.


    Her Remnant.


    After all these years, it had finally been found.


    Its magic pulsed like a distant drumbeat. Hope, dust-covered and nearly dead, sparked in her chest. A servant would come, and she would be free.


    A wicked grin spread across her beautiful face, a grim specter of her former self resurfacing. Blocked as she was by this cursed hellhole, it had been so long since she had tasted her own magic. She was still weak, her powers a shadow of what they had been, but now she had a chance.


    The thorns around her wrists trembled in the surge of her power, and for a moment, they loosened. Her fingers curled into fists, but the enchanted chains tightened around her yet again. She gritted her teeth as the thorns zapped more of her magic, but the Remnant¡¯s energy didn¡¯t fade. Blistering bolts of pain shot up her forearms, but she welcomed it.


    The cavern seemed to shudder, as if it also sensed the shift in power.


    Her sister¡¯s magic was weakening.


    The trapped goddess tilted her head ever so slightly backward, relishing the thought of breaking free.


    Soon.


    Her eyes glinted with malevolent fire, hinting at the inferno barely contained within. The air grew tense with her awakening. Destruction¡¯s once-dormant power now frothed beneath her skin, eager to tear through her cold tomb. She flexed her fingers, feeling her bindings pulse against her touch like it was aware of her defiance.


    And as the magic rose to her challenge yet again, she sneered. It was a smile only the wolves of the world could master¡ªone that bore no hint of joy, but only the promise of utter havoc.


    The shadows dared to creep closer, whispering their false assurances, but she laughed¡ªa low, throaty sound that sent them running.


    Shadows and light.


    Prisoners and stone.


    Nothing could contain her forever. Every rock etched with ancient runes trembled in her presence, knowing their end would come.


    Her wicked smile only broadened.


    For every century she had been trapped here, she would unleash another surge of misery upon the world beyond her cell. There would be bloodshed. There would be death.


    And in the rubble of her sister¡¯s empire, Destruction would have her glorious revenge.

 Chapter 6: A Goddess Scorned

    <hr>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">ORRO


    <hr>


    When Orro woke up, he couldn¡¯t move.


    His eyes snapped open, and he yanked on the seven chains that anchored him to the ground. The frigid stone floor bit into his knees as he pulled in vain against the enchanted metal. A growl escaped his lips.


    His vision blurred in and out of focus as he slowly scanned the chamber around him. Black curtains lined the walls, blocking out the sunlight beyond the room. Only a thin golden outline of light around the curtains hinted at the world outside. Soldiers in dark garb lined with black feathers stood along the edges of the room, as immobile as statues. The one closest to him briefly glanced his way.


    This had gone all wrong.


    Hugh¡ªthat spineless bastard¡ªhad not only replaced them with a crew of merciless cowards, he had left them for dead. Dozens of heists, countless hours running and fighting and stealing together, and yet he had left them all without a word.


    Their boss had betrayed them and left them to take the heat for the failed heist. Orro refused to be the scapegoat for that old fuckface, but he had no idea how to get out of this situation.


    That was Cade¡¯s specialty, and his friend was currently out of commission.


    Orro shifted his neck, enduring the pain of the biting grip of the iron collar just for a glimpse of his best friend. Orro¡¯s chest tightened at the sight of the unconscious blonde man slumped at the base of a wicked winged throne.


    He would not let Cade die. Not without first telling him what it meant to have the thief save his life. Cade had taken a dagger for him, and it had nearly killed him. On top of that, Hugh¡¯s dagger had destroyed their one bargaining chip out of this accursed temple.


    Whatever power that necklace possessed was clearly coveted. It was far more important than he or the rest of the team had realized, and now it was destroyed. Worse yet, it had done something to Cade.


    Something bad.


    On either side of him, the rest of the original crew were similarly tethered. Everyone else slumped on the floor, unconscious, and he noted only a few chains were used to contain them.


    A cold smile ghosted over his lips as he understood the unspoken message. Scorn¡¯s acolytes thought he was the dangerous one, and the team could play that to their advantage.


    Through the corner of his eye, he spotted a young woman with long blonde hair who had stayed back during the heist. Rage and concern flooded every fiber of his being when he saw their resident escape artist, Rayka, pinned to the floor with the rest of them. She had been waiting at a safe house nearby with horses and everything they would need to get the hells out of here. She was Cade¡¯s younger sister, and had been a constant companion since Orro was hired by Hugh all those years ago.


    If she was here, then Hugh had gone out of his way to make sure there were no loose ends in his betrayal.


    Great.


    Just great.


    The clang of metal against stone echoed through the throne room. The heavy black curtains that spanned across stained glass billowed softly with each successive strike of that unseen rod.


    Orro¡¯s senses went on high alert. Every instinct in him screamed to flee from whatever approached behind them. He strained again, but the chains refused to budge.


    ¡°Oh, none of that,¡± a husky voice whispered next to his ear.


    He shifted in its direction, but a wave of dark energy slammed into his face and his entire body shot away, only to be yanked painfully back to the ground as his shackles reasserted their control. A blurred figure walked around him and knelt, but he could only see her outline as the pain rippled through his body.


    ¡°Who are¡ª¡± Orro started, but a gauntleted finger pressed against his lips.


    ¡°Shh,¡± the feminine voice whispered.


    When Orro¡¯s vision cleared once more, his blood went cold. Staring into his eyes were twin orbs of crimson so dark they were nearly black. They belonged to a pale woman dressed in raven feathers, a scepter of pale white bone and gnarled iron held in her other hand.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Madness danced within those eyes. Cold, relentless, malice, and he knew her name without asking.


    Scorn, the goddess known for almost as much murder and bloodshed as the god of War.


    ¡°What brings a Grassblade assassin to my humble halls?¡± Scorn asked in an innocent voice. ¡°I¡¯m surprised dear old Conflict hasn¡¯t hunted you all to extinction by now. You¡¯re quite the antique, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    She dragged a razor-tipped finger across his jaw, slicing into flesh and bone as easily as his own blade could cut through parchment. His throat tightened as he fought off the surge of agony that followed. He refused to scream. He wouldn¡¯t give her the pleasure of seeing his pain.


    The goddess of vengeance shot him a mirthless smile. ¡°I see you¡¯re not the talkative type. We¡¯ll have to change that.¡± She clicked her tongue in mock disappointment as she wagged her now-bloodstained finger in front of his nose. ¡°You see, pain is all about perception. It¡¯s about putting pressure in just the right spot.¡±


    She dug her index finger into his side, directly below his ribs. He stifled a groan of agony, unable to resist the excruciating misery that coursed through his chest. She gouged a lazy arc through his insides before retracting her steely claw.


    His jaw tensed as he looked up at the ceiling, forcing himself to simply endure. No one could break him that easily.


    ¡°You stole from me, assassin,¡± Scorn accused with a manic gleam in her eyes. ¡°You and your crew. You stole from me and even managed to have one of your foolish underlings absorb that which I held most dear. I was waiting for just the right acolyte to give it to, but now that chance is forever robbed from me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong,¡± Jer spat from somewhere behind Orro. ¡°You¡¯re the one who is robbing me, lady! I get that this is totally your thing and all, what with you getting scorned as¡­ well¡­ Scorn, but I¡¯m the victim here!¡±


    One of the goddess¡¯ eyes twitched.


    ¡°And how is that?¡± Scorn demanded impatiently.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious you¡¯re going to kill us after you¡¯re done fingering our friend over there,¡± Jer stated flatly. ¡°And¡ª¡±


    ¡°Word choice,¡± Orro muttered, though he slumped in relief at seeing his friends awaken around him.


    One by one, everyone rose as much as the chains would allow, and their eyes darted wildly around as each tried to make sense of what was happening.


    At least everyone was alive.


    For now, anyway.


    Jer cleared his throat as he continued. ¡°And that means I will never find her. I will never get to meet the one Destiny has chosen to be my partner for life!¡± Jer yelled passionately. ¡°You kill me, and you rob us both of our divine fate!¡±


    Scorn lifted one finger. Black lightning sizzled through the air and pierced Jer¡¯s chest. He yelped in pain and twitched wildly in his chains.


    Damn it.


    This was getting bad, and they needed a plan.


    Wake up, Orro thought urgently as he looked at Cade¡¯s still form.


    ¡°Your petty understanding of fate is an insult to my intelligence, mortal.¡± Scorn stalked back toward Orro. ¡°Be silent while I take what is rightfully mine.¡±


    Rayka gestured toward Scorn, but the chains stopped the movement. ¡°We can just give you back the necklace and you¡¯ll never see us again! Right, guys?¡±


    When the rest of the team squirmed uncomfortably at her desperate attention, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    Her glare shifted toward Orro. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Before Orro could answer, Cade moaned on the floor and slowly rolled to his side, his head tilting up slightly.


    Orro breathed out in relief.


    Good, the assassin thought. I hope Cade thinks of a way out of this. Because I have no gods-damned clue what to do.


    ¡°Guys, you would not believe the dream I just had,¡± Cade groaned softly as he sat up. His back was to the goddess, who raised a dark eyebrow in his direction.


    ¡°Oh, good, you¡¯re awake too.¡± Scorn slammed her scepter into the ground and the entire throne room shook with its echo. ¡°I think I¡¯ll start with you, and then let your friends watch as I extract every morsel of vengeance from your pitiful body for absorbing what was rightfully mine!¡±


    Cade stiffened.


    ¡°Morana!¡± Scorn demanded, her voice echoing through the room. ¡°Come!¡±


    A finely dressed woman emerged from behind one of the long curtains, her unhurried steps silent across the obsidian floor etched with gold.


    ¡°Yes, your Divinity?¡± Morana crooned seductively.


    Orro shuddered at the sight of this newcomer. It was evident that her weapon of choice was her appearance, and she wielded it to incredible effect. Every lock of her dark hair and pursed violet lips lured his attention in like bait on a hook.


    He shifted his gaze away.


    ¡°Watch closely, little siren of mine.¡± Scorn¡¯s hateful glare shifted toward the woman. ¡°Bear witness to what happens when mortals are arrogant enough to think themselves deserving of a god¡¯s possessions. Steal from me, and all you love shall burn.¡±


    A siren.


    Orro¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at the woman once more. He had never seen a siren in person before, but their legends permeated the continent. He studied her face once again, but she never once looked his way.


    Scorn raised her scepter, and its abyssal crown glowed with malevolent light as she pointed it directly at Cade¡¯s chest. Scorn smiled, and it was like one of the hells cracked across her face.


    ¡°Scream for me, thief.¡± Scorn¡¯s voice dropped to a deadly growl, and a wicked smile spread slowly across her face. ¡°I want to hear you scream.¡±

 Chapter 7: The Deal

    <hr>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">CADE


    <hr>


    How surreal.


    This must¡¯ve been a dream.


    Right, that was it¡ªCade was definitely still dreaming.


    A thick fog of exhaustion and lingering pain made his eyes slip in and out of focus. He tried to shake the sleepy haze out of his head, but it didn¡¯t work. He felt loopy, like he¡¯d had too much ale, and he kept blinking in an effort to wake up from what was obviously a dream.


    Before him, a beautiful woman stood with an aura of regal authority. Her dark feathered crown and flowing gown gave her an air of shadowy elegance, like a warrior queen from the stories he¡¯d heard as a boy. She held a slender, enchanted scepter, its dark metal glinting as the gemstone at its tip pulsed with an eerie glow. Tendrils of dark magic coiled around her fingers as she summoned raw energy into her palm, the shifting shadows crackling with power.


    If this were real, Cade would¡¯ve been terrified.


    He stared into the churning magic in her hand and began to laugh. It was a deep, gut-clenching sound at odds with his predicament. The chuckles echoed throughout the vaulted chamber, tears streaming down his eyes while he looked up at his executioner.


    ¡°Explain yourself, thief.¡± The woman frowned and slammed her scepter¡¯s long handle into the ground at her feet.


    The world shook, and that cleared the lingering fog from Cade¡¯s mind. He snapped awake and, with a cold shiver of dread, realized this was absolutely real.


    He was staring Scorn in the face.


    A she-orc who¡¯d remained in the shadows stepped forward, arms held at the ready over a pair of tomahawks. Scorn ignored her, who Cade could now see was decorated with the regalia of a commander. The orc¡¯s dark eyes burned with venomous hate as she waited for her goddess to call for his tongue. Or his head.


    ¡°Explain!¡± The deity screamed.


    The very walls shook with the force of her voice.


    ¡°This is exactly what happened in my dream,¡± Cade admitted. ¡°But to be honest, I¡¯m starting to think I wasn¡¯t dreaming at all.¡±


    Time to think of a way out of this mess.


    Inwardly, he reminded himself of the most timeless truth. There were only two ways out of a corner: lying, and prayer.


    Unfortunately, he was not the religious sort.


    ¡°I swear on all the gold in this world.¡± Cade began to weave his lie, the threads of his plan forming even as he spoke. ¡°You were right there, just like you are, and instead of demanding my screams, you were demanding we replace what was lost. I mean, even my team was chained up like animals before you, just like we are now. Oh, I¡¯m Cade Stormhollow, by the way, at your service. And might I say that you are looking particularly cruel today? And is that a new gauntlet? Scary.¡±


    While he spoke, Cade glanced over at the immaculately dressed woman who stood behind Scorn. Though in the throne room of a powerful deity, she bore a pendant of the Fateweavers. His eyes narrowed as understanding dawned. She was one of the legendary sirens, oracles the god Destiny patroned and then bargained off to the various gods.


    He could work with that.


    ¡°I can tell you don¡¯t believe me,¡± Cade managed to say with a lazy smile. ¡°So ask your siren. Surely, she can distinguish between the desperate whims of a mortal and the winds of fates, or whatever it is that whispers in their ears.¡± He gave the woman a quizzical lift of an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m assuming they speak into your ears. Gods, I hope it¡¯s the ears.¡±


    The scepter¡¯s glow diminished. Scorn screeched loudly and clawed her open hand at the air. Five jagged tears appeared in the curtains behind Cade and his crew, and stone crumbled to dust only to fall atop their exposed heads. The goddess breathed raggedly but then waved her hand at the siren.


    ¡°Morana,¡± Scorn hissed barely above a whisper. ¡°Is what he said fate or fallacy?¡±


    The siren stepped forward, her golden dress a trail of light that contrasted the obsidian steps she descended. She knelt in front of Cade, her seductive form like a dagger held to his throat.


    Morana smiled slowly, and her eyes closed. For several minutes, there was silence. Cade glanced between her and the goddess, wondering what in the hells was about to happen.


    Then, she began to sing.


    ¡°The thief moves swift, in shadow¡¯s veil,


    he takes, but leaves a bitter trail.


    what¡¯s stolen, he will soon replace¡ª


    with ruin wrapped in dark embrace.¡±


    Cade stared at the gorgeous woman along with everyone else, breathless from her stunning performance. Only Scorn appeared unaffected by Morana¡¯s captivating voice.


    ¡°Explain,¡± the queen of this temple demanded. ¡°And be quick about it.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Morana said as her eyes glinted with steel. ¡°This thief cannot give back what he stole, but there is a chance he might restore what was lost.¡±


    ¡°How likely?¡± Scorn clarified as her knuckles turned bone white across the dark scepter.


    ¡°The fates do not say, your Divinity. But I sense he, of all those who have come before, might just manage.¡±


    Without so much as a glance back at Cade, Morana stood and returned to her position by the throne.


    Scorn stared at Cade, unflinching as she appeared to consider her next move. Pressure built in the room. It started as an itch behind the thief¡¯s eyes, but quickly intensified into a primal roar just beyond what he could directly hear or see.


    Bones crunched as Scorn¡¯s head snapped to the side, her head perpendicular to the ground. Those abyssal eyes of hers never wavered from where Cade silently assessed the goddess. Jer yelped in shock at the impossible angle the deity¡¯s head was at, but no one moved.


    Cade waited.


    Though disgust roiled in his stomach, Cade knew the hook was there, dangling just beyond the goddess¡¯ lips. If she took the bait, they might just get out of here.


    If he read her correctly, Scorn¡¯s greed would outweigh her vengeance. It was true of every god he knew of. He just had to prove they were up to the task.


    ¡°You,¡± Scorn barked as she turned on Orro. Her head whipped upright with another cascade of bone-jarring noises. ¡°Tell me your name.¡±


    At first, his mouth remained tightly shut. He glared at her in the tense silence, and she bristled at his indignation.


    ¡°Orro,¡± he eventually said.


    ¡°What do you say, then?¡± The goddess continued. ¡°Can you recover another Remnant? Or should I just cut off your head as the price for crossing me, and then send your underlings to fetch it for me? As their leader, you will suffer the consequences of whatever happens.¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°I¡ª¡± Orro started, but Cade cut him off.


    ¡°Oh, uh¡­¡± Cade cleared his throat. ¡°He doesn¡¯t lead this crew. I do.¡±


    Cade would not let his friends die. If an axe fell, he would be sure it stopped at his head.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m the leader!¡± Elena barked. ¡°If you want to set an example for these animals, kill me! That¡¯ll teach them!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s just our lockpick and local whiner,¡± Jer shouted over her. ¡°I¡¯m the leader! You can tell because I was remaining silent while my underlings spoke for me! Kill me instead!¡±


    ¡°A leader always pulls the strings from afar,¡± Rayka argued, and Cade¡¯s blood froze when he heard her comforting voice. ¡°That¡¯s why I, Rayka Stormhollow, am the true leader. Don¡¯t trust what these scoundrels I hired say. You want the mastermind, you come for me.¡±


    Cade couldn¡¯t believe his ears. He glanced back at his friends. His family. And though nausea churned wilder with each motion he made, he got to his knees in front of the throne.


    ¡°Everyone, that¡¯s enough,¡± Cade said firmly.


    He scanned the others, and each of them watched him with wide eyes. His voice was even, with a hint of warning that made it clear he didn¡¯t want anyone else to take this on.


    Just him.


    Cade returned his attention to the goddess before them. ¡°If you need revenge, then I¡¯m the one you should kill. I absorbed whatever that gods-forsaken magic was, anyways.¡± Cade¡¯s eyes went wide as he realized his possible blunder. ¡°No offense, of course.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Scorn hummed quietly to herself as she glared at him. Her finger tapped against her soot-black lips, and those wicked eyes narrowed. A shadow flickered behind her eyes, so quick Cade barely caught it. ¡°Very well, little thief. The power you stole cannot be retrieved. So, it shall be something of equal value that you steal for me, mortal.¡±


    Cade¡¯s nose burned all of a sudden. Even though he had no idea what the hells that was about, he tried to stay focused on Scorn.


    ¡°Anything you want,¡± Cade promised. ¡°We hear Prosperity¡¯s courts have really poor security. If you¡¯ve had your eye on his wares, we¡¯d be more than happy to acquire them for you.¡±


    He was so close to closing the deal. He could feel it. The bait was there, the trap set. Just a few more tiny pushes, and they might just walk out of here alive.


    Scorn raised one skeptical eyebrow. ¡°You truly think you can steal from the goddess of Life?¡±


    Oh, shit.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Cade lied, even though a cold pang of dread shot through his gut. ¡°Heists are our specialty.¡±


    The goddess narrowed her eyes as she studied him, and the silence stretched on for a moment too long. It took effort for him to maintain eye contact and exude an air of confidence that could reassure such a powerful being¡­ especially since he wasn¡¯t sure he could pull this off.


    All that mattered, though, was getting his crew to safety.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Scorn said, her voice husky and low. ¡°You will steal a Remnant of equal power, mortal. It resides within Elysia, and my spies inform me it is somewhere beneath that bitch¡¯s infernal tournament grounds. Life has kept it secret there for ages now, and I think it¡¯s high time someone put it to good use.¡±


    Scorn tapped her scepter on the obsidian, as if to say their deal was complete, and Cade felt his bones rattle.


    His core raged at the pressure, and it finally lashed out. Heat rushed up his throat, aching as it fought for a way out. The stifling irritation in his nostrils reached a tipping point as his vision flashed with red.


    Then he sneezed lava.


    It blossomed over the steps that led up to the dais, magma hissing as it ate through the stone. Orro took in a sharp breath while Elena cursed loudly.


    Cade¡¯s lightning-blue eyes stung from the heat, but other than that, he was unharmed.


    ¡°Terribly sorry,¡± he commented lightly, even as Scorn¡¯s throne room reverberated with the sound of melting stone. ¡°You can take that out of our fee.¡±


    ¡°My coffers will not suffer from your hands, thief,¡± Scorn intoned with brutal finality.


    She raised her scepter and dark lightning coiled around it.


    ¡°In fact, your vows will hardly suffice either. I shall take what you seem to hold most dear, mortal.¡± She stared at Orro. ¡°You seem attached to this one. A lover, perhaps?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Orro and Cade shouted in unison. ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Brother, then, or friend,¡± Scorn said with a dismissive flick of her wrist. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Fail me, and both yours and his eternal suffering is mine to claim. Succeed, and you can dash under any felled log you deem fit for the rest of your pitiful existence.¡±


    Her scepter flashed.


    ¡°Now, thief,¡± she said, her voice dark with an unspoken warning. ¡°Tell me your name.¡±


    ¡°Cade Stormhollow,¡± he said before any of his team could step up and take the heat for what was happening.


    The moment he spoke, lightning shot from the scepter and raced across the open space between them. It lanced into his left arm. Lines of fire and agony etched themselves across his skin. They gouged through his flesh like paper, burning a sigil into his very being.


    ¡°I curse you, Cade Stormhollow.¡± Scorn¡¯s voice took on a touch of formality, even as her lightning continued to rage across his arm. ¡°If you fail to retrieve the Remnant that Life has buried beneath her arena, you are mine. Your soul is mine. Death will not be your escape should this fate come to pass. Succeed, and the curse shall be lifted.¡±


    Like poison resting on the surface of stagnant water, the lightning cooled just beneath his skin. The tattoo that belied its presence was jagged and cruel. It crossed in wild patterns up the back of his hand and past his elbow, dark ink mixed with an angry indigo.


    Worse than anything, though, was the garish glow of Scorn¡¯s magic on his skin. It was almost blinding.


    Cade cursed under his breath. The artistry was awful.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Scorn hummed to herself, as though considering something for the first time. ¡°And to ensure you do as you¡¯re told, you have until the first day of winter to finish this little errand for me.¡±


    Damn it.


    He hated deadlines.


    ¡°Out of curiosity, what happens if I need to push back the timeline a bit?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You die,¡± Scorn said flatly.


    Oh. A real deadline.


    He gulped.


    ¡°Unlatch their chains, Helga,¡± Scorn commanded.


    The orc, who¡¯d returned to the shadows at some point, reemerged and descended the steps, careful to avoid the vestiges of magma Cade had coughed up.


    With cold eyes, she unlocked each of their chains while Morana and Scorn watched on with aloof expressions.


    ¡°Go to Elysia,¡± Scorn waved a clawed hand and the twin doors behind them slammed open. ¡°Steal the Remnant, or the curse will draw that thief''s soul back to me¡ªand I always take what I am owed.¡±


    Cade¡¯s knees screamed in protest as he tried to stand. He slowly got to his feet but wavered there. The pain and exhaustion of that supernatural ordeal overwhelmed him. Worse, he really needed to sneeze again.


    Two pairs of arms helped him stabilize on his feet, and he looked around to see Jer and Orro help him exit the goddess¡¯ throne room. The second they were past the doors, they creaked shut behind them.


    Rayka ran up to Cade, tears welling at the edges of her eyes. Before he could tell her how happy he was that his sister was still alive, she slapped him across the face.


    Hard.


    With a sob, she tackled him with a hug so tight it nearly broke his ribs. Jer and Orro were forced to brace against the onrush of affectionate attacks.


    ¡°Why do you always have to make it about yourself?¡± Rayka wept into his chest. ¡°Going around sacrificing yourself to save the rest of us?! Stop hogging all the glory and let us take the fall sometime, okay?¡±


    ¡°No promises, little sister,¡± Cade whispered into her hair as he held her tight.


    ¡°We need to go,¡± Orro said, breaking up the reunion.


    As the team emerged from the oppressive shadows of the dark goddess¡¯s temple, the sunlight hit them with a wave of warmth. After all that time beneath the cold, suffocating weight of stone and ancient curses, the open air felt surreal. The soft rustle of leaves filled the air as a gentle breeze rushed by, a stark contrast to the eerie silence they had left behind. Dust swirled in golden shafts of light as they stepped into the meadow.


    The fresh air filled Cade¡¯s lungs with a sense of fragile relief.


    When they were out of the accursed temple, Elena addressed Cade with concern written plainly in her eyes. ¡°So, boss, what¡¯s the first stop on our totally fucked new job?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jer said hesitantly. ¡°How in the hells are we going to steal from Life?! She is the most powerful goddess that exists!¡±


    Cade looked at each member of his team, a lump forming in his throat as he finally allowed the full extent of what happened that day settle on his shoulders.


    Before he could answer, a tiny scaled creature darted from the treeline and slammed into Cade¡¯s chest. Pain and flames burst out of Cade¡¯s shout of surprise as Bunny wrestled him to the ground, covering every inch of his face with warm licks of his forked tongue.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Jer and Elena yelled in unison at the bouncing cloudrift dragon. Bunny, for his part, shifted his mood in a heartbeat. His exuberance soured into hurt judgment and it was all Cade could do not to coo at his wounded friend.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, buddy,¡± Cade spoke softly and opened his palm to the noble beast. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m never leaving you again.¡±


    Bunny rested his chin in Cade¡¯s offered hand and all was right in the world.


    From where Cade knelt, still cuddling his serpentine companion, he finally answered his team¡¯s question.


    ¡°Booze,¡± he finally said, his body still aching from all it had endured. ¡°Our first stop is booze.¡±

 Chapter 8: Those Silly Stars

    <hr>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">EVIE


    <hr>


    The fog of the Unknown lifted, and Evelyn Arwood heard his name at last.


    Cade Stormhollow.


    ¡°What a funny name,¡± she said to herself, humming quietly as her lyrical voice echoed across the arched ceiling.


    Evie sat in her lavish room, a haven of opulence and grandeur. The silk drapes fluttered gently, echoing the whispers of the stars that had always surrounded her. An air of sweetness enveloped Evie, though many might mistake her gentle demeanor for flightiness. However, tonight, she felt a tug she couldn''t ignore.


    She closed her eyes to listen to the stars¡¯ song, waiting for their voices to fill her head once more with a melody only she could hear.


    Oh, Evie, sweet siren, your song so divine,


    We¡¯ve loved you for eons, your voice on the brine.


    The heavens adore you, the sea sings your name,


    But now we must whisper the truth of your fame.


    A warm smile spread across her face, and she relaxed into the luxurious pink silk lining the pillows beneath her. The fabric caressed her, softer even than the stars¡¯ beloved song, and she let their voices fly through her.


    For she was their voice in this world, their home, their channel to release all they had to say, and she never resisted their call.


    A rogue will soon find you, with eyes full of storms,


    For Cade reveals truths beyond all earthly norms.


    He¡¯ll come like the thunder, with crew by his side,


    And, taking his hand, you will join in his rise.


    ¡°What rise?¡± she sang back, mirroring their tune. ¡°Darling stars, pray no disguise?¡±


    The melody thrummed through the air, straight into the depths of her soul. It was a phantom echo that only Evie could perceive, ethereal notes twining together in the desolate cosmos of her solitude. Each note was a celestial body, their harmonies conjoined in a symphony that pulsed with the heartbeat of the universe itself.


    Around her, the world seemed to fade into insignificance, muted by the trilling harmonies woven by unseen hands. Sorrowful chords plucked at the strings of her heart while staccato notes sparked like distant celestial fires in the fabric of her mind.


    The song flowed through veins and marrow, spiraling like cosmic dust around the pulsating star held within her soul.


    Your purpose, dear Evie, is waiting with him,


    A path that is fraught, but the light will not dim.


    For sirens are born not just for the sea,


    But to claim their own fate, and so shall it be.


    But heed us, young siren, for danger will rise¡ª


    A shadow, a dagger, buried deep within lies.


    Betrayal will strike, a wound deep and bold,


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.Yet in that dark moment, your spirit takes hold.


    Betrayal.


    The thought struck her as odd, mainly because she couldn¡¯t think of any reason someone would lie to her. She channeled the stars as she had since she was born, sang their tunes and shared their secrets like they asked, and the god of Destiny thought of her as his most powerful siren.


    How silly, then, to think someone might betray her¡ªfor she had little to give. Everything she owned, everything she was, belonged to Destiny. There was nothing to be taken from her, at least not that she could think of.


    But the stars were never wrong.


    Her smile faded, but only slightly. As the stars¡¯ song swelled once more, she leaned into their words and waited for it to make sense.


    Though, given the cryptic nature of fate, she wasn¡¯t going to hold her breath. Often, these premonitions only made sense after they had come true.


    Though she wished the stars would be more straightforward, that wasn¡¯t exactly how the wild and untamed Fate worked.


    Strength is in knowing when trust has been torn,


    Forgiveness will lift you, more fierce and reborn.


    This hurt will not break you, but sharpen your will,


    To sing even louder, when all else is still.


    Good. At least it would all turn out well. Evie let out a sigh of relief as the words echoed through her head, and she waited for the stars to continue.


    So follow the tempest, let Cade lead you true,


    The ocean is vast, but your spirit is too.


    The stars in the heavens will sing of your tale,


    Of Evie, the siren who learned how to sail.


    When storms come to drown you, remember our song,


    The sea is your home, where your heart does belong.


    Your voice will not falter, your fate is your own,


    And even through treason, you''ll claim your true throne.


    ¡°I promise,¡± she sang back to them, her lingering note humming across the air as her voice vibrated through her. ¡°Your truth is my aim.¡±


    ¡°Cade Stormhollow,¡± the stars sang again, each syllable resonating with an ancient power. ¡°Remember his name.¡±


    They had spoken of this man many times before, weaving his presence into the fabric of her thoughts, and it was nice to finally have his name. Evie knew he was connected to her fate, somehow pivotal to her journey, yet the reason eluded her still.


    ¡°What is my purpose?¡± she asked softly, her voice barely a whisper in the grand expanse of her room. ¡°Can¡¯t you tell me that much?¡±


    But the song had begun to fade.


    Shadows danced on the walls, but the stars remained silent, save for a cryptic rhythm carried on the night breeze. They always spoke in riddles, chanting verses that twisted and turned, never revealing too much.


    ¡°Cade Stormhollow,¡± they sang again, ignoring her question. ¡°Help him, little songbird.¡±


    She sighed in disappointment, but she wasn¡¯t surprised.


    The stars¡¯ warning rumbled through her head, one of the rare songs she could remember. There was something unique about this man, this Cade Stormhollow, that she needed to understand.


    That, however, was not how the stars worked.


    Now that the song was fading, she tapped her fingertip against her red lips as her eyes glossed over. Her heart clenched at the idea that someone could betray her. The thought sent shivers down her spine, but she trusted the stars. They had guided her through many labyrinths of life, often shrouded in enigma.


    Silence filled the room, heavy with the weight of songs they had not yet sung.


    Evie sighed, her thoughts swirling like the patterns in her ornate rug. Despite the uncertainty, there was a strange comfort in the stars'' cryptic guidance. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was a glimmer of light.


    And this Cade Stormhollow person was somehow in the middle of it all.

 Chapter 9: Destiny Calls

    <hr>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">NORA


    <hr>


    Nora Lancaster¡¯s heart was torn.


    As she returned home from the front lines, the sect leader of the Destiny¡¯s Fateweavers only wanted one thing¡ªrest. She desperately wanted to reunite with her best friend, Evelyn, but knew that blood usually scared the young woman.


    At this point, Nora must¡¯ve looked like some ancient war-goddess descended into mortal form¡ªfierce, untouchable, and bloodstained.


    The wind tousled her raven-black hair, catching the first traces of sunlight and turning each strand into a dark sheen that framed her face like silk against porcelain. Her pale skin was dusted with just enough freckles to soften the edge of her hardened expression, though the sharpness in her brown eyes made it clear she was not to be underestimated.


    Accompanied by a platoon of mounted warriors, she trotted up to the Greystone Keep she¡¯d known as home these past ten years. They flanked either side of her, the blackened eye she sported only accentuating her lethal beauty, the contrast giving her a dangerous allure.


    Even bruised and battle-worn, there was a grace to the way she moved. Her cloak fluttered behind her, and the faintest scent of wild lavender and steel followed in her wake.


    The lithe paladin tucked a loose strand of her midnight hair behind her ear, its soft texture brushing against her lightly freckled cheeks, still glowing faintly from the rush of the wind. She sighed in relief at the sight of the massive fortress looming ahead of them, her full lips curving into a smile as she caught the first glimpse of home.


    She was finally back.


    With an excited breath, she spurred her mount forward through the yawning arch and the twin iron gates that usually barred the way into their fortress. Her massive claymore clinked softly against the metal straps of her saddle.


    The sound was a gentle reminder of the power she wielded, yet it did little to hide the subtle sway of her hips or the fluid motion of her lean, battle-hardened frame. Every movement told a story of both beauty and might, a warrior returning from the edge of battle, yet with a heart eager to embrace the peace that awaited within those walls.


    Her best friend was waiting somewhere in there.


    ¡°Gods, it¡¯s good to be back.¡± Nora sighed, guiding her mare toward the stables. When they reached the awaiting horsemaster and his staff, the sect leader and her platoon of warriors dismounted in perfect unison. Nora smiled softly in pride at their discipline. She¡¯d only been their commander for a few months, but already she had garnered most of the order¡¯s respect.


    Nora handed off the reins of her Westmire mare to an awaiting servant, his brown tunic already doused with sweat from the morning¡¯s chores.


    ¡°Thank you, Gerry,¡± Nora spoke with equal measures of authority and civility. She didn¡¯t care that addressing a servant by name caught the looks of the other Fateweavers. She smiled softly at the young man. ¡°Take good care of Lyla here for me.¡±


    He blanched. ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Nora cut in easily with a wicked grin.


    The poor boy¡¯s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the rudely named mare, for he knew as well as she did who also possessed that particular name. Knowing her rotten luck, she would have to encounter her steed¡¯s namesake in just a few minutes.


    ¡°Commander!¡± A bright-eyed squire shouted with a crisp salute ahead of Nora. When she met his eyes, he blushed fervently. ¡°Destiny calls for your council!¡±


    ¡°Is there any chance it can wait?¡± Nora grumbled. She could practically smell Evie¡¯s chestnut hair and the bone-crushing hug her siren would give her. Nothing¡ªno treasure in all the land¡ªcould come close to how precious that embrace was.


    The squire gulped nervously, barely able to meet her quiet gaze. ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m afraid it cannot, commander. He was most¡­ adamant you come at once, no matter the state of your arrival.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if he¡¯d change his mind if I came back in a coffin, or if that¡¯d delay this meeting at all,¡± Nora whispered in annoyance.


    She let go of that breath of home she¡¯d been holding and set her shoulders. The sigil of the Fateweavers emblazoned on her twin pauldrons glistened below the cloudless sky as she made her way into the central throne room of her god. With each step, she shed her joy¡ªher hopes and dreams.


    None of them would aid her in what was to come.


    Boots crunched against stone as she and her platoon of warriors marched up to the massive cathedral that housed their deity. Her carved thighs and taut back begged to find a place to rest, but she ignored her body¡¯s traitorous complaints. Inside, there could be no signs of weakness. Of mortality.


    Her warm brown eyes glanced up at the building that cast such a long shadow over the valley below. Its sharp parapets and steepled towers loomed over them as they reached the oaken doors framed in iron.


    Unlike the few other abodes of gods and goddesses she¡¯d visited, Destiny¡¯s home bore no special ornamentation. It was like the very building knew that mystery lay just beyond this entrance.


    Nora paused on the final step up the cathedral. Her lips pursed as she tucked her long braid behind her shoulder. She grimaced, feeling the tender burn of her cheek as the black eye she¡¯d received as a parting gift from the slaver flared up yet again.


    ¡°Damn it all to high hells, if Klaus remarks on the condition of my face, I will gut him like a fish.¡± Nora¡¯s promise fell on deaf ears as her platoon waited silently for her to enter.


    She went inside. They did not.


    The creak of leather gloves stretching and clenching was met with the steady rhythm of steel boots as Nora forced her battle-hardened body to relax. The twin sounds echoed against the ancient stone floor, each footfall resonating like a solemn drumbeat in the cathedral of fate. The air that swept in from the open windows was cool and smelled faintly of the sea.


    She moved her gauntleted hand onto the blue-crystal pommel of her greatsword unconsciously, enjoying the comfort it brought. Her blade, Wavebreaker, had been passed down from sect leader to sect leader for generations, but it was finally starting to feel like her own, and not some revered artifact in her care.


    ¡°Oh, damn,¡± Nora glanced down and winced again at the dried blood dyeing her fingertips a mauve crimson.


    Frustratingly clean advisors and other political savants whispered quietly at the sight of her, their wandering eyes taking in every morsel of her stained steel and curves her armor struggled to conceal.


    She hated all of them.


    Above, the vast ceiling was lost to shadows, held aloft by pillars that shimmered with ethereal light, casting the room in a celestial glow that seemed both inviting and foreboding. Nora wished she could disappear up there. Up in those rafters where she once hid so often, she could be alone. She could be herself.


    As Nora walked, her eyes processed who was present today amongst the assembly of Destiny¡¯s advisors. They were a collection of figures draped in robes of various dusky hues, their faces obscured, their postures too still, too calculated.


    When do they itch? Nora wondered to herself. Surely, the statuesque councilors had to adjust their postures once in a while. But, for all the worlds, she had never seen any of them move save for when Destiny himself addressed them.


    Her grip on Wavebreaker tightened. Where most saw a group of dignified intellects, Nora only saw a nest of vipers, each waiting for the opportune moment to strike, their venom cloaked in honeyed words.


    The atrophied crow of a man she feared would be here today lifted his nose at Nora. His eyes glowed with malice, and his dark purple skin seemed to absorb the light around him like a snare.


    Klaus.


    He was one of the greatest contributors to Nora¡¯s frustrations. In her darkest hours, she fantasized about adorning a pike with his head and knew she would be ridding this world of a great evil. But like all snakes, he made his home beyond the reach of hunters. But someday¡­


    ¡°Looking as¡­ rugged as ever, I see,¡± Klaus drawled as Nora passed. ¡°Did you manage to apprehend those fate-breakers our illustrious ruler warned you about?¡±


    ¡°The slavers are dead, if that¡¯s what you mean,¡± Nora shot back, refusing to rise to his bait.


    ¡°Try not to stain the ground when you kneel, Lancaster.¡± Klaus adjusted his thin spectacles, though Nora believed it was just another way for him to raise his nose at her. ¡°I¡¯d hate to see the servants forced to enter these hallowed halls because of the grime you dragged in here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s it¡ª¡± Nora started, but a presence descended on the room, silencing what few noises echoed throughout the expansive hall.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    At the far end of the room stood the bone-white throne, empty as usual, its intricate carvings telling tales of eons past and destinies fulfilled. Before it, the air shimmered with the promise of an imminent appearance from the god himself.


    It was here, mere seconds before their mysterious god and patron arrived, that she noticed Lyla.


    A curse pressed itself against her knitted lips. If not for the imminent arrival of Destiny himself, in whatever of his three forms he might take today, she would scowl at the golden paladin.


    Lyla, it seemed, had no such reservations. She glowered over at Nora, hatred and envy written plainly across her immaculate skin. Her gaudy armor caught the light that poured in from the vaulted windows and reflected it back defiantly, as if she herself could outshine the stars.


    Their eyes met across the expanse of the room, and the air thickened with unspoken animosity. Nora¡¯s eyes narrowed into slits and she tightened the grip on her greatsword¡¯s hilt, the only outward sign of her disdain. She would not lose her cool.


    Not today.


    As Nora drew closer to the empty throne, Lyla¡¯s voice, smooth as silk yet edged with a frosty disdain, broke the silence between them.


    ¡°Nora, how fortunate that you could join us, and with just moments to spare.¡± Lyla flung her loose blonde hair over her shoulder with the back of her hand.


    The gesture, as much as the untangled locks, was a weapon designed to irk her.


    ¡°Though I must say, the battlefield wear does little to enhance the solemnity of our gathering. I see your haste prevented cleaning up from your¡­ brawl in the mud,¡± Lyla commented while she watched the shimmering air.


    Nora resisted the urge to wrap her armored fingers around the vile woman¡¯s throat. She told herself over and over again that murder in Destiny¡¯s throne room would be the easiest way to discredit her leadership as sect leader.


    ¡°It is fascinating to note that your paladin gear has yet to see any combat,¡± Nora whispered just loud enough for Lyla to hear.


    The woman went still.


    ¡°I wonder if that sword by your hip is even real, as I can scarcely recall it getting drawn. Maybe we should see if our god could relocate you to somewhere less vital than guarding his throne room. We wouldn¡¯t want him slain simply because you didn¡¯t want to tarnish that ugly can you call a suit of armor.¡± Nora knew her words landed home, for she could see Lyla vibrate with rage.


    Turning away with a dismissive flick of her wrist, Lyla stepped toward the shimmering space before the throne, her posture regaining its usual poise as she prepared herself for the god¡¯s emergence. Nora watched her for a moment, her narrow jaw set firm, then turned her attention back to the front, the exchange leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.


    Pushing past the discomfort, Nora continued forward, her gaze fixed on the shifting space before Destiny¡¯s throne. The others in the room were mere shadows now, peripheral to her purpose here. She felt the weight of her responsibilities settle around her like a cloak, heavier in this sacred space where every word and gesture could tip the scales of fate.


    She was a sect leader. She would prove herself worthy of that role.


    As Nora Lancaster approached the throne, the air before it rippled intensely, heralding the arrival of their god.


    Destiny chose this moment to manifest, not as the stoic Past or the vibrant Present, but as Future¡ªhis form emerging like a ghost from the mist, draped in robes that shifted between shades of deep ocean blue and the stark white of sea foam. His presence was both awe-inspiring and unsettling, as if he bore the weight of all tomorrows upon his ethereal shoulders.


    Nora bowed deeply, her armor creaking softly, the respectful silence punctuated only by the whisper of her sword against its scabbard. As she straightened, her eyes lifted to meet those of Future, and she caught a glimpse of something rare and disquieting behind his veiled gaze¡ªa flicker of what might have been fear, or perhaps a premonition dark enough to trouble even a god.


    It was in this moment, under the weighty scrutiny of Future, that the grandeur of the throne room felt suddenly like a stage for a play whose script was written in the stars, yet liable to be rewritten with each breath they took.


    Future paced in front of his throne.


    His wire-thin arms were pulled behind his back, the usual hunch in his spine a soft curve that led up to his obscured face. Future paused suddenly, and the shimmering air above the bone-white throne settled into calmness. His gaze swept over Nora and Lyla, who stood tensely awaiting his decree. His voice, when he spoke, was like the distant rumbling of thunder, layered with the complexity of a thousand whispers.


    ¡°In the garden where destiny¡¯s flowers bloom, one blossom has caught the eye of the sun. Its petals shall now brighten a different path, swayed by golden promises and the caress of wealth,¡± Future intoned, his words cloaked in the usual enigmatic veil.


    Nora¡¯s heart skipped.


    She sensed the weight of his words, her thoughts racing to Evelyn¡ªEvie¡ªher charge, her friend. The reference to a garden and the sun could only mean a shift in guardianship to another deity''s realm. Her grip on her sword tightened as she tried to maintain her composure. She reflexively moved her other hand toward the tome strapped to her right hip but resisted the disgraceful behavior.


    Lyla, ever eager to flaunt her understanding, was quick to interpret. ¡°You speak of Evelyn, the siren. She is to be moved to Prosperity¡¯s court?¡± Her voice was smooth, laced with a hint of triumph as she glanced sideways at Nora.


    Future¡¯s nod was slow, deliberate. ¡°Where riches abound, the siren¡¯s song will weave through halls of opulence, serenading the feast of eternal abundance.¡±


    Nora felt a chill run down her spine. Prosperity¡¯s court was notorious, its splendor matched only by its peril, especially for sirens. His ¡®feasts of abundance¡¯ often turned fatal for the divinely gifted singers whose lives were supposed to be protected above all.


    Struggling to keep her voice even, Nora addressed Future, her tone laced with a barely contained desperation. ¡°But, my lord, the waters of Prosperity¡¯s realm are turbulent and often run red. Is this the fate destined for our Evelyn?¡±


    Future turned his veiled face towards her, the cowl pulled so low only shadows returned her gaze.


    ¡°The wheel of fortune spins, and where it stops, the threads of fate bind us all. Even sirens must dance to the music of inevitability,¡± Future spoke coldly.


    Nora¡¯s chest cracked. This was not happening. It was too soon. Evie was not ready for this. Surely, her god knew this. There had to be a reason.


    There had to be.


    Lyla took advantage of Nora¡¯s hesitation. ¡°It appears, sect leader, that you doubt the weave and weft of our lord¡¯s vision. Such hesitance could fray the very fabric we strive to uphold.¡±


    Nora bristled. ¡°My faith in Destiny¡¯s wisdom remains unwavering. It is the execution of his will by those less divine that concerns me.¡±


    Their god appeared before them. There was no warning, no flitter of cloth against marbled stone.


    He wasn¡¯t, then he simply was.


    Future, his glowing white eyes barely visible through his veil, spoke with a finality that brooked no further debate. ¡°The golden paladin shall escort the siren to her new sanctuary. The threads of destiny shall not be questioned.¡±


    ¡°It will be as you command, my lord.¡± Lyla smiled thinly, her satisfaction clear as she bowed deeply to Future.


    As Nora bowed in turn, her mind raced with dread and anger. She couldn¡¯t organize her thoughts. A chill spread from her chest into her veins. The decision was made. Evie would be beyond her reach come tomorrow.


    She would not let this be her fate.


    She couldn¡¯t.


    With Future''s decree still resonating in the cold, ethereal, air of the throneroom, the god turned away from Nora and Lyla. His silhouette blurred at the edges as if it wished to merge with the very fabric of fate itself. He addressed Klaus and those who stood by him at the ready, already having moved on from Nora¡¯s discomfort.


    ¡°Let the shadows of Elysia not cloud our vision; bring forth the voices of counsel,¡± he commanded, his tone echoing through the vast chamber.


    From the shadows, figures clad in robes that seemed woven from twilight itself approached, their steps silent but weighted with purpose. Klaus¡¯ lip curled at the sight of Nora. He made a small shooing motion, and Nora had to fight the temptation to draw her blade on him then and there.


    Breathing raggedly, she spun on her heel and walked down the long dais and toward the exit. Future¡¯s haunted words bounced off the spacious walls as she left.


    ¡°As destruction and creation weave through the alleys of Elysia, deception dances close behind. Beware, for Life spins tales not fully woven from truth,¡± Future intoned, his words cryptic as they dissolved into whispers, the advisors nodding their veiled heads in silent assent.


    Nora¡¯s armor clinked softly with every step, her thoughts turbulent as storm-tossed seas. Lyla, ever composed, moved to follow, her golden armor catching the shifting lights of the chamber. Once beyond the echoing expanse of the throneroom, the corridor outside offered no relief, its walls lined with tapestries that seemed to whisper of fates and fortunes with every flutter.


    Lyla¡¯s voice broke the uneasy silence between them. ¡°So, Nora, will you challenge his decree? It seems unlike you to accept such¡­dire assignments without a fight.¡±


    Nora resisted the urge to groan. She was so tired. She didn¡¯t need more games. But as there was no way out of this section of the palace except for the route they were both on, she steeled herself. Nora looked over at Lyla, eyes narrowed slightly, already aware of the trap laid within Lyla¡¯s honeyed words.


    ¡°My duty is to serve, not to question the threads of destiny as they are woven by our lord,¡± she responded. Her voice was even, though her insides churned like the fire within a dragon¡¯s gizzard.


    ¡°Even if it leads your dear friend to peril?¡± Lyla¡¯s tone was casual, but her eyes were sharp, searching. ¡°It must be exhausting, bearing such burdens¡ªfighting bandits and would-be murderers and other, darker, fates.¡±


    ¡°It is what we are sworn to do,¡± Nora replied tersely, feeling the weight of her recent skirmishes against those fated for darker deeds. The memories of violence were fresh. She knew the outcomes were necessary, but that didn¡¯t stop them from becoming anvils chained to her soul.


    Lyla laughed softly, and the tinkling sound made Nora want to punch a gauntlet through her throat. ¡°How noble, to enact Destiny¡¯s will upon the condemned. Yet, one must wonder if the path of righteousness ever wearies you, leads you to doubt¡­¡±


    Nora stopped, turning to face Lyla with a hard gaze filled with barely controlled rage.


    Lyla instinctively stepped back, and Nora pressed her advantage. ¡°Doubt is a luxury we cannot afford. My faith in our mission remains steadfast, even if the road is fraught with shadows.¡±


    ¡°But shadows are where truth often hides,¡± Lyla pressed, her gaze intent.


    She recovered her footing as if nothing had happened. As if she hadn¡¯t feared that look in Nora¡¯s eyes just now.


    ¡°Remember, Nora, even paladins can falter under the weight of their convictions. It would be tragic to see you fall,¡± Lyla said with ice in her eyes.


    With an equally cold smile, Nora stepped away. ¡°Tragic, but unlikely. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need a hot shower and time to think¡ªon how to serve, not to falter.¡±


    As she walked away, her thoughts turned not to rest, but to plans, desperate and dangerous.


    How could she save Evie? She crossed the long courtyard filled with pomegranate trees and other sweet scents that partially obscured the sweaty death that lingered on her skin.


    Nora nodded solemnly at the guards who watched over the lightly crowded gardens, sirens and their guardians wandering about the immaculate flora. With a sigh of relief, she reached the tower that held her rooms.


    A wild, irrational thought struck her, and she grimaced. As she ascended the marble staircase that led to her chambers as sect leader, a death-defying plan formed.


    It was a line she hadn''t crossed before, but for Evie, there were no lines¡ªand no lives she wouldn¡¯t take to keep her best friend safe.

 Chapter 10: He Definitely Sneezed Lava

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    <h3 style="text-align: center">CADE


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    Cade still couldn¡¯t get rid of the taste of that lava he had spewed onto Scorn¡¯s floor. His mouth tasted like sulfur, and no amount of whiskey could drown out the flavor.


    The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the edge of a meadow on the outskirts of a nearby town, dappling the forest floor with warm, golden light. They¡¯d made a quick stop in the village for some whiskey, and he took a deep swig straight from the bottle.


    Around him, the team sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Jer and Elena sat on opposite ends of a fallen log, while Rayka stretched out on the soft meadowgrass. Orro paced along the treeline, wearing a groove into the ground as he muttered to himself. Bunny had gone to hunt, and Cade kept a steady watch on the forest as he waited for his dragonling to come back. Now and then, he turned his attention to his friends and studied their faces as he leaned against a tree.


    The warm afternoon sun cast long shadows over the quiet clearing. The air between the five of them felt thick, weighed down by all the things no one was willing to say.


    Cade took another swig from the whiskey bottle, and he winced as the Remnant fused to his chest pulsed with a sharp, now-familiar pain. He exhaled slowly and let the burn of the whiskey distract him, even if only for a moment.


    The others didn¡¯t look at him. They stared down at the first few fallen leaves of autumn, faces drawn, eyes distant. The rustle of the breeze through the old oaks around them was the only sound to fill the air, and it did nothing to ease the tension tightening the space between them.


    Through the fabric of his tunic, Cade¡¯s hand drifted over the jagged crystal embedded in his skin. It hummed beneath his fingers, a constant reminder that even now, in the golden light of fall, there was no escaping the weight of what he carried¡ªand of what he had to do.


    Stealing from the goddess of Life, ironically enough, sounded like a death sentence.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to put you all in harm¡¯s way,¡± he finally said, breaking the silence.


    Everyone looked up at him, and for a moment, no one said anything. The twins shared a brief glance, as though they could read each other¡¯s minds, and Elena slouched as she returned her gaze to her feet. Jer rubbed his hands together, unusually silent. Orro paused in his pacing and met Cade¡¯s gaze, but he remained silent as well.


    Rayka sat up and glared at Cade, as though he¡¯d said something fundamentally stupid.


    ¡°I¡¯m not letting you go to Elysia alone,¡± she snapped.


    ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous,¡± Cade insisted with a shake of his head. ¡°I got us into this mess. I¡¯ll get us out of it. I can¡¯t have you all risking your lives.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, you noble idiot,¡± Rayka said.


    Cade shrugged.


    Once again, the crew went silent, each lost in their own thoughts. The warm afternoon air hung still, broken only by the soft rustle of fallen leaves. The sun''s light filtered through the trees, turning the ground into a patchwork of gold and red.


    It should have felt peaceful, but it didn¡¯t.


    Cade took another swig from the bottle, feeling the burn slide down his throat. It didn¡¯t help. The Remnant fused to his chest throbbed, a sharp twinge that flared with every heartbeat, but it was nothing compared to the other pain gnawing at him.


    Hugh¡¯s face floated into his mind. His mentor. His brother. The man who had shaped him, taught him how to survive when the world had tried to chew him up.


    And now, Hugh had thrown him to the wolves¡ªbetrayed him in a way that made it feel like something had torn a hole in his chest.


    He squeezed the bottle, glass creaking under his grip. Hugh hadn¡¯t just turned on him. He had sold him out, handed him over like he was expendable. The memory of it twisted in Cade¡¯s gut like a slow, poisonous churn that wouldn¡¯t let up.


    The others didn¡¯t know. They sat around him, quiet, oblivious to the war raging inside his head. Hugh had betrayed them all, but for Cade, it was a knife between the ribs. Hugh hadn¡¯t just been a leader. He¡¯d been family, and that made the betrayal burn in a way nothing else could.


    Everything they¡¯d ever done together, everything Hugh had ever said, everything Cade thought he knew about the man¡ªit all felt like a lie. Hugh¡¯s voice still echoed in his head with all the wisdom he¡¯d taught Cade over their time together. Years of trust, loyalty, and brotherhood had defined so much of who Cade was. Now, it all rang hollow.


    He took another drink, hoping the whiskey would dull the edge of the memory.


    It didn¡¯t.


    This time, Jer broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Hugh would betray us.¡±


    Rayka¡¯s eyes flashed with anger. ¡°Believe it, Jer. He left us to take the fall, like we were nothing.¡±


    ¡°I know, but... why?¡± Jer¡¯s frustration was clearly mounting. ¡°What was he trying to do? Of all the places to ditch us, why in the middle of a heist?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Cade admitted. ¡°Orro? Any ideas?¡±


    Orro crossed his arms and leaned against a tree, his focus on the ground as he brooded. For a while, he said nothing, and his eyes glossed over.


    Anyone else would¡¯ve thought he was ignoring them, but Cade knew better. That was Orro¡¯s expression every time he thought about strategy and risk. Cade had learned over the years to just keep his mouth shut and wait for the man to speak when he was ready.


    Admittedly, patience wasn¡¯t one of Cade¡¯s strong suits, but the glares Orro gave when interrupted were almost deadly enough to make flowers wither and die.


    After some time, Orro rubbed his eyes and sighed in frustration. ¡°I can only think of one possibility.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear it,¡± Cade said.


    Orro¡¯s gaze flicked briefly his way, and the assassin shrugged. ¡°We didn¡¯t see any guards, right? That was probably the intention. Hugh likely had his new team clear the humans and move their bodies, leaving only the sentinels for us to fight. That makes it far easier and more likely to succeed, all without tipping us off to things being wrong. Think about it¡ªif we walked into that heist with no opposition, we would¡¯ve immediately figured out what he was up to. An easy heist usually means something is about to go wrong. You called it, Cade, back on the stairs. You knew before any of us did.¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t do us much good, did it?¡± Cade asked.


    ¡°Will you stop with the self pity already?¡± Elena snapped. ¡°You¡¯re the one who stole the Remnant from him. You¡¯re the one who saved our lives from Scorn, Cade. Without you, we¡¯d all be dead.¡±


    At that, the group went silent once more.


    Rayka wrapped her hands around her legs and pulled her knees to her chest. She stared down at the grass beneath her. ¡°Do you think there was really a buyer?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± Orro answered. ¡°Hugh knew elements of the temple that he couldn¡¯t have known about unless he had a powerful source. Someone who¡¯d been in there before.¡±


    ¡°Fair point,¡± she admitted.


    Orro resumed pacing and absently rubbed his jaw as he walked the groove he¡¯d worn into the forest floor. ¡°If he¡¯d gone in without us, stole the gem, and then escaped, it would be obvious who did it. He would¡¯ve been hunted to the ends of the continent and beyond. He¡¯s too smart for that. He needed us as scapegoats. Plus, if his buyer thinks the heist failed and that the culprits were killed, even though he got away, they would assume that he¡¯s dead. A god isn¡¯t going to admit when something is stolen, at least not if they can cover up the loss from the other gods, so there¡¯s a good chance no one outside of the temple would know the Remnant was gone. The buyer wouldn¡¯t think to come after him, and he would get away with the prize. It¡¯s actually a pretty solid plan.¡±


    Elena shook her head in disbelief. ¡°So we were just pawns in his game? That¡¯s messed up.¡±


    ¡°The twins were with him the whole time,¡± Rayka snapped, her temper apparently getting the better of her. ¡°How could you not see it coming? How come you didn¡¯t sense that something was off?¡±


    ¡°How in the hells were we supposed to know?¡± Jer said, his arms crossed defensively. ¡°He was being an asshole, but he¡¯s always an asshole.¡±


    Elena nodded. ¡°He was one of us, Rayka. He fought beside us. We had no reason to suspect him.¡±


    Orro, ever the silent observer, finally spoke. ¡°I should¡¯ve listened to you, Cade. You knew something was off, but I didn¡¯t realize it until it was too late.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jer said with bitter sarcasm. ¡°Let¡¯s blame you, Orro. That¡¯ll solve things.¡±


    ¡°This is serious, Jer!¡± Rayka said curtly.


    Elena glared at Rayka. ¡°I¡¯m giving you this one chance to back down. This isn¡¯t Jer¡¯s fault, or mine, or Orro¡¯s. Hugh''s betrayal says more about him than it does about us.¡±


    But Rayka wasn''t done. ¡°We should have seen it coming! We''re supposed to be smarter than this.¡±


    Orro grumbled under his breath. ¡°He played us, and he did it perfectly. That rat bastard.¡±


    ¡°There must¡¯ve been signs,¡± Jer pressed. ¡°Small things. Things we missed.¡±


    ¡°Or chose not to see,¡± Elena added, her voice tinged with regret.


    Orro scanned the group. ¡°Guys, this isn¡¯t helping.¡±


    Cade, ever the talker, didn¡¯t know what to say. He didn¡¯t know how to interject, or calm them down, or what the right thing to do even was. The team was fraying, coming apart at the seams¡ªand it was painful to witness.


    The bickering continued, but Cade tuned it out. He couldn¡¯t help it. Numb as he was, he lost himself again in thought.


    Cade stood off to the side, observing the chaos with a measured gaze. Tension rippled through the air, thick enough to choke on. Every face around him twisted with anger or frustration, their voices climbing higher, each of them snapping at one another like frayed threads on a tightening rope.


    He could see it¡ªhow one wrong word could push someone over the edge. At any moment, someone could storm off into the forest and disappear forever. He could feel how close they all were to losing control.


    But he didn¡¯t know what to do about it.


    Hugh had always been the peacemaker, the one who could throw out a biting insult and somehow smooth everything over at the same time. It was a skill, really. Hugh''s sarcasm cut deep enough to shut people up without setting off more fires.


    Cade felt a pang of anxiety coil in his chest. They needed to pull together, not fall apart like this. They had a heist to pull off, and they couldn¡¯t afford to be at each other¡¯s throats. The problem was that he wasn¡¯t sure how to wrangle the mess of emotions spilling out in front of him.


    This wasn¡¯t his strength¡ªgetting people to calm down, to see reason. That had always been Hugh¡¯s job.


    But Hugh wasn¡¯t here, and without him, the team was crumbling.


    Cade had to step up.


    Not entirely sure what he could do to diffuse the tension, he stepped forward and forced a deep breath into his lungs. His mind raced, weighing his options, but there wasn¡¯t room for hesitation anymore. If he didn¡¯t take control now, they were done for.


    ¡°Enough.¡± His voice cut through the noise, sharp and steady.


    All eyes turned to him. For a second, the chaos stilled, and he could feel the weight of their stares. He had to get this right.


    ¡°We¡¯re not doing this,¡± he continued, his voice low but firm. ¡°Not here. Not now.¡±


    Jer scoffed. ¡°What else can we¡ª¡±


    ¡°I get it,¡± Cade interrupted. He raised one hand in reassurance and met Jer¡¯s gaze. ¡°You¡¯re pissed off. So am I. But if we don¡¯t pull it together, we¡¯re dead before we make it out of this.¡±


    The silence stretched, tense and fragile, but they all knew he was right. Cade held his breath, watching the lingering anger flicker in their eyes. He didn¡¯t know if they would listen, or if they even had it in them to rally. But he had to try. Hugh wasn¡¯t here to fix this. It was on him now.


    ¡°We can¡¯t blame each other for this. Or ourselves,¡± he added. ¡°We''re on the same side, remember?¡±


    He paused, letting the weight of his words settle in. Eyes dropped, shoulders slumped¡ªsome measure of guilt trickling into their expressions.


    Cade continued. ¡°We need to focus. This heist on Life¡¯s Remnant is the biggest one we¡¯ve ever tried. If we¡¯re going to succeed, we have to do this as one. Together.¡±


    A moment of silence followed. It was delicate, fragile¡ªlike a porcelain vase teetering on the edge of a table.


    He glanced around, hoping to see some sign of unity, but everyone just glared at the ground. Bitter. Angry. Resentful.


    Betrayed.


    ¡°Look, Hugh is gone,¡± Cade said, unable to mask the bitterness in his voice. ¡°We can¡¯t dwell on him anymore. We need to focus.¡±


    ¡°Focus?¡± Elena scoffed. ¡°On what? Stealing a Remnant from the goddess of Life? Have you seen her tournament arena? Everyone says it¡¯s a death zone!¡±


    ¡°Ironic,¡± Jer muttered under his breath.


    ¡°Well¡­ yeah,¡± Cade said, steadying himself. ¡°We¡¯ve got to get a Remnant, whatever the hells that is. Sure, it¡¯s almost certain death, but we¡¯ve got to be a team on this.¡±


    Orro frowned. ¡°Certain death, huh?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Cade said with a shrug.


    ¡°You are really not selling this,¡± the assassin muttered.


    A small chuckle broke the tension, momentarily lifting the weight from everyone¡¯s shoulders.


    Cade continued, ¡°Look, Hugh¡¯s plan was good because he thought it all through. We need to do the same. We need a plan, and we need to stick together.¡±


    They fell silent, each of them thinking hard about the next steps. Eventually, they turned to Cade, waiting.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan, Cade?¡± Jer asked.


    Cade hesitated, his usually sharp mind drawing a blank. ¡°Uh¡­ yeah, guess we should come up with that, huh?¡±


    Rayka rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile there. ¡°Way to inspire confidence, brother.¡±


    Cade grinned sheepishly. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out. Together.¡±


    Without Hugh¡¯s sources and expertise, it fell to Cade to come up with the next steps. He would have to lead the charge. That was his job, now.


    In the end, they needed each other. They¡¯d been a team for years, and if they fell apart, he was afraid of what would happen to the people he cared about most. Cade knew he had to shepherd them during the dark times, just as Hugh once did.


    This¡ªthe team, their wins, their failures, their unity¡ªit all rested on his shoulders, now, and he wouldn¡¯t let them down.


    Even though he had no fucking idea what he was doing.

 Chapter 11 (Part 1): That is a Terrible Plan

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    <h3 style="text-align: center">CADE


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    ¡°So,¡± Cade said as he swirled the whiskey in its bottle. ¡°Any ideas?¡±


    Nobody answered.


    While he waited for someone to pipe up, he leaned his head back on the tree behind him. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting sharp, golden beams across the forest floor. The air felt crisp, alive with the scent of damp bark and fallen leaves just beginning to curl. Each ray of light sliced through the shadows, igniting the tips of the tall grass in a soft, amber glow. The shifting light created a dance of shadow and brilliance, a reminder that the season was changing, even if the warmth still lingered.


    Cade took another swig from the whiskey bottle, wincing as the liquid burned down his throat. The pain from the Remnant fused to his body was finally settling into a dull, constant throb.


    Rayka, Cade¡¯s sister, broke the silence first.


    ¡°What we have to do¡­ it¡¯s insane, Cade,¡± Rayka said, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°We¡¯re talking about stealing from the most powerful goddess in the world.¡±


    ¡°No one said it would be easy,¡± Cade admitted.


    Elena leaned forward. ¡°That¡¯s an understatement, don¡¯t you think?! It¡¯s flat-out impossible! We¡¯ll get ourselves killed. Or worse.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s worse than dying?¡± Rayka asked.


    ¡°Dying without finding love,¡± Jer said with a dramatic little flourish.


    Elena rubbed her tired eyes. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll at least die in style.¡±


    ¡°Pass,¡± Orro said. ¡°The world is a bonfire, but I still like being alive.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Cade said, interjecting. ¡°Let¡¯s stay focused.¡±


    The skitter of claws on the forest floor caught his attention, and he peered over one shoulder as Bunny scampered toward him. The little dragonling hopped up on Cade¡¯s shoulder, nuzzling him. Cade absently scratched behind Bunny¡¯s ear, drawing comfort from the small creature''s presence.


    ¡°Listen,¡± Cade said, his tone turning serious. ¡°I don¡¯t know what Scorn is going to do to me if we don¡¯t get that Remnant, but you all can get away from here. You don¡¯t have to follow me into the hells. I don¡¯t want you to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Cade, shut up,¡± Elena said flatly.


    Jer nodded. ¡°We¡¯re a team. You said it yourself.¡±


    Cade smiled in gratitude. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Jer waved away Cade¡¯s words with a lazy flick of his hand. ¡°Eternal gratitude will suffice as payment.¡±


    ¡°We could use a servant,¡± Elena added with a shrug.


    Cade laughed.


    ¡°Focus,¡± Orro chided. ¡°Did you all forget that the Tournament of Life is happening this autumn?¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that this year?¡± Jer asked as he rubbed his jaw.


    ¡°It only happens once a century, Jer,¡± Elena said flatly. ¡°How could you possibly forget?¡±


    Jer shrugged. ¡°True love matters more to me, and time is suspended while I wait.¡±


    Elena just groaned in annoyance.


    ¡°You guys, this won¡¯t work,¡± Orro said with a frustrated grunt. ¡°The Tournament of Life always draws a crowd, but this year? It¡¯s the fiftieth anniversary¡ªit¡¯s going to be massive. Biggest one ever. The streets will be packed. Inns are probably already booked solid. It¡¯s basically a party that goes on for the whole season, right up until the first day of winter. Nonstop. Markets, feasts, fights, everything.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Jer perked up. ¡°Ooh, think we¡¯ll find turkey legs? I love those.¡±


    ¡°Getting in at all, much less undetected?¡± Orro continued, as if Jer hadn¡¯t said anything. ¡°Forget it. They¡¯ll have security everywhere, triple what they usually do. Quadruple, maybe. I¡¯ve heard that Life¡¯s generals recruit new soldiers for five years leading up to the tournament, just to ensure they¡¯re properly trained and ready to defend the city in case any other god gets some bright idea to invade. If we do this, we¡¯ll be lucky to even get a glimpse of the arena, much less find a way to sneak under it.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Cade said under his breath, his thoughts racing. ¡°Then joining the tournament might be our best shot at slipping beneath the radar.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, what?¡± Rayka said flatly. ¡°It almost sounded like you said something irrevocably stupid.¡±


    ¡°You heard me,¡± he said with a sidelong glance at his sister.


    Orro took a step closer, his brows furrowed in concern. ¡°Cade, I don¡¯t think you realize how dangerous this tournament is. Half the time, no one even wins. Getting through to the end¡ªI mean, those who survive it are changed for having competed. Whatever is in those labyrinths breaks survivors. There has to be another way.¡±


    ¡°Wait, wait, wait.¡± Elena gestured for everyone to just slow down already. ¡°Why would the Tournament of Life be deadly? That makes no sense.¡±


    Rayka sighed, her shoulders slumping. ¡°Life designed it that way.¡±


    Everyone turned to look at their resident escape artist, and for a moment, no one spoke.


    The tournament had always fascinated Rayka, and Cade had caught her sneaking off on more than one occasion to pester drunks about it in the taverns. If anyone knew anything about it at all, she had always been ready to wring every ounce of information out of them.


    ¡°Life insists it¡¯s a reminder to enjoy and savor what we are given,¡± Rayka continued. ¡°She uses the tournament to teach us her lessons, and only those who embody Life¡¯s teachings survive. Those who die channel through her, and she ensures they find a peaceful and joyful afterlife.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right!¡± Jer said. ¡°Orgy heaven, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Jer,¡± Elena said flatly.


    ¡°And that¡¯s our entry point,¡± Cade said. ¡°While everyone is focused on the tournament, we can scope out the Remnant. Figure out how to get it. Use the chaos to our advantage.¡±


    ¡°Everyone will still be nervous and skeptical,¡± Elena interjected. ¡°Besides, none of us have even been to Elysia. It¡¯s supposed to be huge. How will we find a way under the city without Hugh¡¯s contacts?¡±


    Cade frowned.


    Fair point.


    Jer scrunched up his face in thought. ¡°And who¡¯ll focus on the heist if we''re dodging death at every corner?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll make it work,¡± Cade said firmly. ¡°We scope it out, find a way. We have to.¡±


    Orro looked around the group, and his eyes settled on Cade. ¡°There¡¯s also the issue of what that Remnant¡¯s doing to you. The lava, the pain, the unknown¡­ magic.¡±


    Everyone fell silent, and they all stared at Cade.


    ¡°I know.¡± Cade took a deep breath to steady his racing heart. ¡°Scorn wanted it for a reason. We have no idea where it came from or what it even is, but it¡¯s clearly powerful. Dangerous. I need to figure out how to control it before it, I don''t know¡­ makes me hiccup fire or something. The lava was bad enough.¡±


    Orro nodded. ¡°Joy is our best bet.¡±


    Everyone groaned.


    ¡°Look,¡± Orro continued flatly. ¡°Sure, he and Hugh go way back, but he¡¯s a black market magic expert, and we don¡¯t have any other leads. Hugh spent a long time down there before this heist, and I suspect they were discussing the Remnant. That gnome knows more about magic than any other contact we have. If anyone can figure it out, it¡¯s him.¡±


    ¡°And if he can¡¯t?¡± Rayka asked, worry clear in her eyes.


    The team exchanged uneasy glances. Silence hung heavy in the air as their gazes shifted, one by one, to Cade.


    ¡°If he can¡¯t¡­¡± Cade began, his voice barely steady. ¡°No, let''s not think about that. There¡¯s no sense in dwelling on something that might not even happen.¡±


    Bunny chirped softly, as if sensing the tense atmosphere, and snuggled into the crook of Cade¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Right,¡± Orro said. ¡°One step at a time.¡±


    ¡°First, we go bug Joy,¡± Cade said as he wrapped up the plan. ¡°He either helps me get control of this power, or he takes it out of me. After that, we make our way to Elysia. We sign up for the tournament, scope out the arena, and make the rest of the plan from there.¡±


    ¡°Easy,¡± Rayka muttered sarcastically under her breath.


    The team nodded, a unified, albeit reluctant, resolve settling among them. Cade took another swig of whiskey, the liquid fire bolstering his determination.


    He set the bottle down and looked each of them in the eye. ¡°We¡¯ve faced impossible odds before. We can do this.¡±


    As the last light of the sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the meadow, Cade couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of their task ahead. He clenched his fists, the pain from the Remnant a stark reminder of their urgency.


    Whatever happened next¡ªblack market magic, a tournament riddled with danger, or a heist from the most powerful goddess on the continent¡ªCade had his crew, and they would face it all.


    Together.

 Chapter 11 (Part 2): An Orc in the Shadows

    <hr>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">HELGA


    <hr>


    Helga crouched low in the forest, her breath blending with the whisper of leaves. Shadows cloaked her broad frame, while the light danced in time with the breeze. Two tomahawks hung at her sides, ready and sharp. Muscles rippled under her dark green skin; she was a predator poised to strike.


    In front of her, Cade and his team left the meadow with the quiet efficiency of seasoned warriors. The image seemed at odds with the haphazard crew she had witnessed back in Scorn¡¯s temple, and she wondered what secrets these fools had that she should know.


    For starters, there were some thieves who escaped¡ªa fellow named Hugh, for instance, who had dropped this team for a new one.


    How interesting.


    A few words reached her if she strained her ears, but she had to keep her distance. Orro, the assassin, would¡¯ve sensed her lurking presence if she got too close. And then there was that damned cloudrift dragonling. How the thief had managed to ingratiate himself with a beast that powerful was a mystery to her.


    Watching closely, Helga''s keen eyes lingered on Cade. There was something off about him. She couldn''t quite grasp it, but she was determined to unravel the mystery.


    Scorn had sent her to guard the Remnant and ensure a replacement was found, and it had become abruptly clear that these fools had lied their way out of the temple.


    She remembered the whispers about the Remnant¡ªpowerful, coveted. Cade held it, imbued with its force. If they succeeded in extracting it, they would become vulnerable, ripe for her to bring the Remnant back to her Mistress. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    And if they failed¡­ well, the thought of their demise painted a cruel smile on her lips.


    Despite her warrior¡¯s heart, Helga felt the thrill of the hunt¡ªthe anticipation before the kill. Cade''s group was unaware of her presence, yet their practiced movements showed they were no strangers to danger.


    The forest sighed around her, the earthy scent mingled with the anticipation of blood. She gently ran her fingertips along the handles of her tomahawks, feeling the worn leather and her name engraved on the blades. Every fiber of her being was coiled like a spring, waiting to leap.


    Cade stopped, his eyes scanning the dense foliage. For a moment, their gazes almost met. Helga''s heart pounded, but she remained a silent shadow. He turned away, oblivious.


    She let out a slow breath, relief and excitement mixing in her chest.


    Orro, the assassin, moved closer to Cade, whispering something Helga couldn''t hear, but she read the tension in their bodies. It wouldn''t be long now; the extraction attempt seemed imminent.


    She imagined the moment: Cade on his knees, the Remnant leaving his body. His team scattered or dead¡ªthe tomahawks flashing, slicing through flesh, the forest echoing their screams.


    Her Mistress would be pleased at Helga¡¯s enacted vengeance.


    In the cool shadows of the forest, Helga was a harbinger of doom. No squirrels raced by, and no birds dared land anywhere near her. They feared her, and the forest itself shivered in the wind around her. She waited, with patience forged in the fires of countless battles. The moment would come, and when it did, she would strike without mercy.


    For now, she was a shadow. A whisper, little more than the inevitable end biding its time. Each breath deepened her resolve, and each heartbeat echoed with her barely repressed rage.


    Soon, Helga would unleash her wrath upon them, and if she was lucky, the Remnant would be hers.