《Oakthorn [a Lighthearted Cultivation Comedy]》


 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.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    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. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    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>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">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.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    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>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">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 come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. 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 spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    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.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    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.¡± Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°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,


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report itYet 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.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    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.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°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.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    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

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


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    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. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    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.

 Chapter 12: This is Definitely Heresy

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


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    Nora glided through the temple¡¯s corridors, her armor whispering against itself with each controlled step. Sunlight spilled through ornate stained glass, painting the stone floor with a mosaic of vibrant hues that reflected off her chainmail. She exchanged curt nods with passing paladins, her face a calm facade that belied the tumult swirling within.


    Inside, her guts were a battleground of uncertainty and rage.


    Under archways twined with ivy, advisors in muted robes murmured among themselves. Looming above them, Klaus stood distinct in his disdain, his dark gaze flicking toward Nora with palpable contempt.


    ¡°Still playing the loyal hound, Nora?¡± Klaus called out with a golden voice laced with venom.


    ¡°I prefer it to the company of snakes,¡± she shot back before her better judgment could kick in.


    Klaus bristled but then smiled. It was a cold expression, devoid of any joy save for that dark pleasure he took in Nora¡¯s discomfort.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it wonderful that little Evelyn finally has a real assignment? I am so glad I suggested it to our lord the other night. She must be overjoyed to be¡­useful.¡± Klaus¡¯ words dug into Nora like thin fangs.


    It was her turn to seethe with outrage. She bristled, the fury coming in waves as she realized this bastard¡¯s game, and her fingers curled into a tight fist.


    Something deep within her stirred.


    Something powerful.


    Something deadly.


    The shadow magic that she always kept locked deep inside of her stirred, and that was even more terrifying than the implication of what Klaus had said.


    Grimacing with effort, she shoved it down with a ferocious push of her will.


    She wanted to rip into him. To wring his neck, maybe, or give him the tonguelashing he so badly needed. She opened her mouth to retort, but too many advisors and paladins were already turning their heads. Unless she wanted to cause a scene¡ªand, most likely, draw Destiny¡¯s ire¡ªshe needed to take the high road.


    She adjusted her posture and walked away.


    ¡°Enjoy the kennel, dog,¡± Klaus called after her.


    The politician¡¯s cold smirk haunted her as she continued her path to the siren¡¯s wing of the great temple of Destiny. As she stepped through the gilded archway that marked its threshold, the atmosphere shifted palpably.


    Here, in the sanctum of the sirens, every surface was touched by luxury. The air was filled with the soft strains of distant melodies and the subtle scent of blooming jasmine.


    Corridors lined with plush carpets that hushed her footsteps led past walls adorned with silk tapestries depicting the myths of ancient sirens: ethereal creatures surrounded by the gods themselves, each thread shimmering with hints of real gold and silver.


    A waste, Nora thought glumly.


    In direct contrast to her mood, the light here was gentle. It was diffused through panels of frosted glass that cast a perpetual, soothing twilight. Large pillows and ottomans upholstered in velvet were scattered liberally, inviting rest and reflection.


    Everywhere, there was a sense of cherished delicacy, as if the whole wing were cradling its inhabitants in a protective embrace.


    It couldn¡¯t be more different from the paladin¡¯s quarters; a utilitarian space defined by marble and iron, where comfort was sacrificed at the altar of functionality.


    Nora¡¯s heart thudded unevenly as she approached Evie¡¯s door. Her mind was a whirlwind of doubt and fear, her usual resolve tested by the weight of what she was about to undertake. The ornate door before her, carved with scenes of celestial harmony and framed with blooming flowers, used to be the promise of joyous reunion.


    Today, it was the barrier to a forbidden path.


    She paused, her hand hovering over the handle.


    On the other side of this door, she would step beyond the role of protector to become a deceiver. With a deep breath, she steeled herself against the churn of her conscience. This probably wasn¡¯t heresy.


    Probably.


    But as she stood there, the muffled sound of Evie¡¯s laughter trickled through the wood, light and carefree. It bolstered Nora¡¯s resolve, reminding her why she was poised to risk everything. It wasn¡¯t just for Evie¡¯s safety; it was to protect the joy and innocence that still thrived in her friend, unmarred by the darker undercurrents of divine politics. Prosperity could have any other siren.


    Hells, he should¡¯ve sought one with more experience than her young friend. She recalled Klaus¡¯ words, and her stomach soured.


    She had to do this.


    With a final steadying breath, Nora pushed the door open, stepping into the warm, perfumed air of Evie¡¯s sanctuary. The siren was twirling around happily in a windowed alcove, surrounded by cushions and draped in soft fabrics that made her seem more a creature of myth than ever.


    Nora paused and watched. Evie was enveloped in sunlight, dancing amidst the floral chaos adorning her hair. To call it a crown of flowers was too generous. Still, her bubbly friend somehow made it appear natural. The bright blues and golds of lilies and lotuses accented her skin and curly waves perfectly.


    Nora smiled at the sight of her friend¡ªthe girl she loved like a sister¡ªand some of the tension in her shoulders eased.


    ¡°Evie,¡± she began, her voice softer than she intended, ¡°I have something important to tell you. Destiny¡ªDestiny has spoken and we must answer his call.¡±


    The lie tasted bitter on her tongue, but as she watched Evie¡¯s face light up with excitement and anticipation, Nora knew she would bear any burden, pay any price, to see that light remain unextinguished.


    ¡°The winds are full of whispers today, Nora,¡± Evie sang out, her voice floating above the melody that seemed to ripple through the air.


    Nora smiled, genuine warmth breaking through her stoic exterior. ¡°And what secrets are they telling?¡±


    Evie spun, a twirl of white and gold. ¡°Oh, tales of distant shores and stars that sing back to us! I love stars. They always giggle when they think my back is turned, but I know better. Silly, cheeky stars.¡± She grinned up at the ceiling. ¡°But tell me, what brings you here in such haste?¡±


    Before Nora could spin her tale, a golden paladin emerged from the shadows of a large pillar, her armor casting reflections like shards of sunlight sharp enough to cut.


    Lyla had beat her here.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°Evelyn, your gift has called you to grander stages,¡± Lyla announced, her tone smooth as silk and just as suffocating.


    She pinned Nora with a cold stare, and her heart stopped at Lyla¡¯s presence. While she had removed her full armor to be cleaned and repaired, Lyla was still in her full, if barely used, gear. She briefly considered cutting her down here and now but knew that they would never escape alive.


    Evie¡¯s eyes sparkled, and her smile spread like wildfire through the room. ¡°Truly, Lyla? Where does Destiny wish my voice to soar?¡± She giggled and twirled.


    Her lead foot caught on a pillow and she fell off the ledge of the alcove. Nora shot forward but Lyla was quicker. She caught the siren out of the air with her golden gauntlets.


    ¡°Oops,¡± Evie admitted sheepishly.


    Lyla held her for a moment longer than necessary, and a chilling smile cut across her lips.


    ¡°Careful now, little Evelyn. We wouldn¡¯t want anything bad to befall you, now would we?¡± Though she spoke to Evie, her words were directed at Nora. ¡°Especially since our lord has called you to embark for Prosperity¡¯s splendid courts,¡± Lyla declared, locking eyes with Nora, each word a silent challenge thrown like a glove at her feet.


    The tension snapped like a taut string. Nora, her jaw tight, managed to maintain a semblance of composure.


    ¡°A great honor,¡± she forced out, her words as brittle as thin ice.


    Evie, caught in her joy, missed the undercurrents entirely. ¡°Imagine the songs I¡¯ll bring back, Nora! The stories we¡¯ll weave together!¡± She picked up loose silk off of the plush carpet and waved it around the large room while she hummed a diddy to herself.


    Nora forced a smile, but her heart sank with each passing beat. ¡°Yes, imagine.¡±


    Evie, buoyed by the news, twirled around the room, her linen dress billowing out like a cloud around her. She hummed a tune, then sang out with crystalline clarity:


    ¡°In a meadow wide, where the rushes hide,


    The donkey brays at dawn.


    Clumsy hooves and a heavy load,


    He dreams of the lake beyond.¡±


    Lyla and Nora exchanged a glance, both reaching for their tomes reflexively. The ink scratched across the page as they recorded the seemingly innocuous verse. Nora¡¯s eyes, sharp with unspoken questions, flicked back to Lyla.


    ¡°Why exactly are you here, Lyla?¡± Nora hissed, her voice barely a whisper, masked by Evie¡¯s lilting melody. ¡°Was your presence really necessary, or are you just here to gloat?¡±


    Before Lyla could reply, Evie¡¯s voice rose again, her body swaying gently as she knocked over a pillow with a careless step:


    ¡°By the water¡¯s edge, the proud swan pledges,


    To lift the sky with wings so wide.


    Yet in her grace, a silent space,


    She covets the earthy ride.¡±


    Their pens passed over paper once more, transcribing the odd lyrics that wove through the air like a mysterious breeze.


    Lyla¡¯s reply was a soft snarl, her voice low. ¡°I am here at the behest of Destiny himself. I should be asking what you are doing here, oh great sect leader? Nervous our sweet little Evie is going to forget all about you when once she sees what a real paladin is like?¡±


    Rage broiled in Nora¡¯s gut. But before she could formulate a retort, Evie continued, oblivious to the growing storm between the two paladins:


    ¡°The donkey watches, the swan beseeches,


    Each envies what the other reaches.


    Together yet apart, their fates impart,


    Lessons learned from heart to heart.¡±


    Once again, their activity halted as they scribbled down the lyrics. The room was a mix of Evie¡¯s joyous abandon and the tense undercurrent between her guardians. Evie, lost in her own world, spun too close to a small table, sending a vase teetering perilously before it righted itself at the last moment.


    ¡°My loyalty is to those I protect, you witch.¡± Nora¡¯s voice was a whisper of steel as she leaned closer to Lyla, their faces mere inches apart. ¡°That includes Evie. I wouldn¡¯t trust you to protect an empty hallway, much less my siren.¡±


    Lyla¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°Protecting, is it? Or is it controlling? We both know how you love to play the hero, Nora dear. But not all narratives need saving by your bloodied hands.¡±


    Evie¡¯s voice rose once more, her dance steps bringing her close before she twirled away, her laughter ringing out like a bell:


    ¡°So the donkey brays, and the swan displays,


    Each plays their part till end of days.


    In tales spun gold, some truths are told,


    In their own bold, unbridled ways.¡±


    Their pens flew over the pages, capturing the last of Evie¡¯s song. The room settled into a fragile silence, broken only by Evie¡¯s soft hums as she rearranged the pillows she had scattered.


    Nora took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Lyla¡¯s. ¡°Watch yourself, Lyla. Some narratives have a way of unraveling at the seams.¡±


    ¡°Just ensure you don¡¯t pull the wrong thread, Nora. It might just lead to your undoing.¡± With a cold laugh, Lyla stepped back, her armor clinking softly.


    As Lyla exited with a swirl of her cloak, Nora remained, watching Evie dance. Nora¡¯s resolve hardened; she would protect Evie, no matter the personal cost, even if it meant¡­


    She turned to her best friend in the world and a small smile formed unbidden on her lips.


    ¡°Hey, Evie! Congratulations! You passed your final test. You trusted in the paladins, even when it wasn¡¯t your guardian who informed you of your duties.¡± The words tasted bitter in Nora¡¯s mouth, but she pressed forward.


    She navigated through the small labyrinth of pillows and approached her siren.


    ¡°But you know that only I can inform you of Destiny¡¯s call, right?¡± She kept her tone light, but instructive. ¡°Only I, your sworn protector, can relay our lord¡¯s assignments. Lyla was here to test you, nothing more. But you trusted, and that¡¯s the important part here.¡±


    Evie¡¯s face fell and the melody on her lips died out. She frowned and the faint traces of moisture gathered in the corner of her eyes.


    ¡°Really, Nor? He doesn¡¯t want me¡­ I¡¯m¡­ Not worthy?¡± Evie¡¯s mouth quivered and she held her arms close to her chest.


    Nora¡¯s heart broke at the sight, but she had to finish what she started. Evie¡¯s life depended on this little lie.


    ¡°No! No, you¡¯ve got it all wrong, Birdie,¡± Nora said softly. She pulled Evie into a tight hug, but couldn¡¯t meet her eyes. ¡°He does want you. He¡ªhe just needed to make sure your heart was in the right place. Trust me, he wants you at Prosperity¡¯s court, I swear!¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡± Evie sniffled and looked up at Nora, who stood a good head taller than her. She pulled back until she was at arm¡¯s length from the paladin. ¡°We¡¯re going there? Together?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Nora replied softly. ¡°Tonight.¡±


    ¡°Tonight?¡± Evie tilted her head in confusion. ¡°But Lyla said¡ª¡±


    ¡°Forget what Lyla said!¡± Nora shot back far too quickly, and with too much venom.


    Evie flinched.


    ¡°She was a part of the test, remember?¡± Nora continued. ¡°Now, pack your things. We must get ready for Prosperity, after all.¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± Evie replied and her shining smile returned like the dawn.


    She jumped from pillow to pillow, her everpresent hum returning like it had never left. Evelyn paused suddenly on a long and narrow cushion, one foot raised to the sky while she balanced on the other.


    With a slight frown, Evie turned slowly to face Nora. ¡°Nor? The stars just said you¡¯re lying.¡±


    Nora¡¯s heart raced. She looked up at the ceiling, a curse nearly escaping her tongue before she schooled her expression.


    ¡°Birdie¡­ I need you to trust me. Please,¡± she whispered in a calm but sincere tone.


    Evie was silent for several long, excruciating, seconds. Then, with a twirl, she resumed her flight across the pillows.


    ¡°Alright. Silly stars,¡± she finally replied.


    ¡°Silly stars,¡± Nora echoed. She made her way to the ornately carved door and called back over to the siren. ¡°I¡¯ll be here after the first toll of the new day. Be ready for me then. We ride through the night.¡±


    When Evie didn¡¯t respond, she turned and saw the beautiful girl packing dresses of all sorts of colors and patterns into a large chest. She nodded, satisfied.


    Nora left Evie¡¯s room and straightened her spine. With a hissed inhale, the sect leader of Destiny¡¯s Fateweavers prepared to commit several acts of heresy, any of which would immediately get her and Evelyn killed.


    It was time to betray an all-seeing god.

 Chapter 13: Wavebreaker

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


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    Nora slipped through the shadowy veins of Destiny¡¯s temple with the quiet precision of a seasoned warrior. Her movements were deliberate, a silent testament to years of training, as she navigated the labyrinthine corridors beneath the moon¡¯s watchful gaze. Each step was a calculated risk, her senses heightened to the faintest sound¡ªthe distant drip of water, the soft sigh of the night wind stirring the tapestries that hung like silent sentinels along the walls.


    The stone beneath her boots was cool, the air tinged with the metallic scent of the evening¡¯s lingering incense and freshly oiled weapons. She paused at a junction, her breath coming in quick, quiet, hisses. The familiar layout of the temple was etched into her bones.


    She waited for the clink of armor and the flutter of a torch.


    And waited.


    Nora¡¯s brows creased tightly as another minute passed, and yet the scheduled patrol was nowhere to be seen.


    The shadows pooled deeper, the light from the courtyard¡¯s lanterns casting long, stretching fingers that grasped at the edges of darkness where she hid.


    A slight disturbance¡ªa whisper of fabric against stone¡ªalerted her to a presence just around the corner. Instinctively, her hand went to the hilt of her greatsword, her body coiled and ready. She exhaled slowly, merging her breath with the ambient silence, and peeked around the corner. Nothing but the echo of her own caution greeted her back.


    She was ready.


    Nora knew these rounds; she had set the guard rotations herself, embedding the patterns in her mind with meticulous care.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t right,¡± Nora breathed as she moved toward the sirens¡¯ living quarters.


    Yet, there was no turning back. With each step, she drew closer to Evie¡¯s quarters, she could feel the invisible weight around her neck increase. It felt like a dragon¡¯s foot pressed down on her chest.


    She was a thief.


    A heretic.


    A traitor.


    But if it meant that Evie lived, then she would bear those curses¡ªthose titles whose bearers she had once executed as the sect leader. Now, the hunter would become the prey after this night.


    Moving with a ghost¡¯s grace, she crossed an open breezeway, where moonlight spilled over the columns, throwing bars of silver light across her path. The cool marble underfoot reflected the pale luminescence, illuminating the intricate mosaics of mythic battles¡ªechoes of old victories and ancient warnings.


    She skirted the edge of the light, a part of the night itself, her shadow blending seamlessly with the others cast by the columns. Ahead, the heavy oak door of Evie¡¯s quarters loomed, its carvings of celestial beings and cosmic spirals a stark reminder of the divine gaze under which they all toiled.


    Nora reached the door, her heart pounding not just from the exertion but from the gravity of what she was about to do. Drawing a slow, deep breath to steady her racing heart, she reminded herself of the stakes.


    This wasn¡¯t merely about defiance; it was about protection, about altering a path that had been wrongly set. Her fingers brushed against the cool wood, feeling the intricate carvings as if drawing strength from them.


    With a gentle push, the door swung open silently on well-oiled hinges, revealing the room bathed in the soft glow of moonlight through sheer curtains. Nora found her amidst a chaos of preparations, her belongings scattered like leaves after a storm. Evie was carefully placing a tiara into a box, her movements gentle and deliberate, hiding the urgency pulsing through Nora.


    ¡°Evie, we need to move with purpose tonight,¡± Nora said, her voice low and steady. She began to sift through the pile, discarding the superfluous items with swift decisions.


    Evie looked up, head tilted to the side in confusion. ¡°But surely there¡¯s time to pack properly? Prosperity¡¯s court is so grand, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find all the grandeur you need waiting for you, Evie,¡± Nora interjected, and she even managed a reassuring smile. She handed Evie a more practical pack from the pile of half-filled ones. ¡°Right now, speed is our ally.¡±


    ¡°But I want to make sure I have at least one gown for each day of the month. The winds insist I¡ª¡± Evie started, but Nora cut her off.


    ¡°Please, Birdie. I need you to focus right now. We need to go. What you don¡¯t have, Prosperity will provide. It¡¯s in the name.¡± Nora waited, stress lengthening every moment into an eternity.


    She studied her friend, who bit her lips as a silent contest took place in her mind. Finally, she nodded.


    Nora helped her pack, shoving linen and silk dresses in until the single leather pack was filled to overflowing. She dismissed the dainty shoes Evie lifted up and instead tossed her a pair of sturdy riding boots. When she was finally ready, they left the opulent chambers behind. As they hastened through the corridors, the oppressive silence began to gnaw at Nora¡¯s resolve. A suffocating stillness replaced the typical low conversations she expected to hear from the unconcerned guards.


    Her hand moved toward her undrawn weapon.


    ¡°Nora, it¡¯s eerily quiet tonight, isn¡¯t it?¡± Evie¡¯s voice barely rose above a whisper, a flicker of concern passing over her delicate features.


    ¡°Just the calm of the night, Evie,¡± Nora reassured her, though her eyes darted shadow to shadow, her hand never straying far from the hilt of her greatsword.


    They emerged into the open space near the stables, the moon casting long, silver shadows across the ground, transforming the familiar path into a landscape of light and dark.


    It was here that Lyla appeared, her golden armor catching the moonlight and throwing it back with a brilliance that seemed almost mocking.


    An entire armed squadron flanked the golden paladin, their steel plated armor freshly polished for battle. All of them had their weapons drawn and pointed at the two escaping women.


    ¡°Fleeing so soon, Nora?¡± Lyla¡¯s voice cut through the night, clear and sharp as the blade at her side. Her stance was relaxed, a predator sure of her prey. ¡°Abandoning your post and your charge, how noble.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Nora stepped protectively in front of Evie, her voice calm but firm. ¡°We¡¯re not fleeing, Lyla. We are ensuring that Evie reaches her destination safely.¡±


    Lyla¡¯s laugh was a cold chime in the still air. ¡°By sneaking out in the dead of night? Face it, Nora, you¡¯re committing heresy, and you¡¯ve dragged poor Evie into your mess.¡±


    Evie¡¯s eyes widened with dawning realization and fear. ¡°Nora, what¡¯s she talking about? Isn¡¯t this trip sanctioned by Destiny?¡±


    There was a heartbeat of silence before Nora could muster a response. ¡°Evie, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Destiny knows nothing of this ¡¯trip,¡¯¡± Lyla interjected smoothly, stepping closer, her sword gleaming ominously in the moonlight. ¡°Nora has deceived you, child, and now she means to steal you away from your rightful path.¡±


    Nora¡¯s grip on her sword tightened, and she subtly adjusted her stance into the first form of the cerulean wave technique. The air around her shimmered slightly. Determination swept over her like a tidal wave.


    Faint tendrils of silver magic mixed with something darker than midnight wisped into the air around her. It was like a lever had been pulled. Fear and uncertainty rushed over the gathered warriors.


    She witnessed it plainly in their eyes.


    ¡°My path has always been to protect those under my care,¡± Nora Lancaster countered, her voice a low growl.


    The other paladins took a step back at her ferocity. Nora relaxed her grip on the hilt of her greatsword, yet every muscle in her body stood at attention.


    ¡°If that path now leads away from Destiny¡¯s temple, so be it.¡± She let out a long breath, her world tunneling into this moment. This courtyard.


    ¡°Such dramatics,¡± Lyla scoffed, signaling her squadron. They hesitated, and she spared a withering glare for them. ¡°Seize these traitors. Nora, for your betrayal, your life is indeed forfeit. Evie, sweetie, your fate is already sealed.¡±


    Nora braced herself as Lyla¡¯s squadron fanned out, encircling her with calculated precision. Their armor glinted under the moon¡¯s gaze, each paladin a lethal shadow poised for battle.


    She knew these men and women.


    She¡¯d trained alongside most of them. Yet, in that moment, there was no familiarity in their eyes¡ªonly quiet malice. Nora didn¡¯t know what lies Lyla told to get them all here, but it couldn¡¯t have been good.


    The heretic¡¯s hand tightened on Wavebreaker, its cool metal a familiar comfort. She could feel her heart pounding, a drumbeat of war in her veins. As the paladins surged forward, Nora¡¯s mind raced through the Cerulean Wave Sword forms she had mastered. She inhaled slowly and dug her back heel into the dirt. Closing her eyes, she recited the first form.


    Low Tide.


    With a deft swing, Nora brought Wavebreaker low, slicing through the air. A ribbon of water unfurled from the blade. It swept across the cobblestones and tripped the first wave of attackers. The sound of clattering armor as they fell was satisfying but short-lived.


    ¡°Evie, the horses!¡± Nora called out, not daring to take her eyes off the advancing foes. Evie nodded, her eyes wide with fear, and dashed away toward the stables.


    Whirlpool Guard.


    Nora spun, her sword arcing in a wide circle above her head. The air thickened with moisture, drawing in droplets that spiraled into a protective barrier.


    Two paladins who broke through met the swirling vortex, their cries muffled as they were forcibly pushed back, drenched and disoriented. She aimed for the thickest parts of their armor with the teal-green blade. She would not have their deaths on her conscience. That was one anvil she didn¡¯t need tied around her neck today.


    Lyla stepped forward, all grace and decorum gone.


    ¡°After her!¡± she commanded, and a bit of spittle flew from her mouth. She pointed a gloved hand toward Evie¡¯s fleeing form.


    Several paladins peeled off, but Nora was ready. She pivoted on her heel and adopted the next stance.


    Surging Wave.


    Planting her lead foot, Nora swung Wavebreaker with both hands, the blade humming with power. A massive wave erupted from the ground, barreling toward the splinter group. It caught them mid-stride, sweeping them off their feet and crashing them against the temple walls. Their groans filled the air, but Nora couldn¡¯t spare a moment to watch.


    She felt the sting of a blade grazing her arm, a line of fire that drew her focus back to the immediate threat.


    Lyla advanced, her sword a flash of deadly intent. Nora parried with a grimace, feeling the impact vibrate through her bones. She tried to call the water to her, but Lyla pressed her advantage. She swung again and again, her own marauder¡¯s blade a hammer against Wavebreaker¡¯s defense.


    ¡°You will not take this away from me!¡± Lyla screamed as she cleaved downward.


    There was a manicness to her gaze now. Nora was surprised she hadn¡¯t seen it before. Lyla¡¯s next swing drove her to her knees. She felt a crack in her left knee as the force of the blow tore through her knee-guard and padding like it was nothing.


    Before she could react, Lyla pulled out a dagger and cut deep into Nora¡¯s side, directly underneath her heavy chestplate. She felt warmth drain from the spot as hot blood seeped out of the wound and trickled down to her left hip and leg.


    On Lyla¡¯s next swing, she twisted her sword so that it rested against her pauldron, the force of the blow causing her attacker¡¯s weapon to slide off with the sharp ring of steel against steel.


    Lyla stumbled, and Nora took in another breath. She rose to her feet and glared toward her would-be executioners.


    The darkness within her pushed again on her soul, and she gritted her teeth as she did her best to restrain the magic she had always kept buried so deeply within her. Wavebreaker had always helped to block the ebb and flow of the shadows in her veins, but this betrayal was almost too much to bear.


    ¡°I knew we weren¡¯t friends, but I thought we were at least comrades, you snakes! You threw your lot in with her the first chance you had, didn¡¯t you?¡± Nora snarled at the paladins, Wavebreaker pointed at Lyla¡¯s chest. ¡°I thought we had more honor than that in the Fateweavers. I guess I was wrong.¡±


    She stood tall, anger and defiance lending new strength to her wearied bones.


    Cresting Moon.


    Nora swung down with a high arc, her sword trailing cerulean wisps of magic. Water droplets suspended in the air caught the moonlight, creating a blinding spray of prismatic light.


    It was enough to give her a momentary advantage. Her blade met Lyla¡¯s with a clash that sent sparks flying.


    Nora¡¯s muscles screamed. She was tiring, but her determination surged with each beat of her heart. Using so many techniques back to back strained her core, but with Evie nowhere to be seen, she had no choice.


    ¡°Enough,¡± Nora growled.


    She didn¡¯t need to yell. They all paused, feeling before knowing what was to come. There was a reason Nora was their sect leader instead of any of them. Expressions of terror raced over the gathered warriors as Nora raised Wavebreaker above her head.


    Summoning the last reserves of her strength, Nora cried out the final form. ¡°RISING TIDE!¡±


    She swept Wavebreaker around her body and then upward, unleashing a towering column of spiraling water. It surged with the force of a tempest and enveloped Lyla and the remaining paladins, pushing them back with relentless force.


    The sheer volume of water alone was staggering, but Nora used every ounce of willpower she had left to control the tide. Lyla screamed something unintelligible, but it was drowned out in the impromptu tsunami.


    Dozens of feet away, Lyla struggled to regain her footing. She was soaked and furious, her weapon nowhere to be seen. Evie arrived, leading two horses by the reins. Nora¡¯s side ached from the deep cut there, blood warm against her skin, but she forced herself to move. She leaped onto her horse and kicked her steed into a gallop.


    ¡°I will find you, Lancaster! I will find you!¡± Lyla screamed from behind them. The sound of their hooves thundering on the ground drowned out the other shouts of the paladins as they regrouped.


    As they sped away from the temple, Nora didn¡¯t dare look back. Her body ached, her mind raced, but she knew she made the right decision. They plunged into the darkness of the forest, the shadows swallowing them whole, the night air cooling the sweat on her brow and the blood on her skin.


    ¡°Now for the hard part,¡± Nora muttered as they sped into the darkness.

 Chapter 14: That Dungheap Town

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    The damp, fetid air of Silfheim clung to Cade¡¯s senses like a wet blanket, each breath heavy with the scents of mud, piss, and despair.


    Cade wrinkled his nose while he took in the mining town that sprawled out before them. It was a labyrinth of ramshackle buildings and narrow alleys that led up to a few clean streets only the elites could traverse. The place reminded Cade of a lady holding up her skirts in a sewage tunnel, letting the filth cling to her legs while she preserved the few linens to her name.


    ¡°Futility, thy name is Silfheim,¡± Cade muttered grimly.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Jer asked to his right.


    ¡°Oh, Cade¡¯s just brooding,¡± Rayka explained in a motherly tone that grated on Cade¡¯s nerves. ¡°He thinks that just because he went and read books with a bunch of other people who read and talked about books, that he¡¯s suddenly a poet.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called education, little sister.¡± Cade straightened his spine while he continued to scan Silfheim¡¯s dirty exterior. ¡°And you read just as much as me, though romance novels are rather limited in what they can educate you on.¡±


    Elena threw an arm over Rayka¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Oh, I think she¡¯s a learned woman in all the ways that matter.¡±


    Cade and Rayka groaned in disgust in perfect unison, then gave each other equally annoyed glances.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s find some drinks and see if we can¡¯t force Joy into a bargain,¡± Cade stated resolutely.


    ¡°Right,¡± Jer drawled. ¡°Because the last time we forced him into a corner went so well for us.¡±


    ¡°It was one finger,¡± Rayka chided as they all began to move toward the grimy walls of Silfheim. ¡°And they reattached it, didn¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°It still tingles. I swear it on all the stars, it still tingles,¡± Jer moaned, trailing behind them.


    Cade shook his head, absently memorizing the restless figures of Scorn¡¯s troops patrolling the streets. Their torches flickered wildly in the eastern wind as they navigated the labyrinth of streets and alleys that spiderwebbed through this city. He moved toward the rough road of matted grass and snapped twigs that bled away to deeply troughed mud.


    Gods, he hated this place.


    Sighing, Cade took a position in the slowly meandering line that headed into the front gate of the town. The power humming in his chest distracted him, and his mind raced as he tried to figure out what he could do to control this much power. His body was a constant trill of pain and the occasional rumble of raw destruction. The convulsions had lessened, but the threat of another bout was ever-present.


    This power was already becoming normal. He could feel it in his veins, in his body, and even in his very soul.


    But magic always came with a price.


    As much as he wanted an activated core of his own, he had to be practical. At any moment, he could lose control and hurt someone¡ªnamely, his crew.


    It was a risk he couldn¡¯t take.


    He glanced at his dirty team, their faces etched with weariness and tension. The muddy path to Silfheim stretched before them, the town¡¯s silhouette a jagged outline against the darkening sky. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and the faint, metallic tang of distant forges. Every step squelched through the muck, adding to their collective sense of misery. The slums that led up to the town didn¡¯t help the mood either.


    ¡°This place still smells like a troll¡¯s armpit,¡± Elena muttered, her nose wrinkling in disgust.


    ¡°Cheer up, Elena,¡± Jer snorted. ¡°Maybe they won¡¯t notice how your delightful aroma would make even a draugr blush.¡±


    As if he knew what would happen next, Jer ducked suddenly and narrowly missed the open palm Elena aimed at the back of his head.


    Cade grinned despite the pain that pulsed through him with every breath.


    ¡°If draugr wore cologne¡­¡± he commented dryly. ¡°I don¡¯t know if they would prefer the scent of this dung heap or El¡¯s morning breath.¡±


    ¡°Look,¡± Elena replied with ice in her eyes. ¡°Just because your core is probably going to explode at any time doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t smack you. Cripples are fair game in my book.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m unpacking any of that right now. I¡¯d need a ten-foot pole and at least six ales just to get close,¡± Cade answered with a shit-eating grin.


    Elena huffed and walked over to stand next to Rayka. The two women whispered in hushed tones that he knew was supposed to get on his nerves, but he let it go. Instead, Cade shifted his attention to the front gates.


    The imposing wooden barriers loomed over them, reinforced with iron and guarded by an entire platoon of Scorn¡¯s soldiers, the self-proclaimed ¡¯Ravens.¡¯ The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the faces of the guards, who scrutinized each person entering the town with suspicion.


    Well, now¡­ that wasn¡¯t a good sign.


    Clearly, Scorn wanted to keep a close watch on them. They¡¯d managed to sneak past her watchful eye thus far, but he couldn¡¯t risk her realizing he was doing his best to break their bargain.


    This complicated things¡ªand he couldn¡¯t risk any of her soldiers catching them.


    Cade looked for familiar bribe targets amongst the guards, but had to duck back into the line when a woman on horseback rode past their group. He tucked his shoulder to angle himself away from her, but through the corner of his eye, he managed to glimpse her rigid posture and her sharp eyes.


    The newest Raven¡¯s voice carried through the air, clipped and commanding. ¡°Papers. Proof of residency. Now!¡±


    A soldier nearby muttered to another, ¡°Olivia¡¯s in a mood tonight.¡±


    Cade tensed, and he surreptitiously looked through the wagons and other travelers to the wood elf on horseback.


    ¡°Great,¡± the thief whispered to his crew. ¡°Lady Grumpypants is on duty. This¡¯ll be fun.¡±


    Rayka shot him a worried look. ¡°First, that was a terrible insult and you should be ashamed of yourself. Second, we don¡¯t have papers, Cade. What¡¯s the plan?¡±


    Orro answered first while his eyes scanned the gate ahead. ¡°We need to find another way in. There¡¯s no way we¡¯re getting past her otherwise.¡±


    Cade¡¯s eyes darted around, taking in the scene. The Ravens were thorough, checking every wagon, every pack. With each minute that slipped past them, the heavy scents of fear and tension clung to those seeking entry into Silfheim.


    Two dwarves several caravans ahead of them were pulled from the line and thrown into the mud. The Ravens yelled something with spears raised, and the two miners began to remove their packs and garments in front of everyone.


    Cade¡¯s attention shifted to how the shadows played across the walls and the narrow alleys that led off into the darkness just beyond the gate.


    ¡°Next!¡± The Raven commander barked from on top of her horse.


    The line moved forward. A squad of four soldiers walked closer to Cade and his group. He inconspicuously lowered his head and shrunk into the cowl of his cloak. The Ravens slowed while they assessed each member in line.


    ¡°Fine evening, ain¡¯t it?¡± One of them asked in a light sneer that was too nasally to be classified as natural.


    Cade shifted his gaze to the warriors, all of whom wore the black raven armor and a variety of iron knuckles and naked blades. Cade hid his contempt well, but some of his disdain for these thugs must¡¯ve bled through, as the smallest of the four stepped forward. His bent teeth and recessed eyes transformed him into something sinister in the shadows that covered the ground.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re not welcome here, Dunn. Looks to me like this little ant thinks he¡¯s better than us.¡± The short human spat while he stepped through Cade¡¯s crew to stand in front of him.


    He reached out with his short sword and poked the top of Cade¡¯s hood, shoving it back with the chipped blade. Cade¡¯s face was exposed, but he refused to flinch. Instead, he smiled.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not better than any of you fine gentlefolk.¡± Cade looked each of them in the eyes. ¡°I was merely taking in the quality of your care in our sweet old town. I love what you¡¯ve done with the place!¡±


    His earnestness was so unyielding that none of the Ravens could hear even the faintest traces of sarcasm that swam in the young thief¡¯s mind. His grin widened further. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°I¡¯m just glad it was your lot, and not that idiot, Honor, or someone like him that took over. We needed a strong hand like Scorn¡¯s to get us in order.¡± Cade smiled widely.


    No one moved while the short man¡¯s blade lingered at Cade¡¯s throat. He narrowed his gaze on Cade¡¯s doe-eyed expression. Then, he grunted noncommittally and retracted his weapon. He spat on Cade¡¯s boots then waved in a circular motion for his comrades to move on with him.


    Orro¡¯s shoulders relaxed infinitesimally to his left, but he refused to move until the four brutes had moved on to harass someone else. When they were out of sight, Cade turned to his friends with a brittle smile.


    ¡°There,¡± he said, pointing to a narrow gap between two buildings. ¡°We can skirt around the gate and find another way in.¡±


    ¡°You okay?¡± Rayka asked in a quiet voice.


    Cade took her hand in his and felt the unsteady tremors she tried to hide.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Orro would¡¯ve beheaded the lot if he thought they would mar my beautiful features,¡± Cade replied with a cheeky grin. He squeezed her hand, and she let out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°¡¯Beautiful¡¯ is a stretch,¡± Orro grunted.


    Elena sighed in faux resignation. ¡°Lead the way, Sulfur-Breath. Just make sure we don¡¯t end up in a dungeon. Or, worse, one of Silfheim¡¯s pleasure houses.¡±


    As discreetly as they could, the six of them slowly trickled away from the line and into the slums. They navigated through stacks of crates and mildewed barrels partially buried in the loose mud, careful to avoid the eyes of the roaming patrols. Cade led them into one of the darkest alleys, Bunny loping at his side.


    With a silent gesture, they took a turn into a crooked alley with discarded fish bones scattered across its surface. On either side of them, the sounds of Silfheim¡¯s nightlife grew louder as they approached¡ªa cacophony of drunken laughter, clinking mugs, and the occasional shout of anger or delight.


    Cade absorbed each sound and scent, all of them magnified by his heightened state. The air was colder here, the smell of stale ale and sweat mingling with the earthy scent of the streets.


    Orro signaled with his right hand that he saw trouble ahead, and Cade shifted to the left without a word. They slipped through another narrow alley right as the one and only Lady Grumpypants trotted past with a retinue of ten Ravens.


    ¡°Spread out!¡± Olivia barked at her warriors. ¡°Scour every house and alley if you have to. Scorn¡¯s latest prize was seen by the gates. Retrieve them at all costs, and no need to be gentle about it.¡±


    The goons shoved through crowds and knocked over an elderly gnome on crutches in their rush. He fell straight into a horse trough, and the soldiers laughed and sneered as they left him unattended. Olivia pulled up her horse and allowed it to drink while the gnome fought to get out of the murky water.


    Cade seethed quietly, unable to step out lest he expose his whole team to the Raven¡¯s ire. A muscle feathered in his jaw as he stood vigil in the shadows, coming up with all sorts of ways he would repay the Ravens for their treatment of that old man. He waited until someone helped the gnome out, and only then retreated further into the welcoming darkness.


    His vision flashed as red as his rage.


    Storm still brewing in his veins, he led his team to a neglected section of the wall where the slums ended and the city began. Cade squinted and his eyes caught a glimpse of an old sewer grate half-hidden by debris.


    ¡°There¡¯s our way in,¡± Cade said, a note of triumph in his voice. ¡°Bunny, think you can create a little chaos up top to distract the guards?¡±


    Bunny chuffed reluctantly, and he tucked his wings in coyly.


    Cade sighed. ¡°Fine. Do this, and I promise I¡¯ll get you some pastries.¡±


    Bunny looked up, greed as plain as day in his verdant eyes. Still, he hesitated.


    ¡°Fine, yes!¡± Cade inwardly beamed with pride at his companion¡¯s expert negotiation skills. Outwardly, however, he kept up his stern reproach for the sake of the others. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure they¡¯re cream-filled. But I can¡¯t guarantee this fine city will have them. Next place we go that has a modicum of self-respect, and I¡¯ll stuff your face with the best pastries they have to offer.¡±


    Jer gave the dragonling a reassuring pat. ¡°You heard the man. Time to be a little troublemaker.¡±


    Bunny nodded sagely and then scampered up the wall with remarkable agility. His white scales glinted in the faint light as he sped over the curved edge of the large barrier. Moments later, a commotion erupted on the ramparts as the dragonling¡¯s antics drew shouts of alarm from the guards.


    ¡°Now!¡± Cade hissed.


    He took in a deep breath and then stoically led the team through the sewer entrance. They pried open the grate, the smell of rot and waste hitting them like a physical blow.


    Orro grimaced but kept his voice steady. ¡°Stay close. We¡¯ll get through this.¡±


    The tunnel was dark and narrow, the air damp and foul. The walls were slick with grime, the floor uneven and treacherous. Every sound echoed eerily, the distant rush of water a constant backdrop to their hushed footsteps. The stench was like a physical blow to his senses.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re sneaking through a sewer. Again.¡± Elena¡¯s frustrated voice cut through the darkness. ¡°If we get out of this, I¡¯m taking the longest bath in history.¡±


    Rayka smirked, though her eyes were watchful. ¡°Maybe we¡¯ll find some draugr cologne down here after all.¡±


    ¡°¡­Traitor,¡± Elena hissed into the darkness.


    ¡°Just as long as we don¡¯t find Elena¡¯s would-be suitors down here first.¡± Cade noted with a chuckle, though it quickly devolved into a grimace as another wave of pain hit him.


    As they navigated the twisting tunnels, the sound of running water and distant echoes clambered throughout the underground tubes. The air was damp and cold, the walls begrimed.


    ¡°Cade,¡± Elena cut in, interrupting the tense silence. ¡°Do we really have to go through all this to talk to Joy? Surely, there are more available magic experts around.¡± Their resident vault expert gestured down at the green sludge and various clumps of hair and trash that slithered past their legs.


    ¡°That we know for certain can be bribed into helping us without turning us in? Unlikely,¡± Cade answered simply.


    He stopped walking. His team shifted to look at him, and he met each pair of eyes as he continued.


    ¡°I know this sucks,¡± he said frankly. ¡°But Joy is my best bet in getting this hellish magic out of me before anyone gets hurt.¡±


    ¡°Is that what this is about?¡± Elena pressed, wiping her hands across her muddied pants. ¡°It¡¯s power, Cade. You choose how it¡¯s used.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple,¡± he said flatly.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it, though?¡± she pressed. ¡°All you have to do is practice.¡±


    ¡°Practice?¡± He scoffed. ¡°You mean practice not killing you all with a surge of lava? Trust me, Elena, I want to understand this power more than anyone else. I want to channel it. I want to use it for good, but what happens if I lose control for even one second? What happens if I start sneezing¡ªgods, I don¡¯t know, venom? Poison? I could kill all of you in a heartbeat!¡±


    Everyone paused.


    Cade took a deep breath to calm himself and got control of himself. Outbursts like that wouldn¡¯t do any good, after all.


    ¡°At any moment, I could lose control,¡± he continued. ¡°I mean, if that gods-damned lava-sneeze had been near any of you, I would¡¯ve killed you instantly, and all from a sneeze. It¡¯s just getting worse. I can feel it shoving against my will, my skin, my mind.¡± Cade growled under his breath as the heat surged within him yet again. ¡°I¡¯m starting to wonder if it¡¯s going to win. I¡¯m seriously concerned that it can¡¯t be controlled. I mean, think about it¡ªthat¡¯s probably why Scorn never gave it to one of her servants. That¡¯s why it was locked up. If even a goddess like Scorn is afraid to use it, then how deadly must this actually be?¡±


    No one answered. In fact, everyone but Orro stared at the fetid ground. The assassin merely watched him intensely, as though Cade were picking up on something Orro had already been debating internally.


    Cade didn¡¯t, however, mention the goddess he¡¯d seen in his vision. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her wreathed in flames. Yet again, a surge of dread shot through him as he thought of her raw power¡ªand the simultaneously exhilarating thought that he might one day control it.


    Whomever she was, he was connected with her¡ªand magic that dark, that heavy, had consequences. The same power that was clawing its way out of his core at this very moment.


    To be that powerful¡­ plenty of people would kill to have a core like his.


    In all honesty, he wanted to keep it more than anything.


    He had two choices: master it, or get rid of it. As much as he wanted this magic for himself, he had to be realistic. He was clever, sure, and more resourceful than most, but there just wasn¡¯t time for him to figure this out.


    His crew was more important than his selfish desires, and he had to do what was best for them all¡ªnot just for himself.


    Until he could control this magic¡ªif that was even possible, of course¡ªeveryone he loved was in danger from just being near him.


    ¡°Will that old bastard really be able to help?¡± Jer inquired softly, interrupting Cade¡¯s foul thoughts. ¡°I mean, have you even tried shoving your magic into a proper core? ¡°


    ¡°Establishing my path?¡± Cade clarified with a tired grin. He slowly nodded. ¡°Yeah. I mean, I¡¯ve never had to do this before, but I¡¯ve read about it tons. Whatever dominion my magic is connected to should have lots of routes forward, each one unique and suited for some mage or another. There¡¯s just one problem.¡±


    Elena crossed her arms, leaned her weight on one hip, and raised a skeptical eyebrow. ¡°And that is?¡±


    Cade gestured to his chest, where the magic surged yet again. ¡°Mine doesn¡¯t seem to want to offer up any paths forward. It¡¯s like it resists any effort to control it. I¡ªI¡¯ve never heard or felt anything like it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re strong enough,¡± Orro said quietly. ¡°You can control it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Cade admitted with a nod. ¡°But what if I kill you all in the process?¡±


    No one answered.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± he said softly. ¡°Trust me, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I get it. But you all are more important to me.¡±


    ¡°Softie,¡± Rayka said with a small smile.


    He shrugged. ¡°Maybe Joy has answers for me. Maybe he doesn¡¯t. If he can¡¯t help me figure out how to use this power effectively, then he¡¯s going to help me get rid of it.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright, you¡¯ve made your point.¡± Elena sniffed but grimaced as she seemed to instantly regret doing so. ¡°I¡¯m just saying, it might not be such a bad thing if you can sneeze up lava every once in a while. Makes for a great parlor trick, that¡¯s for sure.¡±


    Cade shook his head and resumed walking. They continued on for several more minutes, the murky waters sloshing around their quiet march into Silfheim.


    Orro held up a hand and they all stopped. The echoes of footsteps cascaded down from a thick grate above their heads. The assassin unsheathed his sword and the orange blade lit up the darkness. With four quick cuts, the grate fell from its rusted hinges. Orro caught it just before it could clang against the stony tunnel. He put away his blade and then locked his fingers together in a foothold.


    ¡°Go,¡± Orro whispered.


    Cade saluted his sacrifice, as his hands were about to be greeted by four pairs of truly abhorrent footwear. They all clambered out of the sewer and into a quiet alley between thick cobblestone buildings. It was a sharp contrast to the muddy slums, but the inside of Silfheim still left much to be desired.


    When Orro easily lifted himself out of the drain entrance, Cade smiled. There was a brief flutter of scales and claws against stone and Bunny dropped from above onto Cade¡¯s shoulder. He growled, low and proud, from deep within his throat.


    ¡°Who¡¯s a good dragon? Who¡¯s a good dragon?¡± Cade cooed into Bunny¡¯s face as they nuzzled their noses together.


    Elena coughed loudly, and Cade straightened awkwardly.


    ¡°Welcome to Silfheim,¡± he proclaimed with a dramatic flourish of his arms. ¡°Home of the finest muck and the best ale you¡¯ll ever regret drinking. Let¡¯s head to the Broken Horn. Hopefully, Joy will be in a good mood.¡±


    As one, Cade and his crew headed toward the place where murderers and thieves traded tips on the best locations to hide dead bodies. One wrong move, and they would either be the ones throwing corpses into those ditches or the unlucky fools getting tossed.

 Chapter 15: The Broken Horn

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    ¡°Ever noticed how tavern signs perpetuate illiteracy in lower districts?¡± Cade mused as he and his crew neared their destination.


    ¡°Because they use symbols instead of whatever annoying new set of runes the gods impose on us?¡± Elena replied as she glanced over her shoulder for potential tails. ¡°I¡¯d call it efficient, not whatever you¡¯re insinuating.¡±


    ¡°On the contrary, my red-headed friend!¡± Cade answered enthusiastically, much to the dismay of his friends. ¡°By indulging the easy route for us plebeians, these shop owners allow the gods and their followers to have greater access to knowledge and thus privileges than us! We must rise against these shackles! We must¡ª¡±


    ¡°You want us to graffiti words on these signs, don¡¯t you?¡± Rayka cut her older brother off. Cade, mid-speech, gaped at her audacity. What thunder he felt blew away in the next breath, and he sighed heavily. He lazily kicked a loose pebble and watched it scatter erratically across the uneven ground.


    ¡°Fine, yes,¡± Cade grumbled in a glum tone. ¡°I want to graffiti the signs using a different language for each. It¡¯d be educational and funny.¡±


    ¡°And likely set off a feud war between various religious groups in the city,¡± Elena prompted indulgently.


    Cade shrugged, though some of the spark returned to his eyes. ¡°That¡¯d just be a bonus.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Orro¡¯s words cut through their banter like a knife.


    The damp, fetid air of Silfheim clung to them like an unwelcome companion as Cade and his crew reached The Broken Horn. The tavern¡¯s entrance was almost hidden between two crumbling buildings, its wooden sign swinging on rusty hinges. The smell of spilled ale, sweat, and something much more pungent seeped from the cracks around the door, promising an evening of dubious pleasures and dangerous company.


    Cade took a deep breath, forcing a smile. ¡°Ah, the sweet aroma of nearly guaranteed betrayal. Let¡¯s hope tonight we only get a light backstabbing. Joy has got to be in there, but most of these folks are gonna be on high alert with all the Ravens about. Be careful.¡± He looked them all in the eyes, unblinking.


    ¡°Yes, mother. We get it,¡± Elena groaned and shuffled her feet impatiently.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± Cade sighed.


    He opened the door and let them all saunter past while he kept a careful watch on the street. Orro was the last to enter, putting a friendly hand on his shoulder as he walked in. Cade saw a group of figures duck into a nearby alley, but disregarded them. He had no doubt they were suspicious characters, but so long as they weren¡¯t affiliated with Scorn, he couldn¡¯t care less.


    Satisfied, Cade closed the door behind him, the heavy wood creaking ominously.


    Inside, The Broken Horn was a dimly lit cavern of vice. Smoke curled lazily towards the ceiling, mingling with the scent of stale beer and unwashed bodies.


    Shadows clung to every corner like spiderwebs. They masked the figures who lounged in dark booths or huddled around scarred wooden tables. The hum of whispered conversations was punctuated by occasional bursts of raucous laughter or the clink of coins and tankards.


    The centerpiece of the room was an oval bar, above which the skeletal remains of a wyvern were suspended on rusty iron cords. The wyvern¡¯s horn was partially missing, a grim testament to the tavern¡¯s namesake. Bunny¡¯s eyes gleamed with a sick pleasure as he took in the sight, no doubt inwardly gloating that a lowly wyvern and not a dragon hung there.


    Cade¡¯s eyes swept the room, taking in the myriad of faces, each marked by a life of crime and hardship. Scarred knuckles, furtive glances, and the occasional flash of a hidden blade spoke of a place where trust was left by the door. His crew lurked on either side of him, all of their faces warped by scowls and raised brows. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, Cade¡¯s grin never wavered.


    He had grown up around people like this. He could read them all like the open books that they were. He caught every shift in their shoulders, every feathered muscle in their jaws. If he had the time, he would¡¯ve set up a small hustle to get all of their coin purses a good deal lighter, but had to let that impulse go.


    He had work to do.


    Grug, the tavern¡¯s formidable barkeep, loomed behind the bar. His green skin gleamed dully in the torchlight, and his tusks jutted out from his lower jaw like ivory daggers. He wore thick suspenders and a ragged bandana, his muscular arms crossed over a barrel of a chest.


    Cade sauntered up to the bar, leaning casually on the worn surface. ¡°Evening, Grug. Busy night?¡±


    ¡°Always is, for those who know how to look.¡± Grug¡¯s eyes narrowed, his gaze heavy with suspicion. ¡°What do you want, Cade?¡±


    Cade¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Just some friendly advice. Is Joy in tonight?¡±


    ¡°Maybe he is, maybe he ain¡¯t. What¡¯s it to you?¡± Grug grunted, his eyes flicking over Cade¡¯s companions.


    Orro stepped up, his presence a silent but effective deterrent against the interested glances of nearby patrons.


    They knew who he was.


    ¡°Tell us what we need to know, Grug,¡± Orro stated coldly.


    ¡°No need for that, my dear assassin!¡± Cade cut in with a conspiratorial roll of his eyes for Grug¡¯s behalf.


    The large orc shifted nervously.


    ¡°Now, Grug,¡± Cade continued amiably while the rest of his crew watched his back in the dark tavern. ¡°I have to admit, Orro here is in a bit of a hurry. The sooner you can help him, the sooner we¡¯ll be out of your hair. You know how he gets when he has to wait. How is that bouncer you hired a few moons ago? Burk, was it?¡±


    ¡°My cousin¡¯s still recovering, thanks for asking.¡± Grug¡¯s gaze lingered on Orro before he nodded slowly. ¡°Joy¡¯s here. In the back room tonight. But tread carefully. He¡¯s not in the best of moods right now.¡±


    Elena snorted. ¡°Is he ever?¡±


    Grug¡¯s tusks flashed in what might have been a smile. ¡°Fair point.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Grug.¡± Cade straightened, giving Grug a nod. ¡°We¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    He passed the barkeep a single silver and gave him a friendly wink. That should keep him happy for the rest of the night.


    As they made their way to the back room, Cade¡¯s senses were on high alert. The smoky air seemed thicker here, carrying a myriad of scents: the tang of cheap liquor and the faint metallic scent of blood. Conversations halted as they passed. Greedy eyes tracked their every move as they navigated around tables and chairs cheaply reconstructed after whatever most recent fight had broken out here.


    Cade smiled and nodded to each of them.


    A formidable presence surged from her seat and blocked their path. Cade¡¯s gaze slowly crawled up the muscular pillar in front of him, each new detail adding to his shock. Her boots were speckled with blood, and daggers that glowed with powerful runes lined her thighs and hips. A tight tunic barely contained a rippling abdomen, accentuating the barreled arms that crossed over her chest.


    The scarred warrior¡¯s face was etched with the story of a hundred battles, and she stood mere inches from Cade. He had to look up just to meet her cold gaze. Slowly, her lips curled into a predatory smile.


    Around her, a group of equally menacing figures began to circle, their hands resting on an array of wicked-looking weapons. Daggers, enchanted blades, and knuckles glinted in the dim light. If Cade remembered correctly, his old mentor had dealings with this fledgling guild. They were wannabe Slips, who usually just got odd jobs as swords-for-hire and debt collectors. Cade¡¯s mind whirred until he remembered her name. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    He grinned.


    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Hugh¡¯s runt,¡± she purred, her voice a dangerous whisper. ¡°Your boss owes me a hefty sum. Did he send you to settle it like a coward, or are you the down payment?¡±


    Orro¡¯s hand moved instinctively to his weapon, muscles coiled and ready to strike. Cade put a hand on his arm, stepping forward with a disarming grin.


    ¡°Easy there, Mercy,¡± Cade said smoothly. ¡°Hate to disappoint, but Hugh is no longer in the business of owing money.¡±


    She bristled at his use of her real name, her eyes narrowed. ¡°My name is Nightdagger, you stupid gutter rat. And why¡¯s your boss suddenly unwilling to pay his debts, huh?¡±


    Of course she chose a nickname like ¡¯Nightdagger.¡¯ Truly, art was lost to the world.


    ¡°Hugh¡¯s dead, Mercy,¡± Cade lied, his tone light. ¡°And not in the figurative ¡¯deadbeat¡¯ way. Dead, as in, permanently out of the picture. Courtesy of us.¡±


    This lie was easier than the truth. That their lifelong mentor and boss had cut them loose, leaving them to take the fall for a heist against a goddess was too much for such casual banter.


    The woman¡¯s expression flickered with uncertainty for a moment, but then she stepped closer, her breath hot against Cade¡¯s face, smelling of cheap ale and malice.


    ¡°Then I guess his debts fall to you and your pitiful excuse of a crew, don¡¯t they?¡± Mercy clarified menacingly.


    Cade¡¯s smile never faltered, though he inwardly bristled at the insult to his crew.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not how it works,¡± the thief answered easily. He used a single finger to push her face away from his. ¡°Hugh¡¯s debts died with him. No inheritance, especially not in the form of misplaced obligations.¡±


    Her smile vanished, replaced by a snarl. ¡°Nice try, but I think I¡¯ll just take what you¡¯ve got instead. I think I¡¯ll start with that delicious-looking red-headed boy. He¡¯ll make for a fun plaything for me tonight.¡±


    She reached forward for Jer¡¯s hair, calloused fingers curled like some hellish claw. Several of her compatriots rose to stand in front of Orro and Elena.


    Cade¡¯s grin vanished. ¡°Move one more inch, and the only debt you¡¯ll be receiving is from the coroner. No one¡ªno one¡ªthreatens my crew.¡± Cade warned.


    His blood boiled, and it was all he could do not to smash his fist into her face then and there. Elena raised an eyebrow, the barest hints of a smile playing across her face while respect danced in her eyes.


    ¡°Big words,¡± Mercy retorted and then resumed to reach for Jer, who was in the middle of petting beneath Bunny¡¯s chin. ¡°Too bad Hugh isn¡¯t here to settle this for you, Stormhollow.¡±


    Cade¡¯s eyes blazed like a forge from hell even as his smile widened.


    ¡°You know,¡± he admitted while he toyed with the edge of a nearby table. ¡°I can see why Hugh avoided you. That desperate reach for power, the way you hide your fear behind threats¡ªit¡¯s almost endearing. Almost. But here¡¯s the thing: you¡¯re aiming at the wrong target. Hugh was weak, a coward, but I am not. Touch my friend, and you¡¯ll learn just how small of a fish you really are.¡±


    He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper that only she could hear, every word dripping with icy menace.


    ¡°And believe me,¡± he whispered. ¡°You¡¯ll wish you never stepped into this mess. Because while you might think you¡¯re tough, you don¡¯t even rank in the top fifty scariest people who¡¯ve wanted me or my crew dead. So, why don¡¯t you take a step back and rethink your life¡¯s choices before they end here?¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes darted around, catching the poised readiness in Orro¡¯s stance and the unwavering confidence in Cade¡¯s eyes. Her bravado wavered, just for a moment, but long enough for her to reconsider. She pulled back her hand, glaring at Cade, but not daring to push further.


    ¡°Smart move,¡± Cade said, his grin returning, but this time with a razor-sharp edge. ¡°Now, why don¡¯t you run along and find someone else to harass. We¡¯ve got business to attend to, and you¡¯re not on the guest list, Mercy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s it!¡± The brutal woman bellowed, and all hell broke loose.


    Cade kicked with all of his might at her left knee, and he heard a satisfying snap as she crumpled to the ground screaming. Elena¡¯s fist connected with the first man¡¯s jaw, sending him reeling into a table.


    Jer finally joined in and ducked under a wild swing from another and delivered a precise kick to his knee that dropped him to the floor. When a fourth jumped at him in a tackle, Jer used the fallen patron as a stool to leap and flip over the final assailant. The attacker slammed headfirst into the side of his fallen comrade while he landed gently on top of their empty table. He kicked up one of the filled tankards and took a satisfying pull from it.


    ¡°Gross,¡± Elena chided with a shake of her head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t break the furniture!¡± Grug bellowed from behind the bar, his eyes flashing with irritation.


    Cade stepped back, ensuring Rayka and Bunny stayed out of the fray. ¡°Let¡¯s keep this civil, shall we?¡±


    The other patrons watched with a mix of amusement and interest, their whispers barely audible over the sounds of the scuffle.


    ¡°That¡¯s Hugh¡¯s crew, alright,¡± one murmured.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t think they¡¯d show their faces here,¡± another grunted.


    ¡°Did he just compare Nightdagger to a fish?¡± A disheveled man contributed as he scratched his mangy beard.


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this!¡± Mercy yelled as she clutched her broken knee, her face pale with pain and fury.


    Cade shook his head, his tone almost sympathetic. ¡°That¡¯s kind of the whole point of our unfortunate disagreement. We won¡¯t be. Now, if you don¡¯t mind, we have business to attend to.¡±


    Without another word, Cade turned and left the woman lying there. Orro held her gaze while Elena and Jer rejoined Rayka and the others.


    Cade didn¡¯t miss how Elena slipped her hand past the woman¡¯s table and cleaned out the purses there, but didn¡¯t let his eyes show it.


    They found Joy sitting alone at a corner table, nursing a tankard of ale. The half-gnome¡¯s face was set in a permanent scowl, his eyes shadowed by the hood of his cloak. Thick scrolls bound by steel clasps rested atop his isolated table in the dark. He took in a deep breath and his face was illuminated by the hot embers inside his mahogany pipe.


    Purple smoke blasted from his nose as he exhaled, and Cade resisted the instinct to run when he saw the mad glint in the gnome¡¯s eyes. The shadows around him thickened with bitterness and hate.


    Cade raked a chair from a nearby table and dragged it along the wooden floor. It creaked and groaned loudly, and Cade watched as Joy¡¯s eye twitched at the unholy sound. With a casual flourish, he sat down across from the half-gnome, all smiles. The magic inside of him stirred, and his grin turned brittle.


    ¡°Joy Dawnbringer,¡± Cade said in greeting. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    Joy¡¯s eyes flicked over Orro and Elena, filled with contempt. ¡°Not long enough, Cade. What do you want?¡±


    Cade leaned in, his voice low and smooth. ¡°Information. Maybe a little magic. We¡¯re dealing with something¡­ complicated. We need your expertise.¡±


    Joy took a long pull from his pipe. ¡°Complicated, huh? And what makes you think I¡¯d help you? You come waltzing in here like we¡¯re old pals. I should have my guys haul you and that fat pet of yours out of here by the ears and dice you up for Benji¡¯s next shipment. They could do with some plump and na¨ªve meat, I hear. ¡°


    Cade¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter. ¡°You won¡¯t throw us to those hounds, Joy.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Joy exclaimed mirthlessly. He pointed the stock of his pipe in Cade¡¯s face. ¡°You read minds now, boy? Tell me, why won¡¯t I let the Slips here in town take you and your idiot crew for screwing me over?¡± Joy leaned forward and rested a hand protectively on the scrolls, which clinked softly at the disturbance.


    Cade leaned in, taking his time to enjoy the glimmer of interest Joy tried to hide. ¡°We got the amulet.¡±


    Joy snorted. ¡°Bollocks, boy. Show me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how this works. Take us to your workshop, then we¡¯ll show you,¡± Cade lied.


    Orro, sensing the tension, spoke up. ¡°We¡¯re willing to pay handsomely for your services.¡±


    Another lie.


    Elena, her patience wearing thin, leaned forward. ¡°Can you help us or not?¡±


    Joy¡¯s eyes flicked to Elena, then back to Cade. ¡°I can help. But it¡¯ll cost you more than you got. And you might not like what you find.¡±


    Cade nodded. ¡°We¡¯re prepared for that. Just tell us what we need to know.¡±


    The gnome¡¯s smile was a cold, bitter thing. ¡°Alright. Follow me. But remember, you asked for this.¡±


    With a flourish, he swept the scrolls on the table into his cloak pockets and then jumped down off his chair. With a noncommittal wave, he gestured for them to join him. As they followed Joy into the depths of The Broken Horn, the hairs on Cade¡¯s neck stood on end.


    Something was wrong.


    Hells, there was always something wrong in this town. They needed this information. He needed a way out from beneath this crushing power.


    The magic within him churned, and he leaned against one of the walls in the corridor Joy led them down. Orro placed a hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged it off.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Cade whispered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep it that way,¡± Orro answered so softly only Cade heard him.


    Joy navigated their group up to a nondescript wall made of dove-tailed wood paneling. Joy placed his hand against a portion indistinct from the rest, and silvery threads of magic interlaced with pitch-black darkness poured from his palm. The magical tendrils snaked inside the wall as if it had pores of its own.


    A second later, there was an audible click, and then the wooden slab swung inward on silent hinges.


    ¡°After you,¡± Joy said in a bored tone. Orro hesitated, but the half-gnome waved him through. ¡°Only I know how to reactivate the door, ya twit. Now, get through before I lock your friends in.¡±


    As one, they entered the dark tunnel. Cade got the distinct impression they were headed into the maw of some ancient beast, but then he dismissed the errant fear out of hand.


    Everything would be alright.


    ¡­probably.

 Chapter 16: The Core of the Issue

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade hated secret passages, mainly because there weren¡¯t many ways to get out if things went wrong.


    And for whatever reason, things usually went very wrong.


    As Joy led Cade and his crew through a hidden corridor in the back of The Broken Horn, all he could think of was how poorly maintained these sorts of hallways were. He bitterly took in the narrow and damp walls of the tunnel. Bunny, perched on Rayka¡¯s shoulder this time, growled softly at the shadows.


    It was like they were caught in the gullet of one of the ancient Progenitors¡ªlikely one of the great dragons that had been hunted during the Culling. Cade cursed under his breath as the air grew colder with each step. The faint scent of mildew interlaced with the sharp tang of metal, creating an eerie, oppressive atmosphere.


    No decoration. No finesse. Just darkness with a touch of despair.


    ¡°Lovely place you¡¯ve got here,¡± Cade said, his voice echoing slightly. ¡°Very inviting. You should consider opening it up to the public.¡±


    Rayka smirked. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure people would love the ambiance. Dark, damp, and dismal. Perfect for a romantic evening.¡±


    Jer chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m just glad we haven¡¯t run into any rats yet. Though, knowing Joy, they¡¯d probably be his pets.¡±


    ¡°Watch your step. The stones can be slippery,¡± Joy¡¯s voice drifted back to them, dry and humorless.


    Joy took a sharp turn and led them down a series of stairs. The steps finally bled away into a larger chamber, and Cade¡¯s eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. Joy¡¯s workshop was a strange amalgamation of a wizard¡¯s potion shop and a torture chamber.


    Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of murky liquids, preserved creatures, and ancient tomes. A large work table dominated the center of the room, covered in an array of arcane tools, spell components, and dark artifacts. Joy walked over to a ramshackle stack of scrolls and added his pile on top of it. He then hopped up and slapped a magical array set into the nearby wall and several torches around the room lit up. They illuminated several pairs of chains and manacles that hung from the ceiling, clinking softly with the movement of their entrance.


    ¡°Nice decor,¡± Cade said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°If you need help keeping partners around, though, this isn¡¯t the way to do it.¡±


    Joy cursed but didn¡¯t rise to the bait.


    ¡°What¡¯s that smell?¡± Rayka wrinkled her nose. ¡°It¡¯s like rotting flesh mixed with burnt herbs.¡±


    Jer pointed to a corner where a cauldron bubbled over a low flame. ¡°I think it¡¯s coming from there. Joy, do you make potions or stew people in that thing?¡±


    ¡°Funny,¡± Joy said humorlessly. He crossed his hairy forearms across his small frame and met Cade¡¯s steady gaze. ¡°Now, where¡¯s the amulet?¡±


    ¡°So¡­About that¡­¡± Cade started, and the tension in the room became electric. ¡°The amulet is gone. But you already knew that, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Joy didn¡¯t move or speak for a long moment, and Cade surreptitiously tapped his fingers together quickly. He didn¡¯t have to look to know that his crew picked up on his signal. If Joy decided they weren¡¯t worth the risk or trouble, they would be ready. Around the room, his team shuffled into positions so that they surrounded the elderly gnome.


    Finally, the black marketeer nodded slowly. ¡°Aye, I did. How¡¯d you know?¡±


    ¡°You barely fought me on seeing it, especially after you and our old boss discussed it for so long. You knew what it was, didn¡¯t you?¡± Cade leaned against a thick mahogany desk and feigned an air of detached nonchalance.


    ¡°Just suspicions, like Hugh.¡± The gnome looked over his shoulders and cursed when he saw how Cade¡¯s crew had him surrounded. ¡°Now, everyone relax before things get¡­ messy.¡± He pinned Cade with a fierce expression. ¡°It fused to you, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    It was Cade¡¯s turn to squirm. He glanced around at his team, but ignored their looks of concern.


    Cade paused for a moment, careful not to reveal more than he already had. Joy was many things, but trustworthy was at the bottom of that list.


    ¡°Do you have any way of controlling or extracting it?¡± he asked. ¡°Maybe a dowsing device or some ritual you might know? I thought you were an expert on this sort of thing?¡±


    Cade knew it was the wrong thing to say the second those words slipped from his lips. Joy¡¯s expression darkened, and his fists clenched and unclenched slowly. He turned away, stalking toward a large collection of scrolls set atop a shelf. He ruffled through them, and Cade signaled to his team to get ready for a fight.


    ¡°They¡¯re called Remnants,¡± Joy said, eyes still focused on his scrolls.


    Rayka scoffed. ¡°Well, yeah, we know¡ª¡±


    But Cade cut her off with a silent look that spoke volumes.


    They shouldn¡¯t reveal what they knew unless absolutely necessary. If Joy discovered their deal with Scorn, he would likely kill them on principle. It wasn¡¯t just to cover his tracks. Scorn had taken over Silfheim by force, and many of his underworld contacts were rounded up in her purge.


    Anything related to her, Joy hated.


    Joy finally turned from his collection of scrolls, carrying one of them back to the center of the room.


    ¡°Hugh¡¯s client never told him what it was,¡± Joy explained coldly. ¡°But he¡¯s smarter than that.¡±


    ¡°Who was his client?¡± Cade asked.


    Joy just shrugged. ¡°Hells if I know. All I know is that Remnant is a powerful one. The gods collect and protect them viciously. Not much is known about them¡ªnot how they¡¯re made, nor what the gods want them for. But one thing is clear across the research we¡¯ve done. They have direct connections to dominions.¡±


    Ah.


    ¡°Fascinating,¡± Cade muttered.


    He rubbed his jaw as he briefly lost himself in thought. He had to proceed with caution, or he might reveal something that Joy didn¡¯t need to know.


    ¡°It awakened my core,¡± he continued. ¡°The problem is I have no idea what dominion it¡¯s connected to. Worse, it refuses to establish a path. It¡¯s like it¡¯s not even my power. The stuff is just along for the ride while burning me up inside.¡±


    Joy¡¯s expression was inscrutable. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing. The Remnant¡¯s power must be simultaneously destroying and reforging your core over and over again. It¡¯s a miracle you¡¯re still standing.¡±


    The room fell silent, the gravity of Joy¡¯s words sinking in.


    Cade¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, but he didn¡¯t know how to reply to that.


    ¡°What does that mean for him?¡± Rayka cut in, worry etched in the deep lines of her face.


    Joy¡¯s gaze shifted to her. ¡°If the process ever stabilizes, his capacity to evolve his core will be unmatched. But until then, he¡¯s essentially a ticking time bomb.¡±


    Jer¡¯s eyes narrowed in the way Cade knew meant the man was about to scam someone for information.


    ¡°What exactly is a core?¡± Jer asked, sounding for all the world like a bored child. ¡°I mean, how does it work? Should he be able to just command the magic like everyone else does? Hells, like you do, Joy?¡±


    Joy sighed, as if the question was a burden. ¡°Hugh really kept you lot in the dark, didn¡¯t he?¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    No one responded. Orro crossed his arms and glared at Joy with an unspoken warning to get on with it.


    ¡°Fine,¡± the grumpy gnome said. ¡°Look, a core is the essence of a person¡¯s magical ability. Once awakened by a god, it¡¯s where their power is stored and channeled. Cores can evolve, becoming stronger and allowing for more powerful magic. You can see it in the coloration of their energy.¡±


    Joy took in an unsteady breath and locked eyes with Cade.


    ¡°But a core being destroyed and reforged repeatedly¡­ It¡¯s like trying to build a castle on quicksand. Except, instead of something discernable like a castle, it¡¯s building something¡­ more,¡± Joy said with a tinge of fear creeping into his gruff voice.


    For a few moments, no one spoke, and Joy stared down at his scroll.


    ¡°Nice,¡± Cade said, not bothering to mask his sarcasm. ¡°I love ominous statements followed by silence. See, I can do it too: We¡¯re all going to die, and I¡¯ll take you with me if I have to.¡±


    Standing there in that gods-damned chamber, the sense of exposure only got worse.


    Cade exchanged glances with his team, the tension in the room thickening. The sounds of clinking chains and bubbling potions was louder in the silence that blanketed their thoughts.


    ¡°Let me see if I have what I need on-hand to take that shard of divinity you absorbed out of you,¡± Joy muttered before he trudged over to a large stack of scrolls bound in iron and silver.


    Bunny and Rayka looked at each other in unison, and she nervously scratched the little dragonling¡¯s chin as he rested on her shoulder.


    She bit her lip, worry etched on her face, and she lowered her voice to a whisper. ¡°Do you really think he can extract it? I mean, he said it¡¯s in your core, or is your core, or something like that.¡±


    Cade shrugged, his voice quiet enough that Joy couldn¡¯t hear. ¡°If anyone can figure this out, it¡¯s Joy. He¡¯s a miserable bastard, but he¡¯s smart.¡±


    ¡°Why take it out?¡± Elena asked under her breath.


    She leaned against one of the thick pillars composed of weathered bricks, arms folded loosely over her chest. Her bright red hair shadowed her face as she thought aloud.


    ¡°I mean, we went through all the trouble of getting the blasted thing,¡± Elena continued. ¡°If Scorn wanted to give it to one of her most faithful servants, then it must be powerful. Why can¡¯t we keep the treasure this time?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s like Joy said: it¡¯s a bomb waiting to go off,¡± Orro spoke up sharply. His left palm rolled over the circular pommel of his blade, betraying his concern.


    Elena shrugged. ¡°But if you managed to control it, we¡¯d be unstoppable. Why go through the trouble of planning a heist when you can just blow up the front doors?¡±


    Jer and Rayka chuckled, but the sound felt forced in the underground room.


    Cade shook his head slowly and addressed his crew. ¡°We¡¯ve discussed this already.¡±


    ¡°Fine, but I still think you should keep it,¡± Elena grumbled. ¡°Power like that doesn¡¯t just drop into your lap every day.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Cade¡¯s words were laced with more bitterness than he expected. ¡°It usually explodes into your chest and nearly kills you and everyone you love.¡±


    Before Elena or anyone else could reply, Joy returned, a dark frown on his face. The half-gnome unraveled a long parchment onto the ground and pressed a rune drawn onto the top left corner of the paper. It glowed with a malevolent indigo light. The light coalesced into several magical strands, and they shot around in intricate patterns. Within a few heartbeats, a ritual circle was formed.


    Joy met Cade¡¯s eyes. ¡°I can get the Remnant out of you. But it¡¯s going to cost you. Upfront,¡± the half-gnome told them coolly.


    ¡°Why upfront, you bastard?!¡± Elena demanded.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re not going to find anyone else willing to do this,¡± the gnome said, his tone brooked no room for debate. ¡°Now, fork over all that gold you said you have.¡±


    No one moved, and Cade¡¯s team all narrowed their eyes in suspicion.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m putting my neck on the line too,¡± the gnome insisted. ¡°Whatever dominion that Remnant has, it has to be extremely powerful to act like¡­that. One false move on my end and I die with Hugh¡¯s old student over there. Money, now.¡±


    He held out his hand expectantly.


    The others looked to Cade, and he eventually nodded solemnly. Elena cursed in several languages under her breath but handed over what coins they had. Most of them, at least, if Cade was watching properly.


    Joy pocketed the coins¡ªa variety of coppers, silvers, and a few gold¡ªthen sauntered inside the ritual circle where an empty section was designed for him to stand.


    ¡°Good, now everyone back up.¡± When none of them moved immediately, he waved his hands ¡°C¡¯mon. Git!¡±


    Grumbling, most of them walked toward the edges of the large underground chamber.


    ¡°Now or never,¡± Cade said under his breath.


    Cautiously, Cade entered the center of the ritual. He immediately felt a strange tingle as he crossed the etched boundary. Joy began to chant, his voice low and resonant, as shadows swirled around him. The darkness coalesced into a shimmering array of magical symbols, forming a lattice around Cade.


    Tendrils of indigo energy coiled into rippling braids of power. They formed tight ropes that writhed around the ritual circle like vipers preparing to strike.


    The magic inside Cade roared in defiance. Heat swam through his veins as the chanting reached a crescendo, and Joy Dawnbringer¡¯s shadows thickened with dark magic.


    Then, without warning, the cords of Joy¡¯s power pierced inside his body. They lanced into every joint, every pore of his body.


    It hit him, then¡ªthis wasn¡¯t an operation to retrieve the Remnant.


    This was an execution.


    Orro shouted something but Cade couldn¡¯t hear him past the roaring in his ears. The world around Cade faded.


    He felt a pull at something inside of him, as if a force deep inside him was being drawn to the surface. He gritted his teeth, trying to stay still despite the intense discomfort.


    Whatever ritual Joy was performing, it laid his innermost soul bare, and he hated every second of it. The energy around him intensified and wind swirled over his legs and feet. The torches far above glowed brighter.


    His magic writhed in defiance at the probing dark tendrils inside his veins. He could feel Joy¡¯s spell test the boundaries of that roiling mass of energy inside him. One tendril guided by the half-gnome gingerly touched the edge of the Remnant¡¯s domain inside him.


    It reacted in an instant. It yanked on the shadowy finger and burned along its length. Joy shouted in pain and surprise, and the probing tendril recoiled, but it was too late.


    The torches dimmed.


    Cade, however, did not.


    Flames of blues and whites erupted from his fingertips as a silent roar burst from his throat. His head rocked back as the chamber shook under his magic¡¯s fury.


    ¡°Feisty little bastard, aren¡¯t you?¡± Joy said with a wicked laugh.


    Cade didn¡¯t respond. He couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine with me,¡± Joy continued. ¡°It just means it¡¯ll be even more satisfying to rip this from your corpse.¡±


    Orro bellowed again, and an orange blade smashed against the dome of the ritual¡¯s barrier. Other daggers cut into it, but none were effective. The orange shard stabbed into the magic again and again, and a single hairline fracture spread from where its tip embedded into the spherical shield.


    ¡°Just a little more,¡± Joy cooed as he navigated over a dozen shadowy tendrils into Cade¡¯s pathways. His veins were gouged by the darkness, ripped to shreds as Joy¡¯s ruthless control and power overwhelmed him.


    ¡°NO.¡± The word burst from Cade¡¯s lips unbidden, and yet his will boomed through that one declaration.


    He would not go down without a fight. He would not let this bastard steal his core away.


    It was his, and he would let no one else take it.


    For the first time, the Remnant¡¯s magic bowed to his whims, raging against Joy¡¯s invasive ritual with a ferocity that could rival the four hells and Death himself. Storms and winds and flames surged out of Cade¡¯s veins, attacking and repelling the darkness in a single wave of impossible force.


    It burned across the magical connection between him and the black marketeer, and Joy screamed as blue flames encompassed him. He fell to his knees, writhing in agony as Cade¡¯s uncontrolled energy swallowed him whole for his insolence.


    The ritual circle flaked and crusted for a heartbeat before fizzling into small sparks of light around them.


    The young thief¡¯s mind cleared when little remained of the half-gnome but dust. He sagged to the side, a stone table catching his fall as exhaustion rolled through his aching bones.


    ¡°Well, that was horrifying,¡± Jer said into the charred chamber.


    ¡°We need to go,¡± Orro demanded. ¡°Someone will have heard that, and Joy is too well connected to be suddenly absent from his dealings. People are going to look for who did this, and we need to be far, far, away when they do.¡±


    Cade¡¯s breaths were shallow. Halting.


    He had done that. Yes, it had been a survival instinct propelling him to act, but he had just killed Joy. And that power¡­


    ¡°Cade?¡± Orro pressed, his tone uncharacteristically soft.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. We need to disappear. It was a long shot anyway, getting this Remnant out of me. I think it¡¯s time we made good on our deal with a demented goddess.¡± Cade rose to his feet and rolled his shoulders. ¡°Jer, El, Ray, loot the room. We leave in one minute.¡±


    The three of them nodded and rushed around the chamber, grabbing whatever sparkled or shone with magical enchantments.


    Orro placed a hand on Cade¡¯s shoulder while the others wrapped up their scavenging. ¡°You okay? Was that¡­ You know¡­ The first?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cade admitted quietly. He could still hear Joy¡¯s screams in the back of his mind. He met Orro¡¯s gaze. ¡°Any advice?¡±


    ¡°Only kill the deserving. It¡¯s when you begin to justify collateral that you know you¡¯ve become what you hated.¡± Orro¡¯s words echoed with regret.


    ¡°Ready, boss!¡± Jer declared from across the circular room.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the city of trees,¡± Cade answered.


    However, as they exited through the tunnel, Cade couldn¡¯t shake his true thoughts in that moment of power. When those blue flames had coursed through his veins, coming to his beck and call, destroying the gnome and rendering him to ash¡­


    ¡­he had enjoyed it.

 Chapter 17: Critical Hit to the Feels

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


    <hr>


    The forest was unusually silent tonight.


    As they rode through the woodland, Nora watched Evie through the corner of her eye. She had taken a healing potion to mend the stab wound in her side, and even though the pain was finally gone, her heart still pounded anxiously in her chest. The air was thick with an unbearable silence, a stark contrast to the easy camaraderie they had once shared. She longed to reach out, to mend the rift that had formed between them, but the weight of her guilty conscience held her back.


    As much as she wanted to say anything at all to break the ice between them, Nora couldn¡¯t think of anything suitable enough. She had lied to her best friend, after all, someone she had grown to love and care for like a sister, and it was her duty to protect Evie at all cost.


    Perhaps she had taken things too far this time.


    Nora¡¯s grip tightened on the reins, her knuckles turning white. She had never meant for any of this to happen. All she had wanted was to protect Evie, to save her from the cruel fate that the court had planned for her. But now, as she watched Evie¡¯s walls crumble, Nora felt the full burden of her actions crashing down upon her.


    A soft hum floated on the air, sweet as honey, and Nora stiffened as Evie¡¯s head tilted slightly to hear something Nora couldn¡¯t sense. A familiar melody suddenly drifted from Evie¡¯s lips, like a mindless afterthought as the stars channeled their prophecies through her.


    No.


    Not now.


    Not when anyone could be nearby to hear the song.


    This was possibly the worst time for Evie to channel fate¡¯s melody, but once it started, the song couldn¡¯t be stopped.


    With a nervous glance around them, Nora confirmed that they were alone just as Evie¡¯s hum blossomed into a full song.


    Through the woods of whispered shadows,


    where the moon bleeds silver light,


    There¡¯s a path of twining sorrows,


    and a hunt that spans the night.


    Seek the wolf among the fallen,


    eyes of flame and claws of steel,


    Where the broken stars are calling,


    there your fated steps will wheel.


    Hurriedly, Nora whipped out her tome from its holster at her side and scribbled the words as Evie sang them. They flowed from the girl, billowing and bright, and this time felt somehow different from before.


    This time, it felt almost like the stars were talking directly to Nora.


    Two wanderers bound by fate¡¯s cruel hand,


    in a thief¡¯s dark land where shadows creep.


    He¡¯ll steal a heart, as stars demand,


    and a twisted traitor¡¯s soul he¡¯ll reap.


    As Evie¡¯s haunting melody drifted through the trees, Nora felt a chill run down her spine. The words cut her deeply, a painful reminder of the betrayal Evie now felt. She opened her mouth, desperate to explain, to make Evie understand, but the vacant look in her friend¡¯s eyes silenced her instantly.


    Anything she said right now would fall on deaf ears. When the stars sang, the world was forced to listen.


    On the road of hidden pathways,


    in the hollow¡¯s breathless sway,


    Through the keepers of the gateways,


    they will walk astray, astray.


    There¡¯s a lock that has no keyhole,


    in a chest without a lid,


    In a place where dreams and nightfall


    hide what¡¯s buried and what¡¯s hid.


    Nora closed her eyes, her hips swaying with each of her horse¡¯s steps through the woodland.


    As the night deepened, the forest grew hushed and serene, as though it waited with bated breath for the siren¡¯s next words. The thick canopy above filtered the moonlight, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the winding deer trails and dense undergrowth. The only sounds that pierced the stillness were the gentle rustling of leaves, the faint chirping of crickets, and the occasional hoot of a distant owl.


    And yet, Evie¡¯s song continued, and Nora drank in the sound.


    The wolf shall bare his teeth to them,


    in a dance of blood and bones,


    but the thieves shall break his chains of sin,


    where the wolf¡¯s dark truth is shown.


    In the shadow of the oak tree,


    where the water runs like glass,


    they will meet the one who follows,


    and the veil of lies will pass.


    The forest seemed to hold its breath, as if everything within it had paused to listen to the steady rhythm of the siren. Even the wildlife had grown quiet, their movements muted and cautious, sensing the fragile silence that blanketed the land.


    Through the thorn and through the fire, This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    they will find what must be freed,


    And the wolf will lead their pyre,


    to the grave of fate¡¯s dark seed.


    So heed this song, you wanderers true,


    seek the wolf where thieves conspire.


    The road is dark, the storm will brew.


    and there you¡¯ll find what fate requires.


    As Evie¡¯s song faded, a gentle wind stirred fresh life into the canopy. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the earthy scents of damp soil and autumn leaves. Shadows danced across the forest floor, shifting and flickering as a moonlit breeze whispered through the trees. In the distance, a small creek bubbled and gurgled, its soothing melody providing a peaceful backdrop to the tranquil scene.


    The tension between the two women, however, only worsened.


    This silence couldn¡¯t last, and Nora¡¯s heart pounded with dread at the thought of what Evie would say when they finally addressed what had been left unspoken since they escaped Destiny¡¯s city.


    Nora moved through the forest with a heavy heart, her shoulders weighed down by the guilt and anguish that had consumed her. As she guided her horse towards a small clearing, she could feel Evie¡¯s eyes burning into her back, a silent accusation that Nora knew she deserved.


    When Nora finally brought them to a halt in a small clearing, she dismounted with a leaden heart. Evie followed suit, and all the while, the siren wouldn¡¯t so much as look at her.


    The air was thick with tension as they dismounted, the familiar routine of setting up camp offering little comfort in the wake of their confrontation. Nora¡¯s hands trembled slightly as she began to gather the firewood, her mind racing with a thousand unspoken apologies.


    The silence that followed was deafening, a tangible weight that threatened to crush her. She longed to fill the void, to somehow mend the rift that had formed between them, but the words caught in her throat.


    Evie sat on a nearby log, her gaze fixed on the forest floor. The soft crunch of leaves beneath Nora¡¯s feet seemed to echo in the silence.


    With a shaky breath, Nora set to work, her movements methodical as she arranged the kindling and struck the flint. The first few sparks sputtered and died, and she felt a wave of frustration wash over her. She tried again, her brow furrowed in concentration as the flames finally caught, casting a warm, flickering glow across the clearing.


    As Nora tended to the growing fire, she couldn¡¯t help but steal glances at Evie, her heart aching at the sight of her friend¡¯s weary posture and downcast eyes. She longed to reach out, to offer some comfort or solace, but the weight of her betrayal held her back.


    The crackling of the fire was the only sound that pierced the thick silence, and Nora felt the seconds ticking by like an eternity. She knew that she had to say something, to at least try to bridge the gap that had formed between them, but the words seemed to catch in her throat, choking her with their intensity.


    Finally, unable to bear the suffocating quiet any longer, Nora cleared her throat, her voice hesitant and unsteady. ¡°Evie, I¡ª"


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Evie¡¯s sharp retort cut her off, the bitterness in her tone like a physical blow. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare try to explain yourself to me.¡±


    Nora had suffered on the front lines. She had been stabbed, shot with arrows, and slammed into the ground. She had been in more than one fistfight, and she had taken plenty of blows to the head.


    Evie¡¯s words, however, stung worse than any wound from a weapon.


    ¡°The stars warned me, Nora, that there would be betrayal. I knew one was coming¡ªI just never dreamed it would come from you.¡±


    Nora winced, and she fell silent once more. The forest seemed to hold its breath, as if even the trees knew the weight of the words left unspoken between them.


    Her heart sank as she watched the anguish and betrayal play across Evie¡¯s features. She had known that this moment would be difficult, that Evie would be hurt and angry, but the depth of the pain in her friend¡¯s eyes was almost more than she could bear.


    ¡°I was trying to protect you,¡± Nora whispered, the words barely audible over the crackle of the flames.


    Evie¡¯s scoff was laced with a mirthless laugh.


    ¡°Protect me?¡± The siren¡¯s voice was sharp, cutting through the night like a blade. ¡°You stole my purpose from me. Destiny finally gave me a mission. I was finally given a chance to fulfill my oath to him and to my sister sirens, and now I will never get that chance!¡±


    Nora opened her mouth, desperate to find the right words, to somehow make Evie understand. But the words died on her lips as she watched her friend glare intently into the campfire.


    With a shuddering breath, Nora did the same and tended to the flickering flames. The forest, once a place of shared wonder and adventure, had changed. Now it felt like a cruel and unforgiving expanse, like a reflection of the rift that had formed between her and Evie.


    ¡°Prosperity¡¯s court is a dangerous place,¡± Nora murmured, her gaze pleading. ¡°They would have used you. Sacrificed you. You would¡¯ve been a pawn, disposable so long as it served their own needs.¡± She swallowed hard, the weight of her words a crushing burden. ¡°You were never meant to serve them, Evie. Destiny didn¡¯t send you to Prosperity¡ªhis court did. It was punishment because I care about you. They were trying to get to me, and you were nothing more to them than a sacrifice.¡±


    Nora watched Evie¡¯s brow furrow as the realization slowly dawned on her. The weight of Nora¡¯s words hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the peaceful ambiance of the forest around them.


    ¡°But how?¡± Evie asked, her voice quiet yet laced with a growing sense of dread. ¡°What could a court possibly do to a siren?¡±


    Nora steeled herself, knowing that the truth she was about to reveal would shatter Evie¡¯s worldview. ¡°They¡¯ve been manipulating Destiny for years. Sirens who go there end up dead, and yet he keeps sending Prosperity more and more of your sisters. I couldn¡¯t let them take you, Evie. I just couldn¡¯t.¡±


    Evie¡¯s eyes widened, and Nora could see the beginnings of disbelief etched into her features. ¡°No, that can¡¯t be true. The court is meant to protect us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Evie, but it is true. The court doesn¡¯t care about the wellbeing of anyone but themselves. They only care about maintaining their own power and status.¡±


    Nora reached out, her hand hovering uncertainly before resting on Evie¡¯s arm.


    Evie flinched at the touch, her eyes narrowing as she searched Nora¡¯s face for any sign of deception. ¡°You mean I never had a purpose? I was just a pawn being used to hurt you?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Nora¡¯s fingers tightened around Evie¡¯s arm, her need to make her friend understand overriding her better judgment.


    Evie¡¯s face drained of color, her eyes wild with a mix of fear and betrayal. ¡°But I trusted him,¡± she whispered, her voice breaking. ¡°I served Destiny faithfully. I did all I was asked to do. I believed in him. How could he do this to me? To us?¡±


    Nora¡¯s heart ached at the sight of Evie¡¯s shattered faith. To watch a siren lose her tether to her purpose and duty broke Nora¡¯s heart.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she whispered. ¡°I know I lied to you, but I couldn¡¯t let them take you. That¡¯s why I had to get you away, even if it meant betraying your trust.¡±


    Evie stared at her, the once-vibrant light in her eyes dimming with each passing moment.


    ¡°You should have told me the truth,¡± the siren said, her voice hollow. ¡°I deserved to know.¡±


    Nora nodded, the weight of her guilt crushing her. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    Evie crossed her arms and lifted her chin indignantly, as though that answer wasn¡¯t good enough.


    With an exhausted sigh, Nora rubbed her eyes. ¡°I was afraid of losing you, Birdie. I didn¡¯t know if you would believe me. I know how much your purpose matters to you, but with Lyla whispering lies in your ear¡­ I just didn¡¯t know what to do. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of you hating me.¡±


    Evie¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°I trusted you, Nora. And you betrayed me.¡±


    Nora opened her mouth to speak, but the words refused to come.


    With a weary huff, Evie stood, and the flickering firelight danced across her features.


    ¡°Birdie,¡± Nora started. ¡°You need to understand¡ª¡±


    ¡°I do understand,¡± Evie interrupted. ¡°You saved my life. Thank you for that. But you could have told me the truth. You took away my choice, and you proved to me that you don¡¯t trust me. That hurts, Nora, and I¡¯m not sure I can forgive you for that.¡±


    Nora watched silently as Evie rose to her feet. The siren¡¯s movements were stiff and deliberate.


    ¡°I need to be alone,¡± Evie finally said, and her words had a hard edge to them.


    Without another glance, she turned her back on the fire and curled up in one of the blankets Nora had brought for them. The siren laid her head on her pack, her long hair billowing over the canvas bag, and that was that.


    As the sound of Evie¡¯s breath evened out and the girl fell asleep, Nora felt her heart shatter. She had known the truth would be difficult, that Evie would feel betrayed and deceived. But nothing could have prepared her for the depth of the pain and anguish that she had witnessed on her friend¡¯s face.


    The forest grew silent, save for the gentle crackle of the fire and the soft rustle of the leaves. Nora sat alone, the weight of her guilt a crushing burden that threatened to consume her. She had done what she thought was right, what she believed was necessary to protect Evie.


    But in doing so, she had irreparably damaged the trust that had once bound them together.


    In the stillness of the night, Nora felt truly and utterly alone. She knew that the path ahead would be fraught with uncertainty. She would have to fight to earn back Evie¡¯s trust.


    Nora stared into the flickering flames. Part of her wanted to cry, but the warrior within her drowned out any possibility of tears. She had risked everything to save Evie, and now neither of them had anywhere to go.


    No god to worship, nor any home to their names.


    Evie¡¯s life was still in danger, now more than ever before. Nora had to find a way to keep them both safe and to guide her friend through this new, treacherous reality. And though the journey ahead would be fraught with pain and uncertainty, Nora was determined to stand by Evie¡¯s side, no matter the cost.


    But as Nora stared into the dancing flames, a glimmer of hope flickered in her heart. Evie was strong, resilient, and driven by a sense of purpose that could not be extinguished. One day, Nora would earn her friend¡¯s trust back.


    She hoped so, at least.


    This wasn¡¯t going to be easy. They would be hunted. Nora would die before she let them take her friend from her, and she would never go back to the land that had betrayed them both.


    As far as she was concerned, Destiny was dead to her.


    And, hey¡ªat least she didn¡¯t have to put up with his cryptic bullshit anymore.

 Chapter 18: Trees Aren’t Supposed to Talk

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


    <hr>


    The night wore on, and yet Nora continued to stare into the fire, lost in thought.


    She sat on a log she had dragged over to the campfire, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames. The forest around her was cloaked in darkness, save for the gentle glow that illuminated her campsite.


    Nearby, Evie slept, her breathing slow and even.


    With a weary sigh, Nora shifted her attention to the sword at her side. Wavebreaker, the symbol of her devotion to Destiny, gleamed in the firelight. She ran her fingers along the intricate runes carved into the hilt, memories of her past life as the god¡¯s champion flooding her mind.


    But now, as she stared at the blade, Nora felt only a sense of bitter resignation. The sword that had once been a source of pride and purpose now represented the chains that had bound her to a fate not of her own making.


    As she gazed out at the shadowed forest, she knew that she could no longer continue down that path.


    The gentle lapping of the nearby lake caught Nora¡¯s attention, drawing her gaze away from the flickering campfire. She could hear the soft splashing of the water against the bank. It was a soothing, rhythmic sound that seemed to call out to her.


    Carefully, Nora rose to her feet, pausing to ensure that Evie remained undisturbed. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of leaving her friend, but she would be close by and listening for any signs of trouble.


    Besides, she knew what she had to do, and for this, she wanted to be alone.


    With a final, lingering look, she turned her back on the makeshift camp and made her way towards the nearby lake with Wavebreaker gripped tightly in her hand. The forest was cloaked in shadows, the thick canopy of trees blocking out most of the moonlight, but Nora navigated the darkness with ease.


    She had long ago lost her fear of any monsters lurking in the darkness. After all, she had slain so many of them already.


    As she drew closer, the sound of the water grew more pronounced, a lilting melody that seemed to resonate within her. There was something about the lake, something that tugged at her soul and beckoned her to come closer.


    Nora paused at the water¡¯s edge, her gaze sweeping across the glassy surface. The moonlight danced upon the ripples, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the scene. A sense of tranquility settled over her.


    Slowly, she knelt down, her fingers trailing through the cool water. A happy shiver ran up her arm. She felt a stirring deep within her, a connection to something ancient and powerful. The water seemed to hum with a hidden energy, a vibrant undercurrent that Nora had never before sensed.


    It was time to say goodbye¡ªnot just to the trappings of a god that had betrayed her, and not just a farewell to the future she had always thought would be spent serving him.


    No, this armor and this sword were a part of Destiny, made from his magic, and he would track her to the ends of the continent if she kept them.


    With a deep, steadying breath, she unbuckled Wavebreaker¡¯s sheath and set it on the grass at her feet. Then, she began to unfasten the straps of her armor, her fingers moving with a practiced efficiency. The first piece, a sturdy pauldron, fell to the ground with a dull thud. The metal echoed against the stillness of the night.


    Before she could doubt herself, she grabbed it and hurled it into the lake.


    As Nora watched it sink beneath the still waters, she felt a pang of sorrow. This armor had been a part of her identity for so long, a tangible representation of the life she had led as Destiny¡¯s champion.


    The next piece, a heavy breastplate, followed the pauldron into the depths, the splash rippling outward across the surface of the lake. Nora paused, her gaze fixed on the expanding waves, and reflected on the choices that had led her to this moment.


    She had been so certain of her purpose, so unwavering in her devotion to Destiny and the cause he had charged her with. But now, in the wake of his betrayal, that certainty had been shattered.


    It was faith he would never win back.


    As Nora¡¯s fingers moved to the fastenings of her gauntlets, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of regret. These gloves had seen her through countless battles. They had protected her hands as she wielded Wavebreaker with a skill and ferocity that had made her a formidable warrior. But now, as she peeled them off and let them fall to the ground, she felt a sense of finality wash over her.


    This was it.


    It was over, and she was done. Done with the politics. Done with the lies. Done with dancing and dodging barbed words from those whom she didn¡¯t even respect.


    Nora was simply¡­ done.


    She was shedding the trappings of her past life, stripping away the layers of armor that had once been a part of her very identity. And with each piece that hit the water, Nora felt a growing sense of freedom that both exhilarated and terrified her.


    The last piece of her armor hit the water, and Nora found herself standing on the lakeshore dressed only in the thin fabric of her simple tunic and leggings. The cool night air caressed her skin, a stark contrast to the confines of the metal and leather that had once encased her.


    Nora stared down at her bare hands, her fingers flexing with a newfound dexterity. She had grown so accustomed to the familiar weight and heft of her armor that the lack of it now felt almost alien. But there was a power in this vulnerability, a sense of raw, unencumbered strength that she had never experienced before.


    Only one thing left to do.


    Nora shifted her gaze to the sword still in its sheath at her feet. Wavebreaker had served her so well for so long, but it had been a gift from Destiny. It belonged to him, not her, and now it was nothing more than a burden.


    The thought was like a dagger in the gut, but she swallowed hard to shake off the sensation.


    Carefully, Nora drew the sword from its sheath, the metal glinting in the soft moonlight. She stared at it for a while, her fingers tracing the intricate carvings along the sword yet again. This had been her constant companion, her trusted ally in countless battles. But now, as she contemplated the path that lay before her, she knew that she could no longer cling to the past.


    Still, Wavebreaker deserved a proper goodbye.


    Steeling her resolve, Nora took off the tome holstered around her waist, set it on the ground, and waded into the lake with Wavebreaker in one hand. The cool water lapped at her legs the deeper she went. She walked until she was standing knee-deep, the sword held firmly in her grasp. With a deep breath, she raised Wavebreaker high, the metal glinting in the moonlight, and plunged the blade into the lakebed.


    The splash echoed through the stillness of the night, and Nora watched the hilt as it shimmered beneath the surface. Her hands were still wrapped around the handle, but she could no longer see the blade in the lake¡¯s dark waters.


    In that suspended moment, she felt a sense of finality wash over her, a profound shift in her very being.


    She had cast off the shackles of her past and severed the ties that had bound her to Destiny¡¯s will. And in that moment, as she stood alone in the knee-deep water, Nora felt a surge of power coursing through her veins¡ªa power that was no longer tethered to the whims of the gods, but her own to wield.


    The shadows swimming through her veins became louder as she surrendered Wavebreaker to the water. They buzzed beneath her skin, the dark magic eager to break free, and she took a settling breath to hold it at bay.


    When the darkness inside of her finally quieted, she closed her eyes.


    ¡°Destiny,¡± she murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and defiance. ¡°I return what was given to me. I surrender all of it, and my oath is broken. I, Nora Lancaster, denounce you.¡±


    As the last word left her lips, a sudden flare of light burst forth from the water, casting a brilliant glow across the surface of the lake. Nora gasped, shielding her eyes as the radiant energy spread outward.


    Oh, shit.


    She hadn¡¯t expected anything to actually happen.


    Still half-submerged in the lakebed, Wavebreaker glowed with blinding light. For a few seconds, it was so bright that Nora couldn¡¯t see anything at all.


    When the light finally began to fade, she noticed that Wavebreaker was gone. It was as if the lake had eaten it whole.


    The light, however, survived. It rippled across the surface of the water. It spiraled out from where Wavebreaker had been, and it touched everything¡ªthe rocks, the shore, even the trees along the lake¡¯s edge.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    And, to her surprise, the world rustled with life.


    She watched, awestruck, as the ancient oaks¡¯ bark began to shift and contort, faces forming within the weathered wood. With a series of low, guttural grumbles, the trees came to life, their branches swaying and their eyes narrowing as they regarded her.


    Alive.


    And, well, talking.


    ¡°Aye, now, what do we have here?¡± a gravelly voice drawled, the sound seeming to emanate from the nearest tree. ¡°A little lost human, wandering in our domain?¡±


    Nora¡¯s eyes widened, and she took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest.


    ¡°What... what is happening?¡± she stammered, her gaze darting between the grumbling trees.


    ¡°Hmph,¡± the tree snorted, its features twisting into a sardonic expression. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know, mortal? You¡¯ve stirred up quite a ruckus, you know. Messing with the old magicks like that.¡±


    Nora¡¯s brow furrowed, her mind racing to process what was unfolding before her. ¡°The old magicks? What do you mean?¡±


    Before the tree could respond, a soft, melodic voice interrupted them. ¡°Ah, there you are, Wavebreaker. I¡¯ve been searching for you.¡±


    Nora whirled around, her gaze landing on a figure standing atop the water. It was a woman, her features ethereal and ageless, with skin that seemed to shimmer and glow. She walked towards Nora, her bare feet scarcely disturbing the surface of the lake.


    ¡°You...¡± Nora breathed, her eyes widening. ¡°How do you know its name?¡±


    ¡°It is of us,¡± the woman said with a graceful gesture to the lapping lake beneath her feet. ¡°It is so much more than a sword, little one. It is essence¡ªstolen from the water, and stolen from me.¡±


    Nora frowned.


    Why did every immortal have to speak in cryptic riddles? Frankly, she was sick of trying to read between the lines.


    Apparently oblivious to Nora¡¯s annoyance¡ªor outright ignoring it, Nora couldn¡¯t tell¡ªthe woman smiled. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement as moonlight shimmered across her flawless body.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you, too, darling,¡± the nymph said.


    She glided closer. She towered a good head taller than Nora, and when she was close enough, the nymph placed a delicate hand on Nora¡¯s shoulder. Her touch sent a jolt of energy through everything, and Nora could feel it in her very bones.


    ¡°I think you have me confused with someone else,¡± Nora admitted.


    ¡°Never,¡± the nymph said, her smile widening. ¡°The one who returns what was stolen would come with time. All I had to do was wait. Watch. Listen for your call, even when you didn¡¯t realize you¡¯d sent one. You selflessly gave us our magic back, and thus, we are grateful.¡±


    Nora squinted as she tried to make sense of this.


    She had no fucking clue what this lady was going on about.


    The nymph giggled, a light and airy sound, and she tucked a lock of her hair behind one ear. ¡°You have returned magic to the land, my dear. It¡¯s power that was stolen from the very air we breathe, so long ago.¡± She turned her gaze back to Nora, her expression growing more serious. ¡°And with that gift, you have set in motion a series of events that will ripple through the very fabric of our world. Those who have slumbered for all this time will sense you. They already awaken. The murmurs have begun, and we can finally taste freedom. Breaking your oath put you at the center of it all.¡±


    Instead of replying, Nora raised one skeptical eyebrow.


    The woman¡¯s grip on her arm tightened, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. ¡°Never, in all my centuries, have I seen a paladin denounce their god. Never. Not once. I have searched for eons, and I have waited so patiently for your kind, connected as you are to the gods, to return what was stolen. It¡¯s simply not something I could do on my own. You are different, my dear. You have severed the chains that bound you to Destiny, and in doing so, you can truly become a force to be reckoned with.¡± She paused, her gaze sweeping over the awakened trees. ¡°These ancient beings have been waiting for someone like you, someone willing to challenge the gods and reclaim what was stolen from them.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Nora¡¯s eyebrows shot up her head.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± the nymph said with a sly grin. ¡°The gods have grown complacent. With their power unchecked for so long, they have forgotten the true nature of the world they claim they govern. They think the land has forgotten what they stole from us, but we have not. They think we are long dead, but we wait. And you have the strength to challenge them, to restore the balance that has been lost.¡±


    Nora stared at her, her mind reeling. The woman¡¯s words were both exhilarating and terrifying. She had come here to leave her past behind, to sever her ties to Destiny and find a new path. But now, it seemed that she had stumbled into something far greater, a destiny that she had never even dreamed of.


    ¡°You and that darling siren need a purpose, don¡¯t you?¡± the nymph asked with a sidelong glance at the distant campfire.


    ¡°How did you¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am the last of my kind for a reason, my dear,¡± the nymph interrupted.


    The woman¡¯s eyes flashed briefly white, and she swallowed hard, as though fighting back tears.


    That was when it all made sense for Nora. This wasn¡¯t yet another immortal pawning off her dirty work to the common folk¡ªthis was a fellow warrior, worn down by the centuries and just looking for help.


    Nora sighed in resignation.


    ¡°I...¡± Nora¡¯s voice trailed off, her gaze darting between the woman and the animated trees that surrounded them. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m your soldier. I¡¯m just one person.¡±


    The woman¡¯s expression grew serene, and she gave Nora¡¯s arm a gentle squeeze. ¡°You are not alone, Nora. There are others, hidden in the shadows, who have been waiting for the day when the magic would be returned to the world. And you will join them, in time, on this shared journey.¡±


    Nora opened her mouth to speak, but a sudden commotion from the trees drew her attention. One of the gnarled, twisted figures had narrowed its eyes in suspicion.


    ¡°You nymphs and your cryptic nonsense,¡± it growled, its voice rumbling like distant thunder. ¡°If the girl¡¯s going to be the one to stir up trouble, then she¡¯d better be prepared to face the consequences.¡±


    The woman turned to the tree, her expression unperturbed. ¡°You oaks. Always so rude.¡±


    It huffed impatiently, but didn¡¯t reply.


    With a snap of her fingers, the enchanted nymph conjured a glowing sphere of energy, the light pulsing and swirling within. She pressed it into Nora¡¯s hands, and Nora felt a surge of warmth and power course through her body.


    ¡°What is this?¡± she whispered, her fingers wrapping around the ethereal orb.


    ¡°A gift,¡± the woman replied, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. ¡°A taste of the magic that was once abundant in this world. It will draw the land¡¯s magic to you, and it will know where you are needed most. Use it well, Nora Lancaster, for the path ahead will not be an easy one.¡±


    Before Nora could respond, the woman stepped back, her form beginning to fade into the mist that had crept across the surface of the lake.


    ¡°Remember, lost child of Destiny,¡± she called out, her voice growing fainter with each passing moment. ¡°You are not alone. The very world itself is waiting for you.¡±


    And with those words, she vanished, leaving Nora standing alone in the knee-deep water, the glowing sphere still cupped in her hands. The trees around her were silent, their eyes fixed intently on the young warrior, as if awaiting her next move.


    Nora stared down at the pulsing orb, her mind reeling with the weight of the woman¡¯s words. She had come here to leave her past behind, to sever her ties to Destiny and forge a new path. But now, it seemed that she had been drawn into something far greater, a journey that would challenge the very foundations of the world she knew.


    With a deep, steadying breath, Nora lifted her gaze, her eyes sweeping over the silent, watchful trees. As she felt the power thrumming within the glowing sphere, a spark of determination ignited within her.


    It gave her hope.


    More than anything, it gave her purpose.


    Direction.


    A goal.


    A zap shot through her, and she flinched in surprise. The orb grew brighter, and another zap of energy shot through her palms. She grimaced, and though she tried to let go of it, her fingers wouldn¡¯t budge.


    Her body froze as a final surge of magic burned through her veins, and she gritted her teeth to ride out the agony. Her eyes closed. Her back arched. Her dark hair clung to the beaded sweat on her face, and she struggled to breathe.


    She didn¡¯t know how long that lasted¡ªminutes, maybe, or hours. Time blurred, and all she could feel was the pain.


    In a rush, the misery faded. For a suspended moment, she looked down at her empty palms. The orb was gone, but its light coursed through her veins. It gently faded, like a slowing heartbeat, but her body still sizzled with lingering heat.


    Weakened as she was from the onslaught of pain, she stumbled. Water splashed around her as she struggled to stay upright. Her hand brushed against a mossy rock on the lakebed, and a gentle vibration coursed through her fingertips.


    Thank you, she heard.


    Nora snapped her hand against her chest, her brow furrowed in surprise, and she stared down at the rock through the rippling surface of the lake.


    ¡°Did that rock just¡­ thank me?¡± she asked under her breath.


    ¡°There be talkin¡¯ trees, and the lass is worried about a rock now?¡± one of the oaks on the shore grumbled. ¡°These mortals get slapped in the face with magic, and all they do is question it.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Nora snapped. ¡°That¡¯s enough out of you.¡±


    The tree bristled at her command, its leaves clattering as its full trunk shivered with indignation, but Nora merely narrowed her eyes in silent warning.


    At that, the old oak stilled, and it glanced away.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± Nora said firmly.


    With a final, lingering look at the last shreds of light still shimmering through her veins, Nora sloshed her way back to the shore. The journey ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but she was no longer bound by the chains of her past.


    She was finally free to forge her own destiny. Perhaps she could even become a force of change.


    Maybe she could actually protect people, like she had always wanted.


    Nora left the muttering trees behind and returned, sopping wet, to the campfire. When she returned to the makeshift camp, she let out a sigh of relief as she spotted Evie¡¯s still-sleeping form.


    Exhausted and with small twinges of pain still snaking through her body, Nora rubbed her face. She couldn¡¯t sleep, not when they needed someone to keep watch, and so she instead warmed herself by the campfire.


    At the sight of Evie, another pang of sorrow and regret tugged at her heart. This time, however, she shoved it away. She couldn¡¯t wallow in her guilt forever. Evie had every right to be angry. All Nora could do was prove to her friend, in time, that she could be trusted once more.


    The fire crackled softly as Nora stared into the flames. Her heartbeat thudded in her chest, fast and loud, as she felt the power of the ancient magic thrumming through her veins. With it came a surge of resolve and determination that she had never known before.


    She was no longer shackled to Destiny. To his whims. To his court. This freedom breathed fresh air into her lungs. She craned her neck, and as she stared up at the stars through a gap in the canopy, Nora felt hope.


    It was fragile, yes, but it was there all the same.


    With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, her mind already racing with the possibilities that lay ahead.


    Maybe she still had a purpose after all.


    <hr>

 Chapter 19: That Seems Like a Death Sentence, but Okay

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    The crisp morning air nipped at Nora¡¯s skin as she rubbed her tired eyes. She had kept watch all night, and despite the blanket wrapped around her arms, the morning chill still bit into her. Her breath formed small clouds in the cool forest air. Golden leaves rustled softly along the forest floor, a carpet of autumn¡¯s touch spreading across the woodland. She paused, her gaze sweeping across their small campsite, lingering on Evie¡¯s still-slumbering form.


    The events of the previous night weighed heavily on Nora¡¯s mind. The argument, the revelations, the bitter words exchanged¡ªit all seemed to hang in the air like an unseen fog, thick and suffocating.


    ¡°Nothing to be done about it now,¡± she muttered under her breath.


    Despite the guilt that still weighed on her, she knew the only way to get rid of it was to give her friend¡ªand, frankly, herself¡ªtime to heal.


    She moved quietly, gathering their supplies and packing them away with practiced efficiency. Evie didn¡¯t usually sleep this long, and Nora suspected that the siren had been awake for a while. With her back still to the long-dead campfire, Evie was tense, her shoulders stiff, as though she were listening to every one of Nora¡¯s near-silent movements.


    Absently, Nora rubbed the center of her chest, where she could feel a faint warmth pulsing beneath her skin. The nymph¡¯s gift had dissolved into her very being, and it was magic she had never seen before. The nymph had infused her with a power she struggled to comprehend. She still didn¡¯t even know what it did, or why she had it, or what good it would do. It was nothing like the rigid, unyielding strength of Destiny¡¯s blessings, but something wilder, more primal.


    More powerful.


    At times, Nora could almost hear the whispers of the forest in her mind, feel the ebb and flow of hidden currents beneath the ground. Small voices called to her from every direction, more of a pull and an awareness than words, and it left her speechless.


    ¡°A taste of magic that was stolen from this world,¡± Nora whispered to herself, trying her best to remember the essence of what the nymph had said. ¡°What does that even mean?¡±


    If immortals could just say what they meant in a straightforward way, life would be so much easier.


    None of this riddle business.


    The rustle of fabric drew Nora¡¯s attention, and she peered over one shoulder to see Evie stretching as she sat upright. Their eyes met for a brief moment before both looked away, the silence between them as vast and imposing as the towering trees that surrounded them.


    Evie stood, and they worked in tandem. Together, they broke down the camp without a word spoken between them. The forest seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for something to break the quiet that had settled over them like a shroud.


    As Nora secured the last of their belongings to her horse, she heard Evie clear her throat softly. She turned, her heart pounding, to find her friend standing just a few feet away, her expression a mix of uncertainty and resolve.


    ¡°Nora,¡± Evie began, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I... I need to tell you something.¡±


    Nora nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She watched as Evie took a deep breath, her fingers twisting nervously in the fabric of her cloak.


    ¡°I understand why you did it,¡± Evie said at last, her eyes meeting Nora¡¯s. ¡°Why you took me away from the court. You said you were only trying to protect me, and I believe you. We¡¯ve been friends¡ªsisters, really¡ªfor long enough that I fully trust you to keep me safe. I was just¡­ I was just so angry.¡±


    The words hung in the air between them, and Nora felt her voice catch in her throat. She opened her mouth to respond, but Evie held up a hand, silencing her.


    Evie chuckled weakly. ¡°And since you¡¯re a boring old fart sometimes, I¡¯ll say the quiet part out loud. I forgive you. It still hurts, and I can¡¯t forget what happened. But I forgive you.¡±


    Nora felt a wave of relief wash over her, so powerful it nearly brought her to her knees. ¡°Evie,¡± she breathed, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I never meant to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Evie interrupted, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. ¡°I know you didn¡¯t. And that¡¯s why I can forgive you.¡±


    They stood there for a moment, the silence between them no longer oppressive but filled with a tentative hope. The siren smiled and slammed into Nora with a hug that nearly knocked her over.


    ¡°Thanks, Birdie,¡± Nora whispered as she returned the embrace.


    Then Evie¡¯s expression shifted, growing more serious. She let go and took another steadying breath. ¡°There¡¯s something else,¡± she said, her voice low. ¡°Last night, the stars spoke to me again.¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t hear you singing.¡±


    ¡°This time was¡­¡± Evie trailed off, her eyes glossing over as she lost herself in thought. ¡°This time was different. They asked me to listen. Nora, they didn¡¯t even rhyme.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Nora raised one skeptical eyebrow. ¡°Are you sure it was the stars? Not something else pretending to be them?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Nora bit her lip as she debated what to do. This sent a chill down her whole body, but the stars never really played by the rules.


    ¡°What did they say?¡± Nora asked, her voice hushed.


    Evie¡¯s gaze grew distant, as if she were looking at something far beyond the forest around them. ¡°They told me we need to go to Elysia.¡±


    Nora felt her heart skip a beat. The goddess of Life ruled Elysia. With her magic permeating everything, the city was a place of both wonder and the unknown.


    Nora wasn¡¯t a huge fan of the unknown. It was part of why she¡¯d pledged herself to Destiny, after all.


    Elysia was the heart of the continent, where the threads of fate and politics intertwined in a complex dance of power and intrigue. It was also the last place they should go if they wanted to remain hidden from those who sought to use Evie for their own ends.


    ¡°That seems like a death sentence,¡± Nora muttered. ¡°Evie, that¡¯s incredibly dangerous. The city will be crawling with patrols, and a populated area like that is the last place we want to be if we want to go undetected. You know the Fateweavers are after us. We¡¯d be walking right into their hands.¡±


    Evie nodded, her expression grave. ¡°I know. But the stars were clear. Our path leads to Elysia, whether we like it or not.¡±


    Nora rubbed her eyes and groaned in frustration. She had spent years serving Destiny, following the god¡¯s will without question. But now, faced with this new directive from the stars themselves, she found herself torn between her instinct to protect Evie and her faith in the greater powers that guided them both.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± she grumbled as she searched Evie¡¯s face for any sign of doubt.


    ¡°I¡¯m certain, Nora. This is what we need to do. I need you to trust me, this time.¡±


    ¡°But the Tournament of Life is this year,¡± Nora pleaded. ¡°It¡¯s going to be crawling with security. Patrols every two minutes. Getting into the city without detection is going to be damn near impossible.¡±


    ¡°Oh right, the tournament.¡± Evie tilted her head, and her eyes shifted out of focus. ¡°I bet that¡¯s a fun watch.¡±


    ¡°Focus, Birdie,¡± Nora gently chided. ¡°It¡¯s not where we want to be if we want to lie low. There are Fateweavers that stay there year-round as sentries, and it¡¯s almost impossible to go undetected.¡±


    Evie pouted her lower lip, but she simply met Nora¡¯s eye and raised one expectant eyebrow.


    ¡°Look, the stars can be cryptic at the best of times,¡± Nora pointed out. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s another interpretation¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Evie said firmly, shaking her head. ¡°Whatever is waiting for us in Elysia, it¡¯s important. The stars said so.¡±


    Ugh.


    Those fucking stars.


    Nora closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Every fiber of her being screamed that this was a mistake, that they should run as far from Elysia as they could. But as she looked at Evie and saw the determination in her friend¡¯s eyes, she knew this wasn¡¯t a fight she would win.


    The paladin met Evie¡¯s steady gaze, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon her. This wasn¡¯t just about a journey to Elysia. It was about faith¡ªin each other, in the path that lay before them, and in whatever fate awaited them in the capital.


    With a deep breath, Nora nodded.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she said, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°If you¡¯re sure this is what we need to do, then we¡¯ll go to Elysia.¡±


    Relief flooded Evie¡¯s features, and she squeezed Nora¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± the siren whispered.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a trek,¡± Nora warned. ¡°I was leading us around the city to give us a wide berth, but if we¡¯re going right to it, we¡¯ll need to stay off the main roads.¡±


    ¡°Do you think we can make it in time for the tournament?¡± Evie clapped her hands together in excitement.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be hard not to,¡± Nora pointed out. ¡°We¡¯ll probably get there right as it¡¯s starting.¡±


    Evie giggled, already back to her former self. ¡°Yay!¡±


    As they mounted their horses and set off down the winding forest path, Nora couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were riding towards something far greater and more dangerous than either of them could imagine. The golden leaves of the forest whispered secrets as they passed, and the air seemed charged with a buzzing anticipation.


    With magic.


    Nora¡¯s grip on the reins tightened as she thought of the danger they were blindly riding towards. But she had made her choice¡ªto trust Evie, to follow this new path that the stars had laid out for them.


    As the sun climbed higher in the sky, painting the forest in hues of gold and amber, Nora found herself wondering about the nature of destiny itself. She had always believed that fate was immutable, a fixed path laid out by the gods. But now, as they rode towards an uncertain future, she began to question everything she had once held as truth.


    ¡°Evie,¡± Nora said, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. ¡°What exactly did the stars tell you? About Elysia, I mean.¡±


    Evie was quiet for a moment, her brow furrowed in concentration. ¡°It wasn¡¯t entirely clear,¡± she admitted. ¡°They spoke of a great change coming, a shift in the balance of power. And they said that we needed to be in Elysia when it happens.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not much to go on,¡± Nora said, unable to keep the frustration from her voice. ¡°Did they say anything about what we¡¯re supposed to do once we get there?¡±


    ¡°We need to look for a man named Cade Stormhollow.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Nora said dryly. ¡°Who is that?¡±


    Evie shrugged. ¡°Whatever is going to happen there, Nora, it¡¯s big. Really big. And we¡¯re somehow a part of it.¡±


    The weight of Evie¡¯s words settled over them, and Nora felt a shiver run down her spine.


    That didn¡¯t bode well in terms of general survival odds.


    As they continued their trek, the forest began to thin, giving way to rolling hills and sprawling farmlands. In the distance, Nora could just make out the faint outline of Elysia¡¯s towering spires, shimmering like a mirage on the horizon.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to be careful,¡± Nora said, her voice low. ¡°Elysia is a dangerous place, even in the best of times. And with everything that¡¯s happened...¡± She trailed off, the implications hanging heavy in the air between them.


    Evie nodded, her expression solemn. ¡°I know. But we¡¯ll face whatever comes together, right?¡±


    Nora met her friend¡¯s gaze, seeing the determination and trust shining in Evie¡¯s eyes. Despite everything they had been through, despite the lingering hurt and the uncertain future that lay before them, Nora felt a surge of warmth in her chest.


    ¡°Together,¡± she agreed, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

 Chapter 20: At Least They Have Taste

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade winced as Bunny shifted on his shoulder, the tiny dragonling¡¯s claws digging into his already sore skin. The early morning light filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the path ahead.


    Each step was a reminder of the chaos they¡¯d narrowly escaped in Silfheim. The body turned to dust. The thief had hardly slept the past few nights as they rushed toward Elysia. It didn¡¯t help that his core occasionally decided to unload massive quantities of raw magic into the world when it was least convenient.


    When he was a boy in Eldrin with his dad and Rayka, he¡¯d gotten some strange fever that had lasted for weeks. Over that horrific nightmare, Cade remembered losing over thirty pounds. He barely slept, barely ate, and looked like a draugr¡¯s ugly cousin.


    What he was currently experiencing with his rebellious core was...


    So much worse.


    And it made it all the harder to keep his troubles from the team. He didn¡¯t need to be a burden to them. He knew he would get their pity¡ªtheir support. But what he needed right then was their focus.


    They had a job to do.


    Cade raised his left arm to stroke under Bunny¡¯s chin and caught a glimpse of the indigo tattoo there. He grimaced and promptly lowered his arm so that no one else would see.


    The six of them walked in silence, and the scent of pine mingled with the faint, lingering smells of smoke and mildew that clung to their clothes.


    Jer flipped effortlessly ahead, his voice a grating cheer against the tension. ¡°So, Cade, remind me how we¡¯re going to pull off another suicidal mission by stealing from some goddess?¡±


    Cade¡¯s laugh was half-hearted, more a bark than anything else. ¡°Correction, Jer: that last heist was not a death sentence. And if I hadn¡¯t spoken up, Scorn was going to turn us into kebabs¡ªugly kebabs, save for me, of course. This little job is just our scenic route to survival.¡±


    Elena¡¯s voice was sharp, a blade hidden up a sleeve. ¡°A scenic route straight to an early grave. How poetic.¡±


    Cade turned and walked backward with a grin that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°Just think of it as an extended vacation¡­ With the added bonus of a soul curse that¡¯ll turn me into a human torch if we don¡¯t get the Remnant before the Tournament ends. No pressure.¡±


    Orro adjusted the hilt of one of his hidden daggers that dug into his chest. ¡°You¡¯re way too calm about this, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Humor is the best armor against existential dread, my dear friend.¡± Cade¡¯s tone was light. ¡°Trust me. I¡¯ve been doing it for years with zero side effects.¡± One of his eyes twitched.


    ¡°Keep telling yourself that,¡± Orro grunted back.


    Bunny leaped off Cade¡¯s shoulder and bounded up the path ahead. As they approached the crest of the hill, Life¡¯s city of trees spread out before them.


    The cluster of civilization was a mosaic of life and color, each element meticulously crafted to celebrate the essence of existence. Majestic oaken towers, entwined with vines of glowing flowers, stretched toward the heavens like nature¡¯s hand reaching upward.


    The platinum filigree that adorned these structures caught the sunlight, making the city appear as if it were woven from threads of pure light.


    Waterfalls tumbled from artificial cliffs, their waters shimmering with a spectrum of colors as they cascaded into crystal-clear canals that crisscrossed the city. The winds shifted and replaced the musty scents of pine with the thick flavors of blooming flowers and the salty tang of the nearby sea.


    Past the city, the Sundering Sea stretched to the horizon, its blue surface hiding the horrors that lay within its depths.


    Cade whistled when he noticed the sheer brightness of the city, even in the day. Glowflakes¡ªimported by the wagonload by his best estimate¡ªwere embedded in every surface. The enchanted crystals cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the streets. These gems, ranging from vibrant blues to soft pinks, glowed with an inner light that replaced traditional torches typical in a city this size.


    The overall effect was an otherworldly ambiance, as if the entire city were suspended in a perpetual twilight.


    ¡°Too fucking bright,¡± Elena assessed, saying what Cade thought aloud.


    As Cade and his crew descended the hill, the scene below them shifted. Bunny returned and hopped onto his shoulders as he took it all in. The vibrant, welcoming atmosphere grew marred by an undercurrent of bustling chaos.


    Crowds of tourists, travelers, and mercenaries jostled for position, their excitement tinged with a predatory edge. Orro subtly shifted to the front of their group as he took in the eclectic mix of weapons and their overeager bearers. Shouts and cheers erupted sporadically as groups argued over bets and strategies. The air buzzed with thrill and menace, a volatile cocktail that could explode at any moment.


    Cade tucked this observation away to contemplate later.


    The young thief took in the nearly palpable bloodlust that poured out from the crowds as they entered the enormous city, and couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    ¡°Anyone else find it funny how a tournament celebrating Life ends up causing so many deaths?¡± He pondered with an easy grin stretched across his face.


    A passerby, catching Cade¡¯s comment, stopped in his tracks and turned with a wide-eyed, fanatical look. One glance at him pegged the middle-aged man as an Elysian. He wore ten shades of the most obnoxiously bright colors Cade knew of, all of which were relegated to the least amount of skin possible.


    Cade wished he needed his imagination for the rest.


    ¡°Ah, but you misunderstand, my young guests,¡± the failed nudist said in a nasally and patronizing voice.


    Cade didn¡¯t miss the unmistakable lilt of someone who was deeply indoctrinated.


    ¡°Each trial symbolizes an aspect of Life.¡± the man breathed. ¡°There¡¯s the tournament of rebirth, metamorphosis, the meaning of life, perseverance, and fighting for life itself. It¡¯s a noble celebration of the goddess Life¡¯s teachings. And if you¡¯re not strong enough to learn these lessons our motherly ruler has to offer, then who¡¯s to say you deserve to live in the first place?¡± He gesticulated his argument with wild hand motions.


    ¡°I do. I really like living,¡± Jer answered quietly while he rubbed the back of his neck.


    Cade raised an eyebrow at the inebriated stranger. ¡°And the people who die? Do you just leave them for the carrion?¡±


    The local¡¯s smile was serene, almost pitying. ¡°Their deaths are not in vain but a part of the grand cycle,¡± he continued with a wagging finger raised to the heavens. ¡°Those who perish will be given the greatest delights in the heaven Life has prepared just for them. Though, if that¡¯s too terrifying, then you can just sign up for the normal competitions. Far fewer people die in those.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes narrowed as the man sauntered away, his words lingering like a bad taste. ¡°Brainwashed zealot,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I wonder if his clothes came that way, or if he simply bought them as a boy and never got rid of them?¡± Cade inquired as he stroked his invisible beard.


    Rayka jabbed him in the ribs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about buying a pair of those loincloths for yourself. I¡¯ve been scarred enough for one lifetime,¡± his sister demanded with too much seriousness in her tone for Cade to be sure whether she was joking or not.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Jer answered while he balanced on one hand atop a nearby stone wall. ¡°I¡¯ll get us a matching pair. That way, we can¡ª¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    A muddy boot nailed him in the nose before he could finish, and he fell out of sight with a dramatic cry of pain. Cade turned to see Elena smile darkly, one shoe missing. She went to pick up the impromptu projectile without apology while Jer rubbed at the bruise forming on his face.


    They all laughed and descended the hill, the sounds of Elysia growing louder with each step.


    Merchants hawked their wares, travelers bartered and argued, and the scent of exotic spices mingled with the fresh aroma of flowers.


    Jer somersaulted ahead, drawing amused glances from passing children. ¡°Think we¡¯ll find any good street performers?¡±


    Cade chuckled. ¡°With you around, who needs them?¡±


    Bunny purred contentedly, his claws kneading Cade¡¯s shoulder as Orro scanned the crowd, always vigilant.


    Elena moved with feline grace, her fingers brushing the pockets of unsuspecting passersby, her eyes glittering with mischief. Rayka shadowed her, and their team spread out through the crowded street.


    They all moved through the wide market, careful to avoid the gazes of the various patrolling guards in their white and green filigreed armor. Cade scratched under Bunny¡¯s chin and watched as his team expertly navigated the dense crowd of wagons and shouting pedestrians.


    When they all converged on Cade¡¯s location on the opposite side of the market, he dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°Anyone going to miss your fresh catches?¡±


    Elena¡¯s smirk was wicked. ¡°They¡¯d have to notice their absence first.¡±


    Coins chinked together melodically in six different purses she held up. Then, they disappeared under her hip-length cloak in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head in and meet up in the city center. Elena and Jer, try and find out where we can register for the Tournament, and be sure it¡¯s the real one. I know I would start scamming tourists if I was operating in this city. Oh, and take Ray with you.¡±


    Cade turned to his best friend.


    ¡°Orro, find out where the local guild is. There might be more than one, so make sure you find the group most likely to work with outsiders. We might need their help with getting some equipment for this job, as well as any easy marks we can tap for some extra gold. I¡¯ll be looking for some of our competition and any hints as to where our target is. Let¡¯s call it an apricot while in public, alright?¡± At Cade¡¯s dismissal, they all nodded and floated away.


    ¡°Better than the last job,¡± Orro muttered as he lifted his mask farther up his nose. ¡°I hated saying wobblewumps every time we were discussing the amulet,¡±


    ¡°Agreed. Alright, take care of yourself, Cade.¡± Elena grabbed his elbow and held it a moment longer than necessary. His old friend waited until he met her gaze. ¡°No heroics, alright?¡±


    Cade paused, briefly flabbergasted by her intensity. Her shoulders were set, and yet he didn¡¯t miss the slight trembling in her fingers.


    ¡°No heroics,¡± he repeated and smiled warmly.


    Satisfied, Elena let go of his arm and joined Cade¡¯s sibling and her twin. As they merged back into the crowd, the city seemed to pulse with life around them, every sound, every scent, every sight an intricate part of the grand tapestry that was Elysia. Cade had to hand it to whomever designed this veritable nation-state: at least they had taste.


    He passed under the open arches of the gate and stopped as a sudden gust kicked up from somewhere deep in the city and rushed across his face. Other pedestrians clutched at their billowing robes or tucked their heads into the strange breeze, but the chill it caused forced Cade to halt in his steps.


    He resonated with that wind.


    Or, rather, whatever might¡¯ve caused the small gale vibrated in sync with his magic.


    He looked for its source, but as quickly as the wind had picked up, it was gone. So immersed was he in his search that he completely missed the palanquin barreling in his direction.


    Bunny leapt to safety right as the large transport device slammed into his shoulder. The green and gold garmented wood elves that held it aloft stumbled and stopped. One of them, a young female no older than Cade, tripped and fell face-first into the street. The corner she had been holding bent and cracked against the stony ground, and a loud curse burst from inside the silk-lined box.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Cade asked the girl, and he held out a hand to help her up.


    She looked up with tears brimming in her bright gold eyes and shook her head frantically. Cade¡¯s brow furrowed as she scrambled away from his outstretched arm.


    ¡°What in the hells?¡± He muttered to himself.


    The palanquin¡¯s silk curtains parted violently and out stepped an old wood elf with the cleanest garments Cade had ever seen. His tall, scarred frame exuded authority, his dark skin contrasting sharply with his pristine white and green robes.


    No. Not merely pristine.


    Immaculate.


    Cade needed to know this man¡¯s cleaner¡ªfor research purposes, of course.


    The infuriated geriatric had platinum-white hair pulled into a clean knot atop his head, which gave an unobscured sight of his intense gaze. Though he held his race¡¯s inherent beauty and elegance, his glare was twisted with rage. His full attention shifted to Cade, and he bristled with anger.


    ¡°How dare you touch one of my servants!¡± The elf¡¯s voice was a thunderclap, and it drew the attention of passersby.


    The crowd began to gather, whispers and curious glances exchanged as they realized a confrontation was brewing.


    Cade stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Easy there, I was just trying to help.¡±


    ¡°Help?¡± A vein throbbed along the elf¡¯s temple. ¡°You, a mere outsider, dare to defile a Lifekeeper¡¯s procession?¡±


    Cade cocked his head, genuinely curious. ¡°Sorry, but who are you, exactly? And why does your title make you think you can shout at strangers?¡±


    The man¡¯s face reddened, and Cade could¡¯ve sworn steam billowed out of his ears and nostrils like some flame demon in disguise. ¡°I am Bazz, a high-ranking Lifekeeper, and you will show respect!¡±


    Cade grinned, unflinching. ¡°Well, Bazz, I¡¯d hate to break it to you, but respect is earned, not shouted into existence.¡±


    Bazz¡¯s mouth opened wide in disbelief at Cade¡¯s continued insolence. The young thief got the distinct impression the elf was used to people submitting once they heard his station. Cade shrugged and moved to leave.


    Before the thought had finished crossing his mind, Bazz¡¯s hand shot out, and the ground beneath them erupted.


    Time slowed.


    Vines, thick and thorny, surged up, twisting and writhing like serpents. Cade felt a prickle at the back of his neck. The strange magic within him stirred and solidified again.


    The wind shifted, and he could almost feel where a vine would strike him. Trusting his gut, he dodged to the side, but not quickly enough to avoid a second vine that wrapped around his ankle, pulling him to the ground.


    Bazz¡¯s voice dripped with disdain. ¡°You are not of this city, not of our faith. You are nothing but a stain on the purity of Elysia.¡±


    Cade gritted his teeth, feeling the thorns bite into his skin. ¡°Purity? Is that what you call attacking someone who was just trying to help?¡±


    The crowd around them murmured, their interest piqued by Cade¡¯s defiance. The priest¡¯s eyes narrowed, his control over the vines tightening. Cade¡¯s mind raced, sensing the danger in every movement of the creeping plants.


    ¡°Stop! Please, Master Bazz!¡± The young elf girl, now on her feet, pleaded with her master. Her voice was shaky, her fear palpable.


    He whirled and slapped her across the face. ¡°You will learn respect.¡±


    Cade¡¯s eyes darkened, and his fists clenched at his side. The crowd was growing, their whispers turning into a cacophony of judgment and curiosity. He would turn this tide, to use the attention to his advantage.


    He felt another prickle across the back of his spine but was too slow again as another vine slashed at his arm. Cade fought through a wince and forced his voice to remain steady.


    ¡°A Lifekeeper should give life, not take it. Isn¡¯t that your creed? Your duty?¡± He had no idea what in the hells their creed was, but it didn¡¯t take a genius to infer what it was, even if he was one.


    The words hung in the air, a challenge that couldn¡¯t be ignored. Bazz¡¯s face twisted with fury, but there was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. The crowd¡¯s murmurs grew louder, and Cade pressed on. He could nearly feel his victory approaching.


    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be an example, aren¡¯t you? How does this¡ª¡± he gestured with his head to the vines that cut into his flesh ¡°¡ªdemonstrate the benevolence of your goddess?¡±


    Bazz¡¯s expression darkened, but the vines stopped their advance. The crowd¡¯s eyes were on him now, their judgment as heavy as any blade. Cade could see the internal struggle, the need to maintain his image warring with his desire to punish.


    Finally, the priest released a breath, and the vines slithered back into the ground. He tucked an errant platinum strand of his hair behind a pointed ear.


    ¡°You speak boldly for someone so ignorant. This is not mercy, but a warning. Cross my path again, and I will show you the true wrath of a Lifekeeper,¡± Bazz sneered.


    Cade, still on the ground, nodded with a smirk. ¡°Duly noted.¡±


    As Bazz turned to leave, the young elf girl muttered a quiet, ¡°Thank you,¡± her eyes downcast.


    The young thief¡¯s wry grin turned genuine as she fled to pick up her end of the palanquin. He stood, brushing off the dirt and wincing at the fresh cuts. Cade watched Bazz¡¯s retreating transport and memorized the elderly wood elf¡¯s face.


    That Lifekeeper would pay for what he¡¯d done, for how he¡¯d hurt that girl.


    Adding him to their objectives in this city, he strolled down the street with his hands in his pockets. The crowd dispersed, and a few of them grumbled in frustration at the lack of an execution, so he lodged that little tidbit for later use too. Public asphyxiation by plants aside, he¡¯d learned something even more valuable:


    The Lifekeepers were excellent dressers but terrible hosts.


    He put the cruel wood-elf jackass near the top of his list of people to rob blind and then utterly destroy before they left this unsuspecting city.


    For a wolf with a sheep¡¯s smile had just entered its overstuffed streets.

 Chapter 21: Can I Shiv Someone, Please?

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    ¡°Is it just me, or is that getting prettier the longer I look at it?¡± Cade asked aloud while he leaned against the fountain at the grand city center, staring at the mesmerizing sight before him.


    The magical waterfall in the center cascaded in slow motion, droplets suspended in the air like stars. Colorful glowflakes ebbed and flowed with prismatic colors throughout the levitating water. It was a breathtaking display, the perfect blend of art and magic. Bunny jumped onto the ground at Cade¡¯s feet and started to chase the little pinpricks of light reflecting off the gorgeous city.


    But they weren¡¯t here to enjoy the sights. They had a mission, and it was time to get to work.


    Elena and Rayka approached, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. Jer casually strolled along the edge of the fountain on his hands behind them. When he saw Cade, he performed a perfect handspring off it to land gracefully beside the young thief.


    ¡°Did you find the registration?¡± Cade asked, his eyes never leaving the waterfall.


    Elena nodded, her expression a blend of excitement and wariness. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s in the Grand Pavilion. They¡¯re setting up booths now. The line is already huge. We should head there as soon as we¡¯re all here. Apparently there have already been death games and coliseum fights these past few days leading up to the tournament proper.¡±


    Jer flipped a coin in the air, catching it deftly. ¡°You should see the competition. It¡¯s a madhouse. Every second-rate warrior and their cat are here to compete in the pre-tournament games. From what I can tell, those deathmatches are as bloody as the main event is rumored to be. This whole fiftieth anniversary business has everyone in a frenzy. I say we put some good money down on some of us before we sign up. Our odds have got to be stellar thanks to us being unknown. Oh!¡±


    Jer reached inside his cloak and retrieved several worn leather tomes. He handed them over to Cade with a shrug and a smile.


    ¡°Saw these. Thought they might be useful. I know how much you love reading up on a city we¡¯re in, and these seemed like a good place to start. They looked dry as all hells, but I figured that¡¯d mean you actually like them,¡± Jer explained.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Cade breathed as he held the new books. New was a generous description, but to his eyes, they were inlaid with gold and encrusted with jewels. The thief turned to read their spines.


    ¡°A Summative History of Elysian Economics and Trade, and The Origin and Structure of Lifekeeper Society. Jer, you shouldn¡¯t have!¡± Cade exclaimed with unreserved joy.


    Rayka rolled her eyes. ¡°Seriously, Cade. Stop drooling and focus. We¡¯re lucky there¡¯s no entry fee. Otherwise, we¡¯d have to steal more than just glances.¡±


    ¡°Though apparently if you survive the trials, the participants get insanely valuable prizes.¡± Elena said. ¡°I asked one overeager contestant in line, and she said the first round survivors get gold, then an enchanted item, but she wasn¡¯t sure about much past that. Said that it changes every time.¡±


    ¡°One thing is for certain,¡± Jer added. ¡°Those who are competing in these early games can walk away. But once you enter as a contestant in the Tournament, it¡¯s either death or victory,¡±


    Cade was about to voice his delight at the bonus treasure, but a dark figure peeled from the darkness. With silent movements, Orro joined them, his presence a shadow in the bustling crowd. When Cade saw his expression, however, his heart quickened.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Cade asked quietly.


    Orro cursed and folded his arms beneath his dark cloak. ¡°There¡¯s three of them.¡±


    ¡°Do you think Orro tries to be mysterious, or it just happens naturally?¡± Rayka stage-whispered.


    Jer and Elena snickered, but Cade couldn¡¯t shake the frustration hiding the fear in his friend¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°There are three local thieving guilds,¡± Orro began softly, but not before sending an odd glance at Rayka, who blushed at his attention. ¡°From what I¡¯ve gathered, they¡¯re all based in various districts around the city. Each of them has their own styles and specialties, but they¡¯re not too fond of outsiders. There¡¯s a dockside guild that works with imports and smuggling that might be our best bet.¡±


    ¡°The other two?¡± Cade pressed, folding his arms over his chest.


    ¡°The other two sound even more terrifying from what I can gather,¡± Orro continued. ¡°In fact, it¡¯s how little I can gather that has me concerned. All I got was that one of them runs their operations out of a massive brothel, while the other has something to do with mustaches.¡±


    ¡°Mustaches?¡± Rayka asked dryly. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    Cade chuckled, and Orro just shrugged. With a cautious glance around them, the assassin adjusted the hem of his cloak to better hide the hilts of his various weapons.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to be more alone in this than we suspected, Cade,¡± Orro whispered hurriedly.


    Cade placed a comforting hand on his friend¡¯s shoulder and squeezed. ¡°We¡¯ll make do. We always do.¡±


    He changed the subject, leaning back against his perch on the fountain¡¯s edge. ¡°And I didn¡¯t find any notable competitors, but I did have a run-in with a high-ranking Lifekeeper named Bazz. We¡¯re going to need to give him a twin-special before we¡¯re done.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°A Lifekeeper? They¡¯re the hands and feet of the local goddess, Life. Pissing one off isn¡¯t exactly on our list of good ideas¡­ Jer and I will take good care of him.¡±


    Cade returned her evil grin, though he winced as the movement aggravated the cuts from Bazz¡¯s vines. ¡°Yeah, well, he wasn¡¯t exactly the friendly type. He hit his servant for speaking out of line. Oh, and he decided to introduce himself by wrapping me in thorns.¡±


    Jer snorted. ¡°Sounds like a real prick.¡±


    Cade chuckled and bumped his fist against Jer¡¯s, though the memory of the encounter still made his skin crawl.


    ¡°He¡¯s powerful, and not just with his magic. He nearly had me skewered, and yet no one balked at the would-be execution. Fortunately, I managed to talk my way out of it, but I wouldn¡¯t expect that to work next time.¡± Cade met his crewmates¡¯ eyes. ¡°The Lifekeepers are hiding something. I can feel it.¡±


    Rayka¡¯s eyes narrowed, and she poked a finger into one of Cade¡¯s cuts like the caring sister she was. ¡°You sure it was just talking that got you out of that bind? You¡¯ve been¡­ different lately.¡±


    Cade stiffened, the memory of the strange wind warning him during the fight with Bazz flaring in his mind. He almost mentioned it, the sensation of danger that seemed to resonate with his magic, but stopped himself. They¡¯d think he was insane.


    Wind doesn¡¯t warn people of danger, after all. Worse, his core wasn¡¯t even established yet, so it couldn¡¯t have been that either.


    ¡°Just lucky, I guess,¡± he said lightly, avoiding Rayka¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Soooooo,¡± Jer drew out the word dramatically. ¡°The tournament registration is today, and it¡¯s in a place called the Grand Pavilion. It¡¯s super close by.¡±


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± Cade answered before his sister could pry further. ¡°C¡¯mon, Bunny.¡±


    Bunny jumped back onto his shoulder as they entered the fray. The marketplace around the edge of the city center was a chaotic blend of colors and smells, fancily dressed tourists clutching purses and frosted pastries tightly to their chests, and street performers drawing crowds with their acts.


    One group drew Cade¡¯s attention briefly, as they definitely had the look of thieves, but he decided to give them all a wide berth. No need to step on any toes just yet. Still, he could think of a half-dozen cons and scams they could run if they had the time. Absently, he moved to propose them to his mentor, caught himself just before he uttered Hugh¡¯s name.


    Hugh was gone.


    Just the thought of that traitorous bastard sent a fresh coil of fire lancing across his veins. He forced himself to return to the present, playing a game he came up with in his youth.


    Looking around the cityscape, he cataloged every detail, every potential threat or advantage this place might offer. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    As he wandered, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The bustling crowd was a sea of unfamiliar faces, each absorbed in their own lives.


    Yet, the sensation persisted, a nagging itch at the back of his mind. The streets were bustling, the excitement for the tournament palpable in the air. Cade slowed and signaled to Orro with his right hand that he saw something, but Orro simply shrugged discreetly.


    He squinted dramatically at his best friend, but the assassin refused to explain himself. With a sigh, Cade dropped the issue but remained alert as they exited the city center and moved toward the Grand Pavilion.


    The thief bristled under the weight of the unknown gaze.


    After a few more blocks of overpacked streets, they reached their destination. It was unavoidable. Cade recalled the exact positioning of vendors and Lifekeeper guards on their way here. He shook his head in begrudging respect at the subtle manipulation. The entire city had been funneled into this one spot. It was some of the most effective city planning he had ever seen.


    Cade looked on the hive of activity with fresh keenness, the Grand Pavilion swarming with people. His mind awakened as he took in all of the details at once. A slow smile grew on his lips as he noted key staff and travelers he could leverage if he needed to.


    It was as if the entire world had descended upon Elysia for the Tournament of Life. Its swirling kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and scents were all meant to allure and amaze while the true intent played out just beneath everyone¡¯s noses.


    Strangers lining up to spill blood in the name of greed and glory.


    The two registration lines were filled with every kind of person imaginable: burly dwarves with braided beards and glittering axes, elves of every kind¡ªwinter, wood, and dark¡ªeach radiating their own unique aura.


    Near them were humans in varied attire ranging from simple tunics to elaborate robes, merchants haggling over last-minute deals, nobles flaunting their wealth, and priests and acolytes representing gods like Honor, Truth, Prosperity, Destiny, and War.


    Cade wanted to rob them all.


    He steeled his impulses and shepherded his crew into the back of the shorter line for the tournament itself. Those nearest to them quieted as the onlookers gossiped about yet another team signing up for the true Tournament of Life.


    A few pointed while they talked in hushed tones. Others in the much longer line for the pre-tournament games shot them envious and suspicious gazes, though Cade didn¡¯t miss the undertone of pity at the sight of them. Even in the anticipation of death and glory, these people recognized that most, if not all, of the contestants in Cade¡¯s line would die in the next few days.


    The young thief plastered on a smile and assessed each group signing up for the Tournament of Life as best he could. A few stood out to him, but none were downright scary. Then again, neither were they, and he planned to not only steal the Remnant but milk this fat city for all its worth.


    Despite the shorter nature of their line, the other registration was moving at a much faster pace. Cade waited alongside his crew, enjoying Bunny¡¯s antics as he curled his tail around his leg and nipped at the boots of those who got too close.


    The air was thick with the sounds of animated conversations, the clinking of armor, and the occasional chant of a prayer. Behind them, a group of dwarves were boasting about the size of their axes, and he noted that one of them held aloft a massive battle axe imbued with runes that glowed like coals in the bellows.


    ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± Elena huffed impatiently. ¡°Can I shiv just a few of these idiots to speed things up?¡±


    Elena fidgeted, her fingers twitching as she eyed the heavy purses of the nobles ahead.


    ¡°No,¡± everyone replied in unison.


    Elena cursed and crossed her arms, the gentle morning sunlight illuminating her bright red hair.


    Jer, ever the acrobat, balanced on one foot and scanned the crowd. ¡°Look at it this way, we get to experience the most fantastical impromptu parade on the entire continent!¡±


    Rayka snorted. ¡°With none of the charm.¡±


    They shuffled forward, the line inching along at a slime¡¯s pace. Cade¡¯s eyes wandered, taking in the diversity of those around him. He noticed a group of dark elves murmuring in their lilting tongue, and a nearby dwarf adjusting the straps of his massive warhammer.


    As they approached the registration booths, Cade took a deep breath, watching the registrars for ticks and nonverbals. They all had specialties, and this was his:


    People.


    And with that thought, Cade stepped forward, ready to register for the Tournament of Life. Just as they were nearing the front, a commotion erupted behind them. A group of haughty nobles¡ªresplendent in their finery¡ªpushed through the line. Their sneering faces and dismissive gestures caused ripples of indignation among the waiting participants.


    ¡°Out of the way, you vile peasants!¡± a young noblewoman with elaborate braids and a pretentious expression barked.


    Her companions, a mix of elves, humans, and dwarves, flanked her, their noses high in the air.


    Orro stepped forward, his hand on the pommel of his broken sword. ¡°Get back in line.¡±


    The lead nobleman, a tall, slender elf with silver hair, sneered. ¡°Do you know who we are? My father is Lord Calen, and he will hear of this insult!¡±


    Cade sighed, stepping between Orro and the nobles. ¡°Look, let¡¯s all just calm down. No need to flaunt titles and lineage. We¡¯re all here for the same reason.¡±


    The noblewoman¡¯s eyes flashed with anger, and she appeared ready to gag. ¡°You dare speak to us with that filthy mouth, fertafarmer?¡±


    Cade blinked. ¡°Fertafarmer?¡±


    He was familiar with most profanity, but that was a new insult, even for him.


    ¡°Figures that you¡¯re a lowly tourist in our prestigious city,¡± a rotund nobleman with a jeweled cane snickered. He leaned forward, the ivory of his cane creaking under his weight. ¡°Elysia exports the finest magically enhanced fertilizer. It¡¯s a lucrative business, but you have to be some desperate bastard to agree to work with that shite.¡±


    ¡°Hey, we work hard to feed your privileged hides. Show some respect!¡± A man with a thick accent yelled.


    Everyone nearby turned to look at the newcomer. A burly human with dirt-streaked hands and a farmer¡¯s tan stepped forward. A murmur of discontent spread through both lines as a few other fertafarmers took offense with him.


    The tension reached a boiling point. The nobles bristled, their hands moving to the hilts of their weapons. Others in the crowd started to unsheathe their blades or just raised their fists.


    Elena rolled her eyes and cracked her knuckles. ¡°Great, now we have a class war.¡±


    Cade tried again to de-escalate. ¡°Come on, people. Let¡¯s not do this. We¡¯re almost there. We all can register for our various activities if we just let go of these petty differences and unite under our common goal: treasure!¡±


    But his words fell on deaf ears.


    The silver-haired elf lunged at Orro with a loud warcry, but the assassin parried the blow effortlessly with a single finger against the flat of the longsword. Whatever loose thread held the peace together in the sweltering pavilion snapped then. A fierce brawl erupted in full force, nobles and commoners clashing in a chaotic melee.


    Elena grinned and rolled her neck. When she caught Cade¡¯s resigned eyes, she stuck out her tongue and ducked into the fight. She moved like a shadow, her fists and feet a blur as she dispatched a pair of noble guards. Jer, with his acrobatic grace, flipped over a charging dwarf, landing a well-placed kick to his back.


    Bunny leapt into the fray, his tiny claws and teeth surprisingly effective as he too became an agent of chaos.


    Cade trusted his team and decided to optimize this unconventional opportunity. He approached the registration table where a frazzled old woman sat, her gray hair pulled into a tight bun, eyes wide with exasperation.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Cade said politely, dodging a stray fireball that exploded nearby. ¡°We¡¯d like to register for the tournament.¡±


    The woman barely glanced up, her quill scratching furiously across parchment. ¡°Name?¡±


    ¡°Cade Stormhollow and team,¡± he replied, wincing as a noblewoman¡¯s scream pierced the air behind him.


    ¡°Team size?¡± the woman asked, her voice a monotone drone.


    ¡°Six,¡± Cade said, mentally crossing his fingers.


    Behind him, several dwarves sang a battle song that thrummed deep inside his bones. He cursed at the uncomfortable sensation and turned just in time to see three of the short warriors stack on top of each other as they collided with an orc who was easily over eight feet tall. The orc didn¡¯t stand a chance as they slammed axes and warhammers into his shins, chest, and head simultaneously.


    ¡°You need eight to register,¡± she said, not looking up.


    Cade turned back and blinked. ¡°Eight? We¡¯re two short.¡±


    The woman sighed, finally meeting his eyes. ¡°You need at least eight. Also, you should know that registration closes today due to the influx of participants.¡±


    Cade glanced over his shoulder again. Orro had disarmed the silver-haired elf and was using the hilt of his sword to fend off two others. Elena and Jer were back-to-back, fighting off a group of nobles and fertafarmers who had united in their mutual disdain. Magic crackled through the air, and the sounds of clashing weapons and shouts filled the pavilion.


    He turned back to the woman, his tone urgent. ¡°Can¡¯t you make an exception?¡±


    She shook her head, her expression sympathetic but firm. ¡°Rules are rules. You have until sunset to find two more members. Unless that little wyvern¡¯s with you, in which case you¡¯d need three. Sentients don¡¯t count toward party members, but are allowed as familiars.¡±


    ¡°Three it is!¡± Cade squeaked but inwardly groaned. He was about to retreat from the desk when he paused and addressed the woman again. ¡°By the way, he¡¯s a dragonling, not a wyvern. You might not know it, but calling him one is super offensive. Just thought I¡¯d let you know before one of them bites your head off. Cheers!¡±


    He strolled away and watched as Elysian guards began to push through the crowd, their gleaming white and green armor catching the prismatic light from the waterfall far above. The fight was about to get a lot more complicated.


    He dashed back to his team. ¡°We need three more people to register. Bunny¡¯s allowed, but doesn¡¯t count. We¡¯ve got until sunset.¡±


    Elena, panting slightly, dispatched her last opponent with a swift kick. ¡°By Honor¡¯s bony ass, are you serious? Any idea where we¡¯re going to find three more idiots to join us?¡±


    Jer flipped over a fallen noble, hesitated, and then kicked backward into the nobility¡¯s nose with a satisfying crunch. Then he strode up to the group, a trail of bloody footprints behind him.


    When they all looked at him, he just shrugged. ¡°The twit kicked me in the nethers right as we got started. He might¡¯ve stopped me from having children, so I returned the favor.¡±


    When they all gave him a flat look, Jer merely grinned wider. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll start asking around. Maybe someone¡¯s desperate enough to join us.¡±


    Rayka, her eyes scanning the crowd, nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll help. We don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    As the Elysian guards began to break up the fight, Cade couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that their luck was running thin. They needed to find three more members, and quickly.


    The Tournament of Life was their only chance to break the curse and secure the Remnant. Cade knew that if they didn¡¯t get into the competition, Death would have no trouble finding them.


    The clock was ticking. He was running out of time.

 Chapter 22: Know Any Good Telepaths?

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Orro hated shopping.


    He stood there rigidly as his friends meandered about, quarreling with the vendors as they negotiated prices for food and other essentials. His eyes roamed over the shop across the street, but he took in every errant shift in cloth and scuffled boot against the clean roads of Elysia. His mind assessed every vendor and tourist for hidden weapons or vile intent but dismissed the vast majority of them.


    None of them knew the truth.


    Not a single civilian who strolled past the shop opposite him knew that it was a front for one of the most dangerous guilds in the city. How could they? The thieves who ran it hid themselves well.


    Orro would¡¯ve been impressed if it hadn¡¯t taken him one ¡¯conversation¡¯ with a pickpocket he¡¯d cornered to find out about it. The would-be thief had called this guild the Gilded Drakes.


    Amateurs.


    The sign above the dilapidated establishment read ¡¯Herbal Remedies and Potions,¡¯ and despite its wares, no one seemed to notice or care about its existence. The air was thick with the scent of spices and sweat, the noise of the crowd a constant buzz in his ears. Every shadow, every pedestrian was a potential threat.


    Orro signaled to his friends and soon Cade, Jer, Elena, and Rayka gathered around him. Bunny, perched on Cade¡¯s shoulder, observed everything with keen interest as their masks of naivety dropped into a calm seriousness.


    ¡°This is the only guild that deals with outsiders,¡± Orro muttered, fingers brushing the hilt of his broken sword. The orange blade sent a surge of determination through him, a familiar comfort. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, at least this lot are honest about wanting to backstab you. The other two in town will smile and promise the heavens while they strip you of everything and toss you into the streets.¡±


    The thief nodded. ¡°Sounds about right. No honor amongst us professionals, and all that. Well, our first priority is a telepath. I know that it¡¯s a sore subject now that Hugh¡¯s¡­ gone, but we need someone who can fill that role.¡±


    Cade looked each of them in the eye.


    ¡°But we¡¯ve got until the end of today to get three more people,¡± he reminded them. ¡°So if it comes between getting a telepath and me not experiencing an excruciating death, let¡¯s go with the not-dying route, please.¡±


    ¡°You sure? I mean, if a telepath is that important to you, I¡¯m sure the nice goddess of revenge might be willing to make an exception to the one-sided contract you formed with her. I¡¯m sure she¡¯d lend us a hand after all of her generosity,¡± Elena barked in annoyance.


    She angrily pushed some of her red locks behind an ear while she met Cade¡¯s gaze unflinchingly. Their test of wills broke when she looked away and kicked a stone down the street.


    Cade chuffed but didn¡¯t retort.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Orro said, and walked away, ending the conversation.


    He slunk through the crowd and up to the herbal shop. With practiced ease, he silently opened the door. Before it moved an inch, his hand shot up to clutch the bell above the door frame.


    Cade rolled his eyes at Orro¡¯s caution, but he didn¡¯t care.


    Better careful than dead.


    The shop¡¯s interior was dimly lit, the air heavy with the pungent scent of dead plants and sulfurous potions. It collided with Orro¡¯s senses like a sledgehammer, and he was once again grateful for the small blessing that was his half-mask. Shelves lined the walls, filled with bottles and jars that glowed faintly.


    The floorboards creaked underfoot as they moved deeper into the shop. Cade, being Cade, ignored Orro¡¯s silent approach and barreled up to the front desk. Orro wanted to strangle his best friend, but failed to get the chance as the lovable idiot opened his big mouth.


    ¡°Hello! We¡¯re here for your best telepath, or whatever you have in stock.¡± Cade planted his hands on the chipped mahogany and leaned forward, his smile disarming.


    A dwarf with a thick beard and a scowl that could curdle milk stepped from behind a wool curtain. With a curse under his breath, he took several unseen steps up a short stool and stood behind the counter. His eyes narrowed within their deep sockets, and Orro immediately distrusted him.


    The dwarf grunted. ¡°Couldn¡¯t hear ya over all that stompin¡¯ about. What¡¯re ya here for, lad?¡±


    Cade slid the man several silvers across the slick counter. ¡°A telepath,¡± Cade said. ¡°We need a good one.¡±


    The dwarf¡¯s eyes flickered with interest. ¡°Telepaths aren¡¯t cheap. What¡¯s your offer?¡±


    Cade reached into his pouch, pulling out a small bag of gold coins. He tossed it onto the counter, the coins clinking softly.


    ¡°We¡¯re willing to pay for quality,¡± The thief remarked.


    Orro noticed how in the moment the leather pouch landed, Cade slipped one of the silvers into his palm. He grinned behind his black mask.


    The dwarf weighed the bag in his hand, nodding slowly. A toothy grin spread out from behind his thick beard, and the pouch disappeared into one of the dozen pockets that lined his vest. ¡°Alright. This is just enough for me to check things out for ya. Name?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t care what their name is. It¡¯s their ability and gumption that¡¯s important,¡± Cade replied with a sagely nod.


    Orro groaned.


    ¡°No, what¡¯s yer name, laddie? For the books,¡± The dwarf repeated and tapped a large ledger nearby, though his brow furrowed in confusion.


    ¡°Oh! You wanted my autograph. How kind. Here we go,¡± Cade swiveled the ledger around before the dwarf could protest.


    He slid a quill from its inky holster and scratched his name across the length of the page. The dwarf¡¯s jaw slackened, his eyes darting between Cade¡¯s grin and the graffitied ledger.


    ¡°Cade Stormhollow,¡± Cade read aloud, his voice steady and light.


    ¡°I¡ªI know how to read, you stupid pissant!¡± The dwarf yelled.


    He snatched the quill back with surprising agility and then tucked the ledger behind the counter. Orro noticed that a gilded drake insignia was stamped onto the surface of the book¡¯s binding.


    ¡°Stay here while I check on something, humans.¡± The surly dwarf marched down his stool and disappeared again behind the woolen curtain.


    ¡°Must you always be like this?¡± Orro demanded when their host was gone.


    Cade¡¯s eyes gleamed with intention, though he kept his voice and words obnoxious. ¡°Oh, come off it, Orro,¡± Cade said a bit too loudly. ¡°You never let me have any fun. I mean, how many times do you get to annoy some low-level guildie and get away with it?¡±


    Orro finally understood. Cade was doing what he called ¡¯reading¡¯ people. Orro never understood it, nor did he try to. He preferred the language of knives over words.


    Still, he needed to play along.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t gotten away with it?¡± Orro snapped back, feigning indignation.


    As if he spoke a dark premonition, the shopkeeper returned. The change in the dwarf¡¯s demeanor was as obvious as it was chilling. His face was twisted into a snarl, and he slammed a gloved fist against the doorframe.


    ¡°Get out. Now.¡± The dwarf¡¯s word cracked like a whip, and Cade and Orro instinctively reached for their weapons.


    Cade blinked, swallowing his concern. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    The dwarf pointed a stubby finger at him, eyes blazing with anger. ¡°You¡¯re blacklisted. Someone high up doesn¡¯t want you doing business here. So, get out before I gut you myself.¡±


    Orro¡¯s hand tightened around his sword¡¯s hilt, the familiar surge of protectiveness flaring up. ¡°Why are we blacklisted? Who gave the order?¡±


    The dwarf¡¯s eyes never left Cade¡¯s. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter who. What matters is you¡¯re not welcome. So leave before I call for backup.¡±


    Cade held up his hands in a placating gesture. The thief¡¯s entire demeanor shifted. ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry about the book. But can you at least tell us why? Surely, we haven¡¯t done anything to warrant this level of animosity.¡±


    The dwarf¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°You¡¯re not the only ones with enemies, Stormhollow. Now, get out.¡±


    The tension in the room was palpable. Orro¡¯s eyes flicked to the shadows, noting the subtle movements of hidden guards. They were outnumbered and outmaneuvered. He could feel the danger closing in, the threat assessment clear in his mind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Orro said quietly, his voice a low growl.


    He turned and led the way out of the shop, his senses on high alert for any sudden attacks. None came, which almost felt worse.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Once they were outside, Cade turned to him, frustration etched on his face. ¡°Well, that didn¡¯t go as expected at all. That twit even kept the money.¡±


    Orro shrugged. ¡°Can¡¯t be helped now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not¡ªyeah, alright, fine.¡± Cade ran a hand through his hair and took a settling breath. ¡°Where¡¯s the next guild? You said there were three in this green city?¡±


    Orro scanned the crowd, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a figure watching them from a distance. Before he could pinpoint who they might be, they vanished behind a corner.


    His scowl deepened. ¡°Any idea who might¡¯ve blacklisted us? It couldn¡¯t be Cici. We haven¡¯t seen her in ages, and I don¡¯t think she has that kind of pull.¡±


    Cade shuddered but nodded, his jaw set in determination. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it¡¯s not her. We¡¯ll figure it out. Let¡¯s find one of those other guilds. They must have a telepath lying around who wants some extra coin.¡±


    Orro nodded, and they all shifted through the city. As they moved through the crowded streets of Elysia, he picked up on the signs of another guild¡¯s territory. It was subtle¡ªmost people couldn¡¯t tell even if the signs were pointed out to them.


    But Orro knew.


    So did Cade.


    His best friend grew more observant as their crew strode past vendors and groups set in the shade of the gargantuan buildings around them. The largest giveaway to the new territory was not in some inane conspicuous icon scratched into stones, or deeply cowled individuals who wore matching colors.


    No. It was in the quality and frequency of the beggars and children around. Most would be forced into roles as scouts and informants. However, each guild had different standards and unique preferences.


    The Gilded Drakes used dirtied orphans who ran through thick crowds and cut purses. As they entered a more opulent district of the organic city, the children were replaced with dozing merchants and oblivious guards.


    Cade approached a thin man with a large straw hat pulled low over his face. He tossed a few coppers onto his lap, and the man didn¡¯t jolt even though he appeared to be asleep.


    ¡°What¡¯s this for? Wanna buy a tour through the city¡¯s catacombs? Most call it a root system, but we locals know its history!¡± The elderly human offered with a toothy grin.


    ¡°Who runs this district?¡± Cade asked, his voice as cold and sharp as his blade.


    The man¡¯s grin faded, and the glassiness to his eyes evaporated like it had never been there.


    ¡°Who¡¯s asking?¡± The bored tour guide asked. He leaned forward on the stack of crates he had lounged on and pinned Cade with a glare. ¡°Because we don¡¯t take too kindly to strangers like yourself coming up and steppin¡¯ on toes, as it were.¡±


    Orro bristled at the menace lurking there and reached for a hidden dagger.


    ¡°We just want to be polite,¡± Cade answered with an easy smile and a friendly pat to the man¡¯s shoulder.


    Orro¡¯s patience was nearly dried up. They didn¡¯t have time for these games. He refused to let Cade die because he wasn¡¯t fast enough to get them the teammates they needed.


    ¡°Well, in that case, I¡¯ll say you should leave now. The Stone Britches don¡¯t care for outsiders anyhow. I won¡¯t give the guildmaster¡¯s name, ¡¯cause I don¡¯t need it coming back to bite my rear. Now, git. I have a nap to catch up on.¡± The old man settled back into his crates and yanked the straw hat lower across his wrinkled frame.


    The coins, Orro noted, were gone.


    Orro and Cade strolled over and informed the crew of what they learned. With a gesture, they were on the move again. Cade walked beside him, his expression thoughtful. Rayka, Jer, and Elena fanned out, keeping watch for any signs of trouble.


    They moved like a well-oiled machine, each hyper-aware of their surroundings. Orro¡¯s fingers brushed the hilt of his broken sword, the orange blade sending a comforting surge of energy through him.


    Cade stopped suddenly and grinned. ¡°Here. This is the place. I can feel it.¡±


    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Rayka inquired as she hopped up on a low wall. With admirable balance, she strolled along the thin edge as they crossed yet another horizontal bridge over one of Elysia¡¯s many canals.


    They all stopped in front of the shop in question, and Cade¡¯s grin widened.


    ¡°This is the only place not vaunting its wealth for all to see. The design is simple, elegant, yet compared to the other shops and homes around this section, it is basically hiding in plain sight. Also, that.¡± He pointed at a sign propped against the staircase that led up into the shop.


    Orro read it, and he felt his cheeks betray his horror. Fortunately, they were hidden beneath his mask, but Cade always had an uncanny ability to sense when he felt any sort of discomfort.


    Truly, he was cursed.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Orro demanded when he reread the promotional class this place offered, just to be sure he wasn¡¯t hallucinating. He wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯ll be fun, Orro. I promise. Who knows, maybe it¡¯ll translate to some swordplay. And if I¡¯m right and this guild meets out of here, what better cover than this?¡± Cade argued, but Orro knew there was no way out of this.


    He was right. It was the perfect cover. It didn¡¯t stop him from wanting to punch his best friend in the face, though.


    ¡°Stay here and keep watch,¡± Orro muttered darkly.


    Rayka, Jer, and Elena nodded, holding back their snickers, and spread out to cover the perimeter. The sign above the shop creaked on iron hinges, the outline of a potter¡¯s wheel neatly burned into the wood.


    Cade and Orro stepped inside, the scent of clay and glaze filling the air. The shop was surprisingly bright, with the afternoon¡¯s sunlight streaming through large windows and reflecting off rows of beautifully crafted pottery.


    Several moans from around the spacious room halted as the pair of them entered. In a full circle around the shop, couples touched and prodded clay lumps into shapes Orro wished he hadn¡¯t seen.


    Directly opposite them, a well-dressed man in an expensive vest and linen shirt looked up at them in surprise. The middle-aged man¡¯s sleeves were rolled up neatly, and he had a truly impeccable mustache. His warm brown eyes twinkled as he grinned kindly at Orro and Cade.


    ¡°Gentlemen, welcome! Are you here for the couple¡¯s erotic pottery class?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes! Yes, we are! Sorry, we¡¯re late. Ralphie here just had to stop for pastries, isn¡¯t that right, honey?¡± Cade asked Orro with so much adoration the assassin was ready to puke.


    The dozen or so couples around the room looked at him patiently.


    Seeing no way out of this mess, Orro grumbled, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Huzzah, sirs. Please, take a seat next to me. There¡¯s a spot open for one more couple. I¡¯m Bernard, by the way. Pleased to meet you Ralphie and¡ª¡± The well-dressed man waited for Cade¡¯s response.


    ¡°Jason,¡± Cade supplied with a warm smile of his own.


    Around them, scantily clad couples of a variety of races laced their hands together as they molded the lumps of clay in front of them. Some of the patrons made direct eye contact with Orro, though none paused in their gentle massaging of the clay. He pulled the cowl down lower across his face to hide the crimson blush that swelled over his cheeks.


    Thank the heavens for this mask, Orro silently prayed.


    Bernard instructed them on what to do, and Cade joined in with gusto. Orro stood in the background, refusing his friend¡¯s invitations. After it was clear Orro wouldn¡¯t join, Cade merely shrugged and attacked the clay with his nonexistent talents. After several minutes, Orro listened as Cade turned on his charm.


    ¡°So, Bernard?¡± He began. ¡°My lover and I have been looking for someone with¡ªspecial¡ªskills. Telepathy to be exact. We need him for a job to pick up some family heirlooms Ralphie inherited several moons ago. We already have a caravan ready to go acquire them, but having some extra assistance would be incredible. Do you know anyone who might fit the bill and is looking to make a bit of extra gold? Money won¡¯t be an issue with this job.¡±


    Bernard¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter, but Orro noticed a flicker of something in his eyes. Orro had no idea how Cade did it, but the finely attired gentleman didn¡¯t miss a beat, nor did he break the ruse as a couple of the others in the room turned in curiosity at their conversation.


    ¡°Telepaths, you say?¡± Bernard responded easily, though Orro felt the temperature in the room shift. ¡°That¡¯s a dangerous question, my friends. Telepaths are precious commodities around here, and asking for one can get you mugged or worse.¡±


    Cade¡¯s grin widened. ¡°We¡¯re willing to take the risk. It¡¯s for my sweetie¡¯s heirlooms, after all. No price is too high to ensure their safe return. Do you know anyone?¡±


    ¡°Telepaths are treated like lords among people like us. They aren¡¯t loaned out lightly. But let¡¯s just say, hypothetically, if I knew of one, he wouldn¡¯t be easy to find.¡± Bernard chuckled, a rich, warm sound that put the tourists at ease.


    But when he answered, it was a whisper so quiet Orro barely heard it.


    Orro¡¯s senses were on high alert. Bernard was too polished, too smooth. This man was dangerous.


    ¡°We appreciate the advice,¡± Orro said, his voice steady. ¡°But we need to find a telepath.¡±


    Bernard¡¯s eyes twinkled mischievously. ¡°Hypothetically, of course, one might say there¡¯s an unaffiliated telepath in the city. But such a person would be well hidden. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I must get back to my class, Stormhollow.¡±


    An icy chill shot through the air, and Orro stiffened.


    Somehow, this bastard knew who they were.


    Cade leaned in, dropping the act as he pressed the dapper gentleman a bit more. ¡°Come on, Bernard. We¡¯re in a tight spot here. Any help you could offer¡ª¡±


    Orro placed a firm hand on Cade¡¯s shoulder, stopping him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said quietly, his instincts screaming at him that they needed to leave.


    Now.


    Bernard¡¯s smile widened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. ¡°Listen to your friend. It¡¯s best to leave now.¡±


    As they exited the shop, Orro¡¯s senses were on fire. A bead of sweat trickled down his spine as they practically ran out of the shop.


    ¡°Damn it all. Where¡ª¡± Cade started, but Orro held up a hand and listened.


    Something was wrong.


    The sound of fists against flesh echoed out of a nearby alley. Panic threatened to settle inside his mind, but he shoved it down and opened his senses. The two of them rushed to the entrance between the pottery shop and another establishment to see over a dozen bodies strewn across the floor or backs slumped against the walls. Shadows cast the whole place into darkness, and so it took Orro several full seconds to realize what he was looking at.


    Jer and Elena picked the pockets of several downed opponents while Rayka sat on one of their backs. The downed men all possessed well-groomed mustaches, and the few women present besides his crew wore utility-based corsets and leather britches.


    ¡°Cade,¡± Orro said, his voice tense. ¡°I think we just met the head of the Stone Britches.¡±


    Cade¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That was him? Seriously? He was such an excellent instructor, though.¡±


    Orro sighed but nodded. ¡°Yes, Jason. But we need to get out of here. Now.¡±


    Cade¡¯s smile went crooked. ¡°Agreed. Collect what you can, but let¡¯s head out of this district. Our luck has run out here, and I really don¡¯t want to see what an angry Bernard looks like.¡±


    With a careful glance around the corner that led to the main road, the team slipped out of the alley and made their way to a more populated area. Soon, they were out of that district, and back at the city¡¯s center. As the rest of them caught their breath by the large waterfall, the realization of who they had just encountered made Orro¡¯s heart pound.


    Bernard was dangerous. That much was obvious.


    The question was how screwed they were now by exposing their faces to that man. Orro¡¯s hand tightened around the hilt of his broken sword, the orange blade pulsing in tempo with his heart. Somehow, they would find a way to make this work.


    At that moment, a man rounded a corner nearby and barreled toward them in nothing but a towel. He ran so fast he was almost a blur, and Orro¡¯s grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as the stranger leapt right at them.


    Time slowed to a crawl as Orro tried his best to process what he was seeing.


    A dark-haired adonis leaping through the air.


    The man¡¯s towel, swept away by the breeze.


    Shouts ringing through the clattering din of approaching soldiers.


    Orro grimaced as he tried to shield himself from the man¡¯s nethers, and before he could move, the man crashed into Cade.


    That was it. Orro had reached his limit for this city¡¯s utter lunacy, and he was about to murder this freaking nudist for attacking his friend.


    At least he¡¯d finally be able to blow off some steam.

 Chapter 23: Fugitive Is Such a Strong Word

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade Stormhollow was not against nudism.


    In fact, in most instances, he encouraged it. Beauty came in all forms, and it was also really, really, difficult to hide a dagger with nothing on.


    That said, he was wholly unprepared for the handsome man who¡ªwith hardly anything on save for a small towel around his waist¡ªcame barreling toward him. A commotion followed in the wake of the man, and Cade noted the glint of steel and the heavy clomp of boots turning off a nearby road.


    Before Cade could react, the discreet nudist slammed into Cade as he leaned against the edge of the fountain. Bunny leaped off Cade¡¯s shoulder in the nick of time. The man¡¯s towel, meanwhile, flew off right before their two forms fell into the large pond.


    With a yell of shock, Cade was submerged into the magical waters that cascaded down in a mesmerizing, prismatic display. Cade was briefly distracted by the glowflakes embedded in the waterfall¡¯s base. For a few breathtaking heartbeats, all he could see was the glowing minerals as they shimmered with a myriad of colors, painting the water around him with an ethereal light.


    Then reality returned in a rush as the hairy man pulled Cade deeper into the water. A tightness clutched around Cade¡¯s chest as he struggled to hold his breath. Blackness started to creep into his vision, replacing the color with utter nothingness. Seconds passed. Bubbles escaped from his lips like prisoners in a jailbreak.


    He couldn¡¯t breathe.


    Just as unconsciousness was about to swallow him up whole, he was pulled back up and into the revitalizing warmth of the sun and air. Cade gasped and scrambled out of the fountain.


    Every curse he knew flew from his tongue like the descent of a lich¡¯s whip. Strangely, the man remained submerged. Moments later, Elysian guards rushed past, their armor clanking as they shouted for a thief to stop. His breathing calmed. Orro placed a hand on his bicep, eyes filled with concern. Cade waved him off with a nod and watched as over a dozen armored warriors passed.


    Cade¡ªever the opportunist¡ªforced himself to casually lounge with his chin propped on his palms as he sat on the fountain¡¯s edge, his demeanor relaxed and nonchalant. One guard stumbled in shock when they saw him, but they eventually waved a hand and grunted, clearly off to fry some bigger fish.


    Speaking of fish, Cade thought with a wry grin.


    He shoved his arm down and pulled up the wet mass of luscious brown curls. Water sprayed in every direction as the very naked man stood and shook out his hair like he was some freshly created god of beauty.


    ¡°Good grief,¡± Elena muttered as she took in the newcomer in all of his glory.


    Cade didn¡¯t miss how, despite her objection, she didn¡¯t look away. Orro placed a protective hand over Rayka¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Gods, Or! I¡¯m not a child!¡± Rayka cursed and tried to shove the hand away, but he was much stronger than her. She grumbled incoherently but, after a moment, surrendered.


    Cade nodded his thanks to Orro and turned to address the man, who sauntered to the edge of the pool.


    Every piece of him was out there.


    ¡°Excuse me, lad? Mind handing me my towel over there?¡± He asked Jer in the most succulent bass voice Cade had ever heard.


    Jer blushed but did as the man requested.


    ¡°Thanks for the cover,¡± the man said, shaking yet more water from his hair before he took the proffered towel.


    He lazily tied it around his waist again and stepped out of the fountain. Cade followed suit but placed a hand on the guy¡¯s shoulder. Near them, a clocktower chimed twelve times, indicating that it was noon. Cade reached into his pocket, and his brow furrowed at what he found there.


    Cade grinned, but his voice was all business. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Now, care to share why you took a dip in the city center? I can¡¯t imagine it had anything to do with the dozen guards sprinting through the square like Death was on their heels.¡±


    The man hesitated, then shrugged. He tried for a charming smile, but it was child¡¯s play compared to what Cade could produce when he needed it.


    At least, that¡¯s what Cade told himself.


    ¡°I was having a lovely time with a noblewoman. Truly, she was a gem. She told me she was a lonely widow overcome by grief. Naturally, I had to comfort her.¡± He clutched a hand to his chest and faced the sky as a few tears rolled down his cheeks. ¡°Turns out, her very-much-alive husband didn¡¯t appreciate my¡ªahh¡ªcompany. He even had the gall to call me a thief of all things!¡± The man protested.


    He put his hands on both of his hips and shook his head in offense.


    ¡°Did you steal anything?¡± Orro inquired in a flat tone.


    Rayka used the distraction to get out from under his grasp.


    ¡°Well,¡± The man continued while he rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°A few of their nick-nacks might¡¯ve caught my fancy, my darkly dressed friend. How was I to know that the little gold stamp on her desk was the house seal? Anyway, it was in the way as we¡ª¡± He cleared his throat when he saw Cade and Orro raise their eyebrows in a quiet threat. ¡°¡ªcomforted each other.¡±


    Elena barked out a laugh and approached with a skeptical look. ¡°Someone like you, wooing a noblewoman? I find that hard to believe.¡±


    The man smirked. ¡°I have a special way with women. I just know what they want.¡±


    The way he said it sent alarm bells ringing in Cade¡¯s mind. He checked his pocket again and got the confirmation he needed. As casually as he could, the young thief¡¯s eyes narrowed as he wrung out a portion of his shirt. ¡°You know just what they want, huh? Does your instinct only work on women?¡±


    The man¡¯s smirk faltered. ¡°Who said anything about that?¡±


    Orro, who had been quietly observing, stepped behind the man, blocking any chance of escape. ¡°We¡¯re not idiots. You slipped up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a lot of natural charm. Hells, we all saw what you¡¯re working with. But I think Elena here is right. Noblewomen don¡¯t invite paramours into their houses. You¡¯re a telepath, aren¡¯t you?¡± Cade demanded with a cheeky grin.


    ¡°Paramours?¡± Elena teased. ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Go read a book, El. You¡¯ll learn all kinds of new words,¡± Cade retorted, though his eyes never left the drenched man before him.


    ¡°Oh, I read plenty, Cade. But unlike you, I prefer the stuff you can¡¯t share without blushing.¡±


    Elena¡¯s smile bordered on evil when Cade¡¯s cheeks turned crimson.


    ¡°Anyway, what say you? Are you a telepath, or just really good in the sack?¡± Cade asked again. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    This time, Orro made a show of resting a hand on the pommel of his sword. In an adorable attempt to look intimidating, Bunny likewise narrowed his eyes and glared up at the stranger from his perch on the edge of the fountain.


    The man sighed, realizing he was cornered. ¡°Alright, fine. Yes, I¡¯m a telepath. But I¡¯m just fine with the other thing, too. Besides, you really shouldn¡¯t know this about me. How did you know?¡± He looked around nervously, his eyes scanning the meandering crowd.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Cade said with a reassuring smile. ¡°We¡¯re not here to expose you. As the gods would have it, we¡¯re actually looking for a telepath. Also, next time you feel an attuned focal stone in someone¡¯s pocket, maybe don¡¯t test out its limits with your mind mid-conversation.¡±


    ¡°Ahhh, so that was yours? Apologies. None of you seem to be born with this accursed gift.¡± The man gulped. ¡°What¡¯d you do with your old telepath?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re offering a deal,¡± Cade replied smoothly, ignoring the question. ¡°You help us, and we help you.¡±


    The man considered this for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m a member of a prestigious thieving guild. I don¡¯t need your help.¡±


    Elena laughed, a sharp, mocking sound. ¡°Nice try. If you were part of a guild, you wouldn¡¯t be running half-naked through the streets. You¡¯d have used one of their hiding holes instead.¡±


    The man¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Alright, I may not be as high up the pecking order as others like me, but that hardly matters.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I think it matters quite a lot, actually,¡± Cade countered. He squeezed the man¡¯s shoulder reassuringly. ¡°Because it means you¡¯re open to some collaboration. But why would any of the thieving guilds in town not want you around? Surely, it¡¯s not because of your clothing choices?¡±


    He hesitated for a long moment. Bunny jumped up and nuzzled Cade¡¯s neck.


    The man gulped again. ¡°No one wants me for long contracts because of¡­ health issues.¡±


    Cade¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°Health issues?¡±


    The man hesitated before admitting, ¡°I have¡­ episodes. Makes it hard to maintain trust.¡±


    Cade¡¯s mind worked quickly. ¡°We can work around that. But first, let¡¯s get you some clothes. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    The man hesitated again before finally saying, ¡°Gavin O¡¯Rourke.¡±


    Cade nodded. ¡°Alright, Gavin. I¡¯m Cade Stormhollow. Let¡¯s get you sorted.¡±


    ¡°Alright, but I have three conditions.¡± Gavin listed them off on his fingers before anyone could argue. ¡°One, I choose the clothes. I have standards and a reputation to uphold, current textile notwithstanding. Two, you are buying me pastries. And three, I only do day-jobs. If you¡¯re planning a job that requires the cover of darkness, you might as well give up now.¡±


    ¡°Done,¡± Cade agreed with elation, and he wrapped his arms around the man despite Gavin being nearly a head taller than the young thief.


    Rayka stepped in line next to Elena and whispered conspiratorially, ¡°Pastries?¡±


    Elena shrugged. ¡°Maybe they¡¯re sexy pastries? Or just really good?¡±


    The two of them giggled as Gavin led them to a nearby shop, where they procured some simple, yet refined clothing topped off by the gaudiest scarf Cade had ever laid eyes on. Reluctantly, he coughed up the coins to pay, and soon they were off again. As they walked, Cade kept the conversation light, probing for more information without seeming too eager.


    With his crew close behind and Bunny on his shoulder, Cade followed Gavin through a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, the sounds of the bustling city fading into a softer murmur. They arrived at a small, unassuming shop with a wooden sign hanging above the door that read ¡°The Hearth and Crumb.¡± The aroma of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries wafted out, enveloping them in a warm, inviting embrace.


    The interior of the bakery was a delightful contrast to its modest exterior. The walls were lined with shelves that displayed an array of colorful pastries and breads, each one more intricate and scrumptious than the last. The warm glow from the hearth cast a cozy light over the space, highlighting the craftsmanship of the baked goods.


    Behind the counter stood a burly dwarf, his thick arms and chest covered in a fine layer of flour. He worked with intense concentration, pulling a tray of golden biscuits from the large stone oven.


    Above the furnace was a heavy metal plate inscribed with the words ¡°the forge.¡± The heat from the oven gave his face a ruddy glow, and his eyes sparkled with pride as he inspected each perfectly baked pastry.


    Beside him, a tall, muscular orc woman delicately piped intricate designs onto a row of ¨¦clairs. Her fingers moved with surprising grace and precision, turning each pastry into a work of art. Her eyes, sharp and focused, softened as she glanced at the growing line of patrons eagerly awaiting their orders.


    ¡°Be right with ya!¡± She yelled over the crackling fire and din of the cramped, yet cozy, atmosphere.


    The bakery was filled with a mix of people: an elderly elf couple sharing a pot of tea, a group of giggling human children pointing excitedly at the colorful macarons, and a well-dressed gnome who appeared to be a regular, chatting amiably with the orc woman about the latest batch of sweet rolls.


    Bunny perched on Cade¡¯s shoulder with barely restrained greed. The tiny dragon inhaled deeply, and his bright emerald eyes widened with delight. He chirped excitedly, his little claws digging into Cade¡¯s flesh just enough for the young thief to remove the dragonling from his perch and coddle him in his arms.


    Cade winced at the tiny marks in his skin, but chuckled all the same. ¡°Alright, alright. I promised you the best, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    When they reached the front of the line, the dwarf behind the counter smiled broadly. ¡°What can I get for you all?¡±


    Cade flashed a charming smile. ¡°We¡¯ll take a platter of your finest pastries for my friend here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got good taste, lad,¡± the dwarf grunted. ¡°These are the best in Elysia.¡± The shopkeep pulled together the assortment of pastries with practiced ease.


    Gavin, who watched the bizarre interaction with mild amusement, shook his head. ¡°I thought dragonlings only ate meat.¡±


    Cade¡¯s grin faded by a small breadth. ¡°That¡¯s a stereotype perpetuated by ignorant bastards who don¡¯t know the first thing about dragons. Dragons are people too, Gavin. What you kill isn¡¯t who you are.¡±


    Jer coughed to hide the wild cackle that bubbled up his throat.


    The orc woman smiled, her tusks glinting in the warm light. ¡°A dragonling with a taste for sweets? I¡¯ll make sure to add a few extra treats just for him. Us carnivores need to stick together!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so confused,¡± Gavin breathed while he watched the odd exchange.


    Bunny practically vibrated with excitement as the platter was placed before him. Scaled tail wagging through the air like a tiny whip, he dove in immediately, savoring each bite with an expression of pure bliss. Cade watched him with a fond smile, feeling a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of their lives.


    As they settled at a small table, the rich scents and warm atmosphere of the bakery provided a temporary sanctuary. Cade took a bite of a flaky, honey-drizzled pastry, the flavors exploding in his mouth. He closed his eyes, relishing the moment.


    ¡°This place is incredible,¡± he said to Gavin, who was already halfway through a cinnamon roll. ¡°How did you find it?¡±


    Gavin shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. ¡°I have a knack for finding hidden gems. Plus, the owners are friends of mine.¡±


    Cade nodded, appreciating the break from their usual hustle. The Hearth and Crumb was more than just a bakery; it was a reminder of the small joys that could be found even in the most unexpected places.


    As they continued to enjoy their pastries, the dwarf and the orc worked seamlessly together, their camaraderie evident in their synchronized movements and shared laughter. The other patrons, too, seemed to bask in the warmth and comfort of the bakery, their conversations and laughter creating a harmonious backdrop to the delightful experience.


    For a brief moment, Cade allowed himself to relax, to enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked pastry and the company of friends. The world outside might be filled with danger and uncertainty, but here, in the heart of the Hearth and Crumb, there was peace.


    Peace that couldn¡¯t last.


    ¡°Look, Gavin, we need a telepath for the Tournament. You clearly need a team that can handle a few...complications. Join us, and we can help each other out.¡±


    ¡°Are you insane?!¡± Gavin balked. ¡°Not a chance. I¡¯m not walking into certain death, thank you very much.¡±


    Cade grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s be honest, you¡¯re a fugitive. We could just as easily turn you in.¡±


    Gavin¡¯s eyes widened, and he held up his hands defensively. ¡°Whoa there! Fugitive is such a strong word. I prefer ¡¯misunderstood freelancer.¡¯¡±


    All of them save Bunny pinned Gavin with a flat look.


    He groaned in defeat. ¡°Fine, yes I¡¯ll join your team. But my fee won¡¯t be cheap.¡±


    Cade put out his hand, and they clasped forearms. ¡°That¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll negotiate. But for now, welcome to the team, Gavin O¡¯Rourke.¡±


    As they shook, Cade felt a strange sense of optimism. With Gavin¡¯s telepathic abilities, they might actually have a chance in the Tournament. And if nothing else, their new teammate promised to make things interesting.


    ¡°Now to find two random fools dumb enough to join our team before sunset. What could go wrong?¡± Cade mused as he lifted another honey-coated slice of heaven to his mouth.


    So much.


    So much could go wrong.

 Chapter 24 (Part 1): Bottom of the Barrel

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


    <hr>


    Cade stood in front of a tavern that left much to be desired.


    ¡°Well, this is it! The Twisted Oak!¡± Gavin declared with pride.


    The telepath¡¯s new garments billowed slightly in a humid breeze that swam through the dirt and mildew-coated street. His scarf was composed of a bright teal and pink pattern, and was longer than he was tall. The afternoon light laced through Gavin¡¯s rich brown curls like a crown.


    Cade grimaced at the man¡¯s enthusiasm. On his shoulder, Bunny mimicked his expression, and they both simply stared up at the inn. There was nothing about this shoddy excuse of an establishment to get excited about. The brickwork was sloppy, all of the lines were wrong, and the door hung at an awkward angle.


    Art was dead.


    Again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± Orro declared as he stoically marched toward the entrance.


    ¡°How soon after registering are we allowed to stab our new teammates in the back?¡± Elena asked. She studied her nails as she casually flicked them free of errant dirt.


    Cade¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°You¡¯re going to be the death of me, aren¡¯t you, El?¡±


    ¡°Doubtful. That tongue of yours is going to get you killed long before I get around to it,¡± she retorted.


    ¡°C¡¯mon kids, settle down,¡± Jer interjected as he executed a clean front-handspring. ¡°You know you both don¡¯t have to fight over me like that, right?¡±


    ¡°I swear by the gods above and below Jer,¡± Elena yelled as she chased after her twin with vengeance in her eyes.


    He snickered and sped away.


    ¡°Well, now that they¡¯re gone, let¡¯s get to business shall we?¡± Cade asked in a jovial tone.


    Gavin smiled at their antics but nodded. ¡°Right this way!¡±


    The handsome telepath stepped through the entrance like he owned the place, Orro and Cade hot on his heels while Rayka trailed behind with Bunny. The moment they entered, conversations stopped all around the poorly lit room.


    Dozens of poorly repaired chairs and tables were stuffed into every corner and booth, and the occasional glowflake lantern was the only method of illumination in the entire tavern. Cade noticed the general state of the place and winced.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    If the bar left much to be desired then its patrons were worse. Far worse.


    The sour stench of sweaty backs and lukewarm air wafted through the space like a plume of poisonous gas. Cade took one more step inside the Twisted Oak and heard his boots squelch as they stuck to some unknown substance caked into the moist floorboards. It wasn¡¯t the worst tavern he had ever entered, but it was close. In the distance, a clocktower rang out three times.


    They were running out of time.


    Gavin navigated through the short labyrinth of empty chairs and leaned heavily against the iron-studded bar. The barkeep was a middle-aged woman with slightly pointed ears and a patchwork of scars across her set jaw and tanned neck. She squinted at anyone who approached the bar¡¯s counter like they were invaders seeking to rob and pillage rather than pay the two coppers it took to buy the cheap ale served here.


    ¡°Greta, darling!¡± Gavin began.


    The barkeep threw a wooden mug she¡¯d been polishing at his face, and he immediately backstepped, his sauve bravado gone.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°Who, more like,¡± Greta corrected. ¡°Lizzie says you walked out on her. Can¡¯t have that, now can we?¡±


    When Gavin tilted his head to the side, Greta cursed loudly.


    ¡°Hells, boy. You can¡¯t even remember which one of my girls Lizzie is, can ya?¡± the innkeep demanded.


    ¡°Brunette?¡± Gavin asked tentatively.


    ¡°Gods, you¡¯re hopeless, boy. Now, git before I throw me spear instead of a mug. And go pick that up, by the way,¡± Greta demanded.


    Cade, who stood a few paces behind the whole debacle, watched with no small amount of amusement as the handsome fellow stooped low to pick up the cup, bonked his head, and silently set it back on the counter before he walked away. Jer and Elena wandered in for the final moments and jeered as Gavin rejoined their group.


    Cade gestured, and they all shuffled into a nearby booth with slightly fewer stains than the others.


    ¡°Well, there goes your ¡¯amazing relationship with the owner,¡¯ Gavin,¡± the young thief noted blandly.


    At least the telepath had the good graces to look chagrined.


    ¡°So, are we off to the next pig sty?¡± Rayka inquired. Her lips curled in disgust when she placed her hand on the shared table, and it came up with a black smear across it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I think our fearless leader could convince one or two of the drunks here to join,¡± Elena countered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about poaching patrons without Greta¡¯s blessing. She wasn¡¯t kidding about the spear,¡± Gavin cut in with a surprisingly terrified expression that marred his otherwise handsome features.


    ¡°I can manage that,¡± Cade said suddenly.


    ¡°Yeah, right!¡± Rayka laughed. ¡°She nearly gutted Gavin here, and still looks in the mood to murder someone. Five gold says she threatens you and we all have to turn tail and run out of here!¡±


    ¡°Deal!¡± Jer and Elena said in perfect unison.


    They grinned at each other and slammed down their money.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that action,¡± Orro chimed in with a dark smirk behind his mask.


    He nonchalantly tossed five gold on the table while Gavin looked at them with an aghast expression.


    ¡°Orro! You too? I am offended!¡± Cade gasped. He stood with Bunny still on his shoulder and bowed to his friends. ¡°I will be taking all of your money in just a moment. I¡¯ll be right back with Greta¡¯s blessing, just you wait!¡±

 Chapter 24 (Part 2): Bottom of the Barrel

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Orro and the others watched with fascination as Cade walked over to the counter and waited while two burly dwarves were served. When the pair departed, Greta hesitated, her rigid back turned from his best friend. Orro noticed how the half-elf woman tilted her head, gritted her teeth, sighed, and then spoke with the young thief. Bunny leaned forward intently, his tail swaying side to side as he laid on the charm alongside his master.


    Cade leaned casually against the counter and flashed his most charming smile. Orro couldn¡¯t hear a word of their conversation over the din of the tavern, but he watched Greta¡¯s expression shift from suspicious and ready to murder someone, to wary. Cade continued to talk and gesticulate, and all of them around the table leaned in.


    The Grassblade assassin strained his senses, but a group of rowdy tourists barged in through the entrance, and he missed whatever Cade said next. He was about to yell at the newcomers, but a sharp burst of laughter drew his attention. The half-elf barkeep threw her head back, the sound ringing through the tavern like a sudden melody in the cacophony.


    ¡°No fucking way,¡± Elena hissed and shook her head slowly in disbelief. ¡°I pegged that woman as someone who wouldn¡¯t smile even when her worst enemy was tossed into one of the hells in front of her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s such a dark thing to get excited about, El.¡± Jer¡¯s tone was mocking, but Orro heard the subtle concern behind it.


    ¡°I like the dark,¡± Gavin commented and leaned back as he stared at Elena with a smolder so genuine Orro wanted to vomit.


    Or punch him in the face. Maybe both.


    Elena and Rayka burst into giggles when they saw Gavin¡¯s expression, and a blush snuck its way onto his stubbled cheeks.


    Cade chose that moment to return, a smile that stretched from ear to ear reaching across his freckled face. With him were mugs of ale for everyone.


    ¡°Courtesy of Greta,¡± he said and handed out the drinks.


    Then he held out his hand, well-earned smugness written plainly across his clean-shaven face. Elena flipped him her gold as she drowned herself in her mug, and Orro slid his coins toward his best friend. A soft chuckle escaped his lips, but he couldn¡¯t help it. His friend was amazing.


    Gavin ignored the girls and looked absolutely dumbfounded at Cade. ¡°Stormhollow, what did you say to get her blessing?¡±


    Rayka raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just use your fancy telepathy skills to find out?¡±


    Gavin shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not how it works. Without a focal stone to focus my powers on a person¡¯s unique magical signature, all I get are occasional impressions. Besides, it¡¯s rude to pry without permission.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that¡¯s stopped you before,¡± Elena snorted and took another deep swig of the ale. She winced, most likely disgusted by the sour taste, but she didn¡¯t complain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have you know I¡¯m the perfect gentleman!¡± Gavin yanked one of the unclaimed mugs over to his corner, spilling some of the foam across the already sticky table. Some of it got onto his new scarf, and he cursed in one of the elvish dialects.


    ¡°Seriously, how did you do it? I¡¯ve never seen Greta treat anyone like that, even her own children.¡± Gavin stared absently into his drink, and Orro saw a flash of something like guilt glint behind those bottomless eyes.


    Cade remained tight-lipped, his grin never faltering. ¡°Trade secrets, my friend. But Greta gave us permission to interview anyone willing to join our team. Jer, Elena, Rayka, go find us some diamonds in the rough, emphasis on rough. Take Bunny with you, as he¡¯s sure to charm the pants off anyone who¡¯s uncertain about joining us. We have a quota to meet and a sunset to avoid. Orro, Gavin, let¡¯s set up shop.¡±


    They arranged a makeshift recruitment table near the center of the tavern, a handwritten sign announcing their search for volunteers. The tavern¡¯s noise ebbed and flowed around them, a constant backdrop of clinking mugs and boisterous laughter.


    Time seemed to blur as a parade of unsuitable candidates shuffled forward. Orro¡¯s patience wore thin as he watched the spectacle unfold. The first volunteer¡ªa hulking brute of a man¡ªswayed on his feet, his breath reeking of stale beer.


    ¡°I¡¯m your guy,¡± he slurred, nearly toppling over.


    Orro watched as the drunk¡¯s eyes shifted from crossed to uncrossed over and over again. He signaled with his free hand that they should move on. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Cade managed a polite smile. ¡°Thank you for your interest. We¡¯ll be in touch.¡±


    Next, a lost tourist with a bewildered expression stepped up. ¡°Is this where the historical tour starts? I¡¯ve been dying to see some catacombs!¡±


    ¡°No, sorry. Try down the street, but be sure to wake up the straw-hatted gentleman you see before you start the tour,¡± Cade said, and Orro barely suppressed a laugh.


    Cade turned to him and shook his head in amazement. ¡°You¡¯d think more of those battle-hungry travelers we passed coming in would jump at the chance to join the Tournament.¡±


    ¡°Courage is found not in the volume of one¡¯s boasts, but in the quiet next step toward danger,¡± Orro replied.


    ¡°Seriously, Or. Poetry. Write some. Gods know this shitty world needs some beauty returned to it.¡± Cade turned back to the table as a small child approached.


    The young girl was barely able to lift the oversized sword she dragged behind her, but her fierce look more than made up for it.


    ¡°I¡¯m a deadly warrior,¡± she declared boldly, but the sentiment was ruined by the sharp crack in her voice.


    Orro crossed his arms and stepped forward. ¡°We have no doubt about that. But can you lift that sword of yours, little one?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not little!¡± She yelled, and her lip quivered dangerously.


    The child struggled, grunting with effort before her shoulders sagged in defeat. She turned to leave, but Orro raised a hand to stop her. He reached into his cloak and procured one of a dozen cylinders tucked neatly away. He strode over and knelt down.


    ¡°Being little lets you slip past most people. It¡¯s a strength. Wield it while you¡¯ve got it. Also, use this instead.¡± He handed the girl the cylinder, and she hesitantly took it.


    She heaved and propped the greatsword against the table and wiped her eyes with the back of her dirtied sleeve. She opened the cylinder and a heavy metal object slid out.


    ¡°This dagger is called a kunai,¡± he explained. ¡°It comes from a village far, far, away. It has many uses. Learn them all, and you¡¯ll be able to defend yourself against anyone in here in no time.¡±


    Orro stood and walked back to the desk. Before he got there, however, a small impact collided with his leg and hip. He peered down, ready to strike, when he saw the little girl let go of her hug and dash out of the Twisted Oak. His eyes darted from the retreating form and then back to Cade and Gavin.


    ¡°Breathe a word of this, and I will castrate you both,¡± Orro promised.


    ¡°Yes, Dad,¡± Cade answered.


    Orro growled and grabbed the greatsword, lifting it with ease. He placed it behind their desk and refused to make eye contact with either of his compatriots. He might¡¯ve imagined it, but the sharded blade he possessed grew warmer for a short while after the girl disappeared.


    The next person to approach their table was a pretty woman with seaweed green hair and wore an apron with the Twisted Oak¡¯s emblem over her simple dress. She said nothing, her eyes fixed on Gavin. She marched up to him, spat into his face, and slapped him hard across the face before turning on her heel and leaving. Gavin rubbed his cheek, looking both offended and bewildered.


    ¡°Was that Lizzie?¡± Cade asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.


    Gavin sighed. ¡°I have no idea. Don¡¯t tell Greta.¡±


    Orro leaned back, his patience fraying. The line continued, each volunteer more unsuitable than the last. There was a bard who tried to serenade them into taking him on, a pair of gnomes who seemed more interested in stealing their belongings than joining their team, and an eccentrically tattooed man from the Northern Hills who accidentally set his own robes on fire mid-introduction.


    Each rejection was met with varying degrees of disappointment and bemusement from Cade, who somehow managed to keep his composure throughout.


    Finally, as the line dwindled and the sky grew darker, Orro¡¯s frustration intensified. His fingers drummed impatiently on the table, his mind a whirlwind of irritation and dark humor.


    ¡°Is this what we¡¯ve come to?¡± he muttered with a glare.


    The latest volunteer¡ªa woman who claimed to be a master of disguise¡ªkept morphing her image into random animals, much to the tavern¡¯s amusement and annoyance.


    The illusion magic was so obvious that he wanted to scream.


    Cade was not so proud as to reject her assistance, but when he said they were competing in the Tournament of Life, she grew pale and fled the tavern.


    Orro was ready to go on a killing spree just to let off some steam.


    They had officially found the bottom of the barrel.


    Cade chuckled, though it was a bit forced. He patted Orro on the back.


    ¡°Patience, my friend,¡± the thief said softly. ¡°The right person will come along. Besides, look at the bright side¡ªwe got some free entertainment out of it.¡±


    Orro grunted, his eyes scanning the tavern one last time. He had to admit, as frustrating as the afternoon had been, it had also been a reminder of the unpredictable and often ridiculous nature of their lives. Despite the setbacks, though, there was always a glimmer of hope in Cade¡¯s eyes, a fierce conviction that things would eventually fall into place.


    Orro loved him for that.


    The assassin stood and prepared to strongarm a few guards to their cause. They had failed here, and it was time to move on.


    And so it was only natural that right then a man smashed head first through the Twisted Oak¡¯s door as a paladin screamed a warcry through the streets. Several dark forms sprinted down the street and up a nearby alley, weapons glinting as one of them carried a struggling woman over his shoulder.


    Cade turned to Gavin, an unreadable expression on his face. ¡°Is there a side exit to this place?¡±


    Orro¡¯s pulse began to race. Maybe he would get to blow off some steam after all.


    It was time to sheathe his kunai hilt-deep into the rotten underbelly of this city. Orro grinned beneath his mask.


    It was time to go kill some kidnappers.

 Chapter 25: The Darkness Within

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Yep.


    Nora could tell this wasn¡¯t going to go well.


    The golden light of the evening sun bathed Elysia in a warm glow, casting long shadows across cobblestone streets adorned with vibrant banners and garlands. Glowflakes shimmered in the light, embedded as they were in every surface, and the effect cast a dazzling array of light across the ground.


    The air buzzed with excitement, a palpable energy that seemed to infuse every corner of the ancient metropolis. The Tournament of Life was upon them, and the city had transformed into a kaleidoscope of color and sound.


    Nora¡¯s eyes darted from shadow to shadow as she navigated the crowded streets of Elysia, her warrior¡¯s instincts on high alert. The press of bodies around her set her nerves on edge, each accidental brush against her arm causing her fingers to twitch towards the sword that was no longer at her hip.


    She felt exposed and vulnerable without Wavebreaker¡¯s comforting weight. But more pressing than her own discomfort was the challenge of keeping track of her companion.


    That silly siren could not be still.


    Evie flitted through the crowd like a hummingbird, her hair catching the light as she darted from one colorful stall to the next. Nora bit back a sigh of frustration as she quickened her pace, her longer strides easily closing the distance between them.


    She couldn¡¯t afford to let the siren out of her sight, not with the prickling sensation of unseen eyes following their every move.


    ¡°Evie!¡± Nora called out, exasperation coloring her voice as she reached out to snag the back of her companion¡¯s billowing sleeve. ¡°For the love of the gods, would you please try to stay close? I can¡¯t protect you if you¡¯re halfway across the city.¡±


    The siren turned, her iridescent eyes sparkling with mischief and wonder. ¡°But Nora, look!¡± She pointed excitedly at a group of street performers juggling balls of multicolored fire. ¡°Have you ever seen anything so marvelous? Do you think they¡¯d teach me how to do that?¡±


    Nora pinched the bridge of her nose, fighting back a smile despite herself. ¡°I think setting you on fire would be a bad idea, even if it is pretty to look at. Now come on, we need to focus. We¡¯re supposed to be looking for¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ooh, what¡¯s that smell?¡± Evie interrupted, her delicate nose twitching as she caught a whiff of something delicious.


    Without waiting for an answer, she darted off towards a nearby food stall, weaving through the crowd with surprising agility.


    ¡°Evie!¡± Nora groaned, shouldering her way past a group of giggling noblewomen to keep up with her charge. ¡°We don¡¯t have time for¡ªoh, sweet mercy, is that roasted cinnamon apples?¡±


    The vendor, a portly man with a bushy mustache and twinkling eyes, grinned at the two women. ¡°Indeed it is, my dears! Fresh from the orchards of Silvergrove, dipped in honey and sprinkled with the finest Elysian cinnamon. Care for a taste?¡±


    Evie was already reaching for one of the glistening treats, but Nora gently caught her wrist. ¡°We really shouldn¡¯t,¡± she said, though her resolve was wavering in the face of such temptation.


    ¡°Oh, come now,¡± Evie pouted, her lower lip quivering in a way that was entirely too adorable for Nora¡¯s peace of mind. ¡°We¡¯ve been walking for hours, and we¡¯re no closer to finding this Cade Stormhollow fellow. Surely a little snack won¡¯t hurt?¡±


    Nora sighed, reaching for her coin purse.


    ¡°Two, please,¡± she said to the vendor, who beamed and handed over the steaming apples.


    As they continued down the street, Nora couldn¡¯t help but smile at the look of pure bliss on Evie¡¯s face as she bit into the treat.


    ¡°Now,¡± Nora said between bites of her own apple. ¡°It might help if we actually had some idea of where to look for this Stormhollow character. You wouldn¡¯t happen to have any brilliant insights on that front, would you?¡±


    Evie shrugged, licking a drop of honey from her finger. ¡°Not really. I just know he¡¯s supposed to be here somewhere. Maybe we should ask around?¡±


    ¡°Oh, brilliant plan,¡± Nora drawled. ¡°Excuse me, good sir, have you seen a mysterious and powerful mage wandering about? No? How about you, madam? Any all-powerful sorcerers in your soup today?¡±


    Evie giggled, the sound like tinkling bells. ¡°Well, when you put it like that, it does sound a bit silly. But you never know! Maybe we¡¯ll get lucky and he¡¯ll just fall out of the sky right in front of us.¡±


    As if on cue, a figure came hurtling out of a first-floor window of a nearby tavern, landing in a heap at their feet. Nora instinctively pushed Evie behind her, hand reaching for a sword that was no longer there.


    The man groaned, slowly pushing himself to his feet. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a mop of unruly dark hair and a scruffy beard. His clothes were of fine quality, though they were now covered in dust and what looked suspiciously like ale.


    ¡°Well,¡± he said, dusting himself off with as much dignity as he could muster. ¡°That could have gone better.¡±


    Evie peered around Nora¡¯s protective arm, eyes wide. ¡°Are you Cade Stormhollow?¡± she asked eagerly.


    The man blinked, clearly taken aback. ¡°Uh, no. Name¡¯s Brynn. Brynn the Unlucky, at your service.¡± He gave a theatrical bow, wincing as he straightened up. ¡°Though I suppose today I¡¯m living up to my name a bit more than usual.¡±


    Nora relaxed slightly, though she kept a wary eye on their surroundings. ¡°What happened?¡± she asked, nodding towards the tavern. ¡°Lover¡¯s quarrel?¡±


    Brynn chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. ¡°Nothing so exciting, I¡¯m afraid. Just a friendly disagreement over the finer points of Dwarven ale versus Elven wine. Some people can get quite passionate about their libations.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Nora said dryly. ¡°Well, as fascinating as this has been, we really should be going. Come on, Evie.¡±


    But Evie, predictably, was too distracted by the scraggly newcomer.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve never heard of Cade Stormhollow?¡± she asked him. ¡°We think he¡¯s supposed to be this incredibly powerful mage, and we need to find him because... well, actually, I¡¯m not entirely sure why we need to find him, but it¡¯s very important!¡±


    Brynn stroked his beard thoughtfully. ¡°Can¡¯t say I have, but if you¡¯re looking for someone who knows their way around the magical circles of Elysia, you might want to try the Mages¡¯ Quarter. It¡¯s just past the Grand Plaza, can¡¯t miss it. All those glowing runes and floating crystals tend to stand out.¡±


    Nora perked up at this, her first real lead since they¡¯d arrived in the city. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, genuinely grateful. ¡°That¡¯s actually quite helpful.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Always happy to assist a pair of lovely ladies,¡± Brynn said with a wink. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I believe I have some fences to mend. And possibly some tables to replace.¡±


    With another bow, he sauntered back into the tavern, whistling a jaunty tune.


    A weary sigh escaped Nora¡¯s lips as she scanned the crowded streets. The city was bursting at the seams with visitors for the tournament, every inn and guesthouse likely packed to capacity. The prospect of finding a safe place to rest for the night seemed to dwindle with each passing moment. She could feel exhaustion tugging at her limbs, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on her shoulders.


    ¡°We need to find somewhere to stay,¡± Nora muttered, more to herself than to Evie.


    Nora¡¯s jaw clenched, determination hardening her features. They¡¯d find a place, even if she had to knock on every door in Elysia. She¡¯d made a promise to protect Evie, and she¡¯d be damned if a lack of proper accommodations would be the thing to break it.


    As they continued down the bustling street, Nora kept a firm grip on Evie¡¯s sleeve, determined not to lose her again in the ever-growing crowd. The Tournament of Life was going to start any day now, and that drew people from all corners of the realm. Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, and the air filled with the mingled scents of exotic spices and sizzling meats. Street performers of every description vied for attention, from fire-breathers to acrobats to illusionists conjuring shimmering visions of far-off lands.


    ¡°Nora, look!¡± Evie gasped, tugging on her companion¡¯s arm. ¡°Isn¡¯t it beautiful?¡±


    Following Evie¡¯s gaze, Nora had to admit that the sight before them was indeed breathtaking. A troupe of elven dancers had taken center stage in a small square, their lithe bodies moving in perfect synchronization as they wove intricate patterns in the air. Ribbons of light trailed from their fingertips, painting the air with swirling colors that seemed to pulse in time with the haunting melody played by unseen musicians.


    As they watched, transfixed, Nora became aware of a prickling sensation at the back of her neck. Years of training and hard-won experience had honed her instincts to a razor¡¯s edge, and now those instincts were screaming that something was very wrong.


    At first, she saw nothing but the nearby tavern and its weathered wooden sign that swung gently in the evening breeze.


    The Twisted Oak.


    The sign was covered in faded letters, the image of a gnarled tree etched beneath. The tavern stood like a brooding sentinel amidst the colorful festival decorations, its windows glowing with a dull, amber light that spoke more of danger than warmth.


    She felt Evie shift beside her, the siren¡¯s eyes widening with curiosity at the raucous laughter spilling from the open door. Nora¡¯s hand instinctively tightened on Evie¡¯s arm. The last thing they needed was to stumble into a den of cutthroats and ne¡¯er-do-wells, especially with Evie¡¯s penchant for attracting trouble.


    Casually, she scanned the crowd, her sharp eyes picking out details that others might miss. There¡ªa hooded figure near the edge of the square, their gaze fixed a little too intently on Evie.


    And there¡ªanother, partially hidden behind a fruit stand, hand resting oh-so-casually on the hilt of a mostly concealed weapon.


    ¡°Evie,¡± Nora said softly, careful not to let her tension creep into her voice. ¡°I think it¡¯s time we moved on. We still need to find an inn for the night, and I could use a new sword.¡±


    But Evie, entranced by the performance, barely seemed to hear her. ¡°Just a few more minutes,¡± she pleaded, her eyes never leaving the dancers. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like this before!¡±


    Nora bit back a frustrated growl. She couldn¡¯t exactly drag Evie away without causing a scene, which was the last thing they needed right now. Instead, she shifted her stance slightly, positioning herself between Evie and the majority of the crowd. If trouble was coming¡ªand she was increasingly certain that it was¡ªshe wanted to be ready.


    As the dance reached its crescendo, the air itself seemed to vibrate with the power of the music, and Nora saw the trap beginning to close. More hooded figures had appeared, forming a loose circle around them. To the casual observer, it might have looked like nothing more than the natural ebb and flow of the crowd, but Nora knew better.


    The dance ended in a burst of light and applause, and Evie finally turned away, her face flushed with excitement. ¡°Did you see that? It was like they were painting with starlight! I wonder if¡ª¡±


    ¡°Evie,¡± Nora cut her off, her voice low and urgent. ¡°We need to leave. Now.¡±


    Something in her tone must have finally gotten through to the siren, because Evie¡¯s smile faltered.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked, suddenly alert.


    But it was too late. As Nora reached for Evie¡¯s hand, intending to guide her swiftly through the dispersing crowd, a wall of muscle and menace materialized before them. The hooded figures had shed their cloaks, revealing a motley assortment of scarred and brutish warriors, each armed to the teeth.


    ¡°We got ten, I¡¯d wager,¡± one of the men said as he leaned back to glance around the crowd. ¡°Fifteen tops before those soldiers circle back.¡±


    Hmm.


    That meant these brutes weren¡¯t scared to cause a scene in the middle of a crowd.


    Noted. Maybe she could even use that to her advantage.


    ¡°Ladies,¡± rumbled the largest of the group, a mountain of a man with a face like a badly carved chunk of granite. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll need to come with us. Our employer would very much like a word.¡±


    Nora¡¯s lips curled into a predatory grin, a vicious contrast to the fear evident on Evie¡¯s face.


    ¡°Well now,¡± she said with a chuckle. ¡°That¡¯s just not going to work for us, gents. Step aside, and we¡¯ll be on our way.¡±


    ¡°Look,¡± he snapped. ¡°We can do this the peaceful way, or the painful one. Your choice, sweetheart.¡±


    Nora¡¯s eyes narrowed in unspoken warning. ¡°Painful sounds fun.¡±


    The big man¡¯s eyebrows rose slightly, clearly not expecting this reaction. ¡°Come quietly, girlie, and no one needs to get hurt.¡±


    Nora stretched her neck a bit, her glare never faltering. ¡°But I like hurting people.¡±


    If she were being honest, this was more of a facade than anything else¡ªor, at least, that was what she kept telling herself.


    The dark reality of the shadows rippling through her veins made her smile falter, and she did her best to focus on the impending fight around her.


    The tension in the air was palpable. Nora¡¯s muscles tensed, ready to spring into action as she took in the scene before her. The once-crowded square had cleared in an instant, leaving a rough circle of onlookers who watched with a mixture of fear and morbid curiosity. The cobblestones beneath her feet still radiated warmth from the day¡¯s sun, but Nora felt a chill run down her spine as she locked eyes with their would-be captors.


    To her left, the abandoned performance stage stood as a silent witness, ribbons of faded light still hanging in the air like ghostly afterimages of the elven dancers¡¯ magic. The sweet scent of spilled wine mingled with the acrid tang of sweat, creating a nauseating cocktail that hung heavy in the air.


    With the Twisted Oak tavern behind her, there was no way out but through the gathered throng of thugs. Nora¡¯s gaze flicked from face to face, cataloging threats and weaknesses with the practiced eye of a seasoned warrior. The men before her were a motley crew, their mismatched armor and weapons speaking of mercenary work rather than any organized military force.


    But what they lacked in uniformity, they made up for in sheer numbers and brutal intent.


    A flicker of movement caught her attention, and Nora¡¯s eyes narrowed as she watched a few of the men produce coils of rope from their belts. A humorless smile tugged at the corner of Nora¡¯s mouth as she considered the absurdity of the situation.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to need more than that to stop me, boys,¡± she said, her voice carrying a dangerous edge that belied the lightness of her words.


    The fading sunlight glinted off blade and armor alike as the men exchanged uneasy glances. Even without her armor or Wavebreaker at her side, she knew she was still an imposing figure. Her eyes, hard as steel and just as unforgiving, dared them to make the first move.


    With a growl of frustration, six of the men pulled out additional lengths of rope. The sight might have been comical if the situation weren¡¯t so dire. It almost looked as though they¡¯d raided a ship¡¯s supply of rigging in preparation for this encounter.


    Nora¡¯s smile faltered slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face before she masked it with her usual bravado.


    ¡°Huh,¡± she said, her voice dripping with false nonchalance. ¡°Well, alright, that might actually be enough rope.¡±


    As she spoke, Nora shifted her stance ever so slightly, angling her body to keep Evie shielded behind her. She could feel the siren trembling.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay, Birdie,¡± she whispered to her friend.


    As the words left her lips, Nora tensed, ready for the inevitable onslaught. The air crackled with anticipation, like the moment before a lightning strike.


    She knew that in mere seconds, this uneasy standoff would erupt into chaos. Her mind raced, formulating and discarding plans of attack and escape with dizzying speed. The odds of getting out of this weren¡¯t great, but she had survived worse.


    Besides, she had been through hell these past few days, and she really needed to let off some steam.

 Chapter 26: PUNCHY PUNCHY

    <h4> </h4>


    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    The festive atmosphere of Elysia¡¯s streets had evaporated in an instant, leaving behind a palpable tension that set Nora¡¯s nerves on edge. As rays of sunlight stretched across the roofs overhead, casting long shadows across the cobblestones, Nora felt Evie trembling behind her. The siren¡¯s ragged breathing served as a stark reminder of what was at stake ¨C Evie¡¯s freedom, and quite possibly both their lives.


    Nora¡¯s hand instinctively reached for Wavebreaker, finding only empty air where her trusted sword should have been. She gritted her teeth, acutely aware of her vulnerability as the circle of armed men closed in. Without her weapon, outmatched and cornered, Nora knew this fight would push her to her limits.


    The tension shattered, and everything happened at once.


    One of the men lunged for Evie, managing to grab her wrist. Without hesitation, Nora lashed out, her hand striking his elbow with pinpoint precision. There was a sickening crack, and the man howled in pain, releasing Evie as he clutched his now-useless arm.


    Another brute seized Evie from behind, and Nora reacted on pure instinct. Grabbing the man¡¯s shirt, she pivoted, using his own momentum to hurl him over her head. He sailed through the air and crashed head-first through the tavern¡¯s wall.


    Oops.


    What remained of the crowd scattered. Nora fought like a woman possessed, her body a blur of motion as she struck out at any who dared come near.


    But for every attacker she felled, two more seemed to take their place.


    ¡°I really need to get a new sword,¡± Nora growled through gritted teeth as she ducked a slash from a nearby man¡¯s blade. She drove her elbow into yet another leering face.


    Despite her skill and ferocity, Nora knew she was fighting a losing battle. Without Wavebreaker, she felt off-balance, vulnerable in a way she hadn¡¯t experienced in years. The press of bodies was overwhelming, rough hands grabbing at her arms and legs as they tried to subdue her.


    Powerful as she was, even she could be outnumbered¡ªand the odds of her winning this weren¡¯t looking great.


    Through the chaos, she heard Evie¡¯s terrified scream. Looking up, she saw three of the men dragging the struggling siren away. Evie¡¯s eyes were wide with fear as she reached out desperately towards Nora.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± Evie cried, her voice cracking.


    Oh, hells no.


    Something inside Nora snapped. The frustration, the fear, the sheer rage at seeing Evie in danger¡ªit all came boiling to the surface and threatened to consume her. She felt the familiar stirring of her shadowy magic deep in her bones, and without Wavebreaker to quell the surge, the power she had worked so hard to control now bubbled just beneath her skin.


    Without the enchantments on her sword to channel and focus her abilities, Nora felt herself slipping. The carefully maintained barriers between her conscious mind and the swirling chaos of her magic began to crumble, and she lost control.


    To her astonishment, a part of her felt an odd sense of relief as her final walls fell.


    ¡°Hurry up and knock her out!¡± one of the men shouted, panic evident in his voice. ¡°The city guard will be here any minute!¡±


    But it was too late¡­


    ¡­for them.


    The world around Nora seemed to slow, each heartbeat stretching into an eternity as she felt the last threads of her control snap. The rage that had been simmering beneath the surface erupted, a volcano of dark power that could no longer be contained.


    With a primal roar that shook the cobblestones beneath her feet, Nora surrendered herself to the magic that coursed through her veins.


    Shadow and darkness poured from her body in great, roiling waves. The air itself seemed to thicken, light bending and warping around her as if trying to escape the maelstrom of power. Tendrils of inky blackness coalesced around her, writhing like serpents eager for the kill.


    And with the darkness, all the color drained from her surroundings.


    Nora¡¯s world turned into grays and blacks. The late afternoon was gone, and in its place a midnight deeper than a starless sky.


    The nearest attacker, a burly man with a scarred face, lunged forward with a length of rope. Nora¡¯s hand shot out, faster than a thought, her fingers curling into a claw. A tendril of shadow followed her movement, wrapping around the man¡¯s throat and lifting him off his feet. With a flick of her wrist, she sent him hurtling into three of his comrades, their bodies crumpling in a tangle of limbs and curses.


    Two more rushed her from opposite sides, no doubt trying to overwhelm her with sheer numbers. Nora dropped into a low crouch, the shadows laced with silver around her condensing into a swirling vortex. As her attackers reached her, she exploded upward, her body twisting in a graceful pirouette. The shadow followed, forming a lethal spiral that caught both men mid-stride. They cried out in pain and terror as the darkness seeped into their skin, leaving them writhing on the ground.


    A glint of steel caught Nora¡¯s eye¡ªone of the smarter thugs had drawn a sword, its edge gleaming in the fading light. He approached more cautiously than his fellows, blade held at the ready.


    Nora¡¯s lips curled into a feral grin. This, at least, was familiar territory.


    She feinted left, shadows flowing around her like a second skin. The swordsman took the bait, committing to a powerful slash that would have cleaved her in two had it connected.


    But Nora was no longer there.


    She ducked under his guard, her body moving with inhuman speed. As she rose, her elbow connected with his solar plexus, driving the air from his lungs. Before he could recover, Nora¡¯s hand closed around his wrist. With a savage twist, she forced him to release the weapon.


    The sword clattered to the cobblestones, but it never reached the ground. Tendrils of shadow wrapped around the hilt, lifting it into the air. Nora stepped back, her eyes never leaving her opponent as the blade began to orbit her body, picking up speed until it was nothing but a blur of deadly motion.


    From somewhere deep within the folds of darkness, a gruesome shriek not of this world echoed through the alleyway.


    Nora¡¯s blood turned to ice.


    She knew that sound, knew what it belonged to.


    Her limbs moved faster as the object of so many of her nightmares approached through the unspoken invitation of her shadows.


    She didn¡¯t have long now.


    Three more attackers charged forward, emboldened by desperation or sheer stupidity. Nora¡¯s stolen sword lashed out, guided by will alone. It danced between the men, a whirlwind of steel that left cuts and gashes in its wake. They fell back, clutching at wounds that seemed to appear as if by magic.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    But Nora was far from finished.


    She reached out with both hands, fingers splayed wide. The shadows responded, stretching and growing until they formed massive, clawed appendages that dwarfed her own. With a roar of triumph and rage, she brought these shadow-hands together in a thunderous clap.


    The shockwave rippled outward, a visible distortion in the air that sent the remaining attackers flying. Bodies sailed through the air like rag dolls, crashing into market stalls and slamming against stone walls. The sound of splintering wood and shattering pottery filled the air, punctuated by groans of pain and terror.


    As the dust began to settle, Nora stood at the epicenter of the destruction, her chest heaving with exertion. The shadows around her writhed and pulsed, eager for more violence.


    And Nora stood there, lost in the bloodthirsty fog that always befell her when her dark magic took over. She hadn¡¯t let it roam free in years, and it was making up for lost time. The heretic paladin listened for any hints that her nightmare was any closer, but thankfully, none presented themselves.


    Maybe it had lost interest.


    She doubted it.


    Most of her attackers lay still, unconscious or too badly injured to pose any further threat. A few of the luckier ones were crawling away, desperation lending strength to battered limbs as they sought to escape the demon they had unwittingly awakened.


    Nora took a step forward, the cobblestones cracking beneath her feet. The part of her mind that still clung to reason screamed for restraint, and a piercing bolt of pain shot through her skull. She winced, the two parts of her dueling for control, but she refused to surrender to the darkness.


    She was a protector.


    It was in her soul, a part of her identity, even though the desire for even more of this intoxicating power swam through her veins.


    This was a war she had waged so many times before, but she always felt dread at the thought that she might one day lose.


    The tendrils of darkness retracted, slithering back beneath her skin like reluctant serpents returning to their den. The stolen sword clattered to the ground. Nora staggered, suddenly feeling the full weight of exhaustion pressing down upon her.


    But she wasn¡¯t done.


    She still had to save Evie.


    As the last wisps of shadow faded away, Nora looked around at the devastation she had caused. Color slowly returned to the world, but that only made the wreckage stand out further.


    The once-bustling square now looked like the aftermath of a small war. Market stalls lay in ruins, their colorful awnings torn and fluttering in the breeze. Unconscious bodies were strewn about like discarded dolls, and the few bystanders who hadn¡¯t fled stared at her with a mixture of terror and awe.


    Shame and regret washed over her in equal measure. This wasn¡¯t justice¡ªit was unbridled destruction, the very thing she had sworn to protect others from.


    Exhausted though she was by the onslaught, she grabbed the sword off the ground and staggered in the direction Evie¡¯s captors had taken. Her grip on the sword¡¯s hilt was weak, but she managed to hold on to it. She picked up speed the longer she remained upright, until she was sprinting through the increasingly crowded road. Passersby stared at her as she plowed through the throng of people, and most of them were smart enough to step out of her way.


    ¡°Evie!¡± she shouted, too weak and exhausted to care if anyone else heard.


    The siren¡¯s muffled scream reached her ears, and Nora¡¯s resolve hardened. The paladin could feel her silver-ranked core slowly refill its reserves from the ambient magic, but it wouldn¡¯t be ready even if she had the courage to use it so soon again.


    Breathing labored, she skidded to a stop and darted toward the sound, her ears attuned to Evie¡¯s voice as she followed it through the marketplace.


    They were moving fast, but Nora was moving faster.


    She rounded a corner in the alley and, there at the far end and backed against a wall, was a towering brute of a man. One massive arm held Evie to his chest, and he held a chipped sword in the other.


    Before she could even speak, Nora¡¯s world exploded into white-hot agony as something hard slammed into her back. The impact sent shockwaves through her body, stealing the breath from her lungs and causing her vision to blur. The clatter of steel on stone pierced the air as her weapon fell from her grip. For a moment, time seemed to stretch, her body suspended in mid-air before she fell to the ground.


    Hard.


    She crashed face-first into the cobblestone, and the taste of copper flooded her mouth as her teeth cut into her cheek. The once-festive streets of Elysia now felt like a battlefield, the cobblestones slick with spilled blood.


    Her own blood, she realized dimly.


    Through the haze of pain, Nora forced her eyes to focus. She no longer held the sword, and she had no idea where it had gone. Ahead, she caught a glimpse of her friend wriggling in the burly man¡¯s grasp. He was laughing as he looked down at Nora.


    That bastard.


    With a growl that was equal parts determination and pain, Nora planted her palms against the ground. Her arms trembled with the effort of pushing herself up, muscles protesting every inch of movement. She made it to her knees before a boot caught her in the ribs, sending her sprawling once more.


    ¡°Stay down,¡± a gruff voice snarled from above. ¡°You¡¯ve lost, girl. No guards patrol this quarter. No one¡¯s coming to help you.¡±


    But Nora wasn¡¯t listening. Her entire world had narrowed to a single point: Evie¡¯s helpless form. Nothing else mattered¡ªnot her blurred vision, nor the splinters of pain crackling through her body, nor even the warm trickle of blood she could feel running down her temple.


    She dragged herself forward, fingernails scraping against stone as she clawed her way across the ground. Each movement sent fresh waves of pain crashing through her, but she pushed it aside and locked it away in a corner of her mind.


    With a strangled scream that tore at her already raw throat, she surged to her feet. The world tilted dangerously, black spots dancing at the edges of her vision, but she remained standing through sheer force of will.


    Two of her attackers stood between her and Evie, their expressions a mixture of surprise and begrudging respect. Nora¡¯s lips curled into a feral grin, and she could taste blood.


    ¡°You want me?¡± She swayed on her feet but raised her fists nonetheless. ¡°Then come and get me.¡±


    The men shared a sidelong glance that was equal parts bemused and afraid.


    ¡°Enough!¡± the burly man holding Evie said. ¡°You¡¯re done, little girl. Surrender, or I¡¯ll slit this one¡¯s throat!¡±


    ¡°No, you won¡¯t,¡± a buttery voice replied.


    Nora frowned and looked over her shoulder toward the voice. She squinted as she tried to make out who¡¯d said that.


    A man peeled from the shadows, his blonde hair catching the light from the slowly setting sun. He strolled forward slowly, hands in his pockets. For some reason, despite his nonchalance, the man reminded her of a cat preparing to pounce.


    It was the walk, she realized. His gait. It was a lazy saunter, like a predator stalking its prey.


    ¡°What¡¯s to stop me from slitting this bitch¡¯s throat here and now if you take another step forward?¡± the burly man demanded.


    The blonde man halted, and Nora caught the white of his teeth as he smiled. It was a cold, vicious thing.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re already dead.¡± Another man¡¯s voice rang out through the dark alleyway, and the glint of an orange blade shimmered through the air behind the ringleader.


    It slashed cleanly through the wrist that held the dagger, expertly missing any part of Evie¡¯s frightened form. Before the brute could even scream, the shadowy man stabbed him clear through the heart.


    The two surviving goons yelled in surprise. When they met the dark assassin¡¯s eye, they both turned tail and ran as fast as they could out of the alley.


    With the threats gone, Nora stumbled forward. She was at Evie¡¯s side in seconds, and though she registered the possible threat from the newcomers, she let her guard down for just a moment.


    They had helped her, after all.


    ¡°Birdie, are you okay?¡± Nora asked, her breath uneven as she took in the various cuts and bruises her best friend had collected.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Nor. Thank you. I¡­ I thought¡­¡± Evie started, but her words were replaced by sobs.


    Nora held her close and let the siren weep for as long as she needed, but there was still the threat of possible danger looming over them.


    She glanced up at the blonde man as the shadowy assassin walked to his side.


    ¡°My name¡¯s Cade,¡± the blonde man said. ¡°Cade¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stormhollow,¡± Evie said through her tears with a gasp of awe.


    Nora groaned. ¡°Of course we had to find him on the tail end of an ass beating.¡±


    Cade¡¯s smile faltered, and he threw his hands up at the sky in apparent frustration. ¡°Are you serious? We save someone and they¡¯re part of the thieving guilds, too? All we want are some teammates to¡ª¡±


    The shadowy assassin elbowed Cade in the gut, and Cade let out a guttural grunt.


    ¡°We¡¯re not in any guilds,¡± Nora said firmly.


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Evie whispered, just loud enough for Nora to hear.


    ¡°No idea,¡± Nora whispered back. ¡°It¡¯s not like we can just say, excuse me sir, but the stars said to find you, so you¡¯re stuck with us now.¡±


    Despite the bruises and scratches on her face, Evie giggled.


    Then, behind all of them, a handsome gentleman arrived and leaned lazily against the grimy wall. Evie froze in place when she saw the final arrival, and her eyes gleamed with something Nora could only describe as unadulterated desire.


    ¡°So,¡± Cade said with a casual shrug. ¡°Is there any chance you two need a job?¡±

 Chapter 27: Destiny Calls

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    For Evie, the world around her shuddered to a halt.


    As she first met this handsome newcomer¡¯s eye, the stars sang to her louder than ever. This one¡ªthis man whose name she didn¡¯t even know¡ªhe was special.


    She had never seen his face before, nor had she ever spoken a word to him. But something hummed deep in her soul, and she knew without a doubt that he was hers.


    The sounds of the festival faded away, replaced by a haunting melody that seemed to emanate from the very stars themselves. Evie felt herself being pulled into those fathomless eyes, falling deeper and deeper until¡ª


    A vision bloomed before her, as vivid and real as the world she''d left behind.


    The vision exploded into being around her, as vivid and tangible as reality itself. A white mist enveloped her, blurring the edges of the world she could see. Shadows loomed in the fog, nearing her even as her full attention remained entirely focused on this man.


    And the music¡ªoh, how it swelled and stirred the very essence of her being.


    The star¡¯s song tumbled from her lips, carrying with it the sweetest melody they had ever channeled through her.


    Where ocean meets sky, I see you there,


    Dancing in moonlight, shadows sway.


    Your eyes are stars that guide me near,


    In dreams, by my side, where secrets stay.


    Oh, the tides, they pull me to you,


    Waves of fate, they call us near.


    Your life, your joys, I will pursue,


    And in my soul, I hold you dear.


    In a rush of magic and light, the vision showed her a sun-dappled forest, the air thick with the scent of pine and wildflowers. Shafts of golden light filtered through the canopy above, creating a dazzling play of light and shadow on the forest floor.


    A warm hand clasped hers, and Evie turned to see him¡ªthe mysterious stranger from the marketplace. Here, in the vision, his features were clearer, more defined. His storm-gray eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled down at her, a look of such pure adoration that it made her heart skip a beat.


    And the song continued.


    Beneath the azure waters, where all the seafoam sighs,


    your voice is like the thunder, echoes in my mind.


    each breath you take sends ripples through my heart,


    a song I¡¯ve known forever, though we¡¯re oceans apart.


    I¡¯m caught between the shores of hope and fear,


    the siren¡¯s call that brought you near.


    Will you follow where the currents sweep,


    or will you vanish in the ocean¡¯s keep?


    Before Evie could respond, the scene shifted. Now they were running hand-in-hand through the forest, dodging trees and leaping over fallen logs with effortless grace. Evie''s laughter bubbled up from deep within her, a sound of pure, unadulterated joy that harmonized perfectly with his deeper chuckles.


    They burst from the treeline onto a windswept cliff, the vast expanse of a turquoise sea stretching out before them. Salt spray kissed their faces as they stood at the edge, breathless and giddy. The mysterious man ¨C her future love, Evie realized with a thrill ¨C pulled her close, spinning her in a playful dance as the wind whipped their hair into wild halos.


    Through storm and calm, I¡¯ll wait until the dawn,


    For fate has carved your name into my song.


    In every vision, love¡¯s sweet refrain,


    I¡¯ll hold you close, despite the pain.


    Oh, the tides pull me to you,


    Waves of fate, they whisper true.


    I see your face in every crest and trough,Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    In visions clear, it¡¯s you I love.


    The scene softened, melting into a quieter moment. They sat together on a plush sofa, a book open between them. Evie''s head rested on his shoulder, her eyes half-closed in contentment as he read aloud. The cadence of his voice rose and fell like gentle waves, weaving a cocoon of peace around them.


    In the warm glow of the firelight, Evie noticed the silver strands beginning to thread through his dark hair, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes that spoke of years of laughter and love.


    Growing old together, she realized, was its own kind of magic.


    One final shift, and Evie found herself standing in the doorway of a sunlit nursery. Her heart swelled with an emotion too vast to name as she watched the man¡ªher husband, she knew now¡ªcradling a small bundle in his arms. He looked up, his face alight with wonder and joy.


    ¡°Come meet your daughter,¡± he said softly, beckoning her closer.


    Evie moved to his side, gazing down at the tiny face nestled in the blankets. The baby yawned, blinking open eyes that shimmered with all the colors of the sea. A tuft of silver hair, as fine as dandelion fluff, peeked out from beneath her cap.


    As if aware she was being observed, the infant turned her head, fixing Evie with a gaze that seemed far too knowing for one so young. In that moment, Evie felt the weight of generations yet to come, the endless possibilities that stemmed from this one perfect being.


    She could feel the vision fading, and the final verse flowed through her.


    Where the ocean meets the sky, I¡¯ll find my way,


    In every dream, I call your name and sway.


    A love that flows as endless as the sea,


    I¡¯m bound to you, and you to me.


    Evie felt herself being gently pulled back, the visions fading like mist in the morning sun. But the emotions they had evoked¡ªthe love, the joy, the sense of rightness¡ªthose remained, burning in her chest like a newborn star.


    With a gasp, Evie''s awareness snapped back to the present moment. But the song of the stars still echoed in her ears, and she now stood before the man with a broad smile on her face. Before she knew what she was doing, she grabbed his face with both hands and pulled him into a deep kiss.


    ¡°Uh, hey there, beautiful,¡± he said as he stared down at her with confusion. ¡°Have we met?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she admitted breathlessly. ¡°But I will love you forever.¡±


    ¡°By the gods,¡± she heard Nora mutter behind her. A deep sigh of resignation followed, and she figured Nora had realized what just happened.


    Yet again, Evie rose up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his in a kiss that tasted of starlight and destiny.


    The stranger stiffened for a moment, clearly taken aback by this turn of events. But then, to the astonishment of all present¡ªand to her absolute satisfaction¡ªhe relaxed into the kiss, his arms coming up to encircle her waist.


    ¡°Nope,¡± Nora said, batting his hand away from Evie¡¯s rear end. ¡°None of that.¡±


    ¡°She started it,¡± the man insisted.


    Evie beamed up at him with all the radiance of a newborn star. ¡°I''m Evie, and you''re mine. I hope you don''t mind, but the stars have decreed it, so I''m afraid there''s really nothing to be done about it.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± The young man blinked, a bemused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°The stars, eh?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Gavin,¡± he managed to say, still looking somewhat dazed. ¡°I''m not entirely sure what''s happening, but I think I like it.¡±


    Evie laughed, a sound of pure joy that seemed to break the spell of silence that had fallen over the square. All at once, the noise and bustle of the festival came rushing back, but now it felt muted and distant compared to the connection Evie felt with Gavin.


    She turned, keeping one arm firmly wrapped around Gavin''s waist, to face the stunned onlookers. Nora looked as if she couldn''t decide whether to laugh, cry, or start swinging her fists. Cade wore an expression of amused bewilderment, his eyebrows raised so high they were in danger of disappearing into his hairline.


    ¡°I suppose introductions are in order,¡± Cade said with a gesture to the man at his side. ¡°This brooding pile of black clothes and anger is Orro.¡±


    Without a flicker of change in his expression, Orro elbowed Cade in the gut, and the blonde man let out another grunt of pain.


    ¡°You¡¯ve met Gavin,¡± Cade added with a nod toward him and Evie. ¡°And you strangely already knew my name.¡±


    ¡°The stars led us to you,¡± Evie explained, as though that made perfect sense.


    There was a moment of silence where everyone stared at her in gaping bemusement, evidently at a loss for words.


    His gaze settled on the paladin, who now stood protectively near Evie and Gavin.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± he continued, ¡°I caught this little songbird¡¯s name, but I haven¡¯t heard yours.¡±


    ¡°Nora,¡± she replied flatly. ¡°You mentioned a job for us?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Cade said enthusiastically. He clasped his hands together and smiled broadly. ¡°We could really use a paladin with an anger management problem. You¡¯re perfect.¡±


    With a deep frown, Nora crossed her chest and simply glared at him.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do it!¡± Evie said with a happy glance up at Gavin.


    The man gave her an awkward smile, and she wrapped his hand around her waist.


    ¡°Evie,¡± Nora chided. ¡°We don¡¯t even know what the job is.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± the siren said, her cheeks turning crimson.


    ¡°The Tournament of Life,¡± Cade answered, his tone even despite the gravity of what he¡¯d just said.


    ¡°Oh, is that all?¡± Nora said sarcastically. ¡°Just a little death wish? A standard Tuesday for you lot?¡±


    Orro chuckled. ¡°I like her.¡±


    Nora¡¯s gaze shifted toward Evie. ¡°You¡¯re sure about this?¡±


    Evie smiled and nodded.


    The paladin muttered curses as she rubbed her eyes. It was what she did every time she was debating what to do next, and Evie had learned to just let her think in silence.


    ¡°Look, it¡¯s almost sunset,¡± Cade said urgently. ¡°We need to sign up before dark. Are you in, or not?¡±


    Nora huffed and ran her hand through her hair as her eyes glossed over. The setting sun poured golden light over the alleyway, and as Nora¡¯s brows knit in frustration, the fading light cast restless shadows over her face.


    Evie had known her friend long enough to recognize the struggle behind those stormy eyes. Nora was torn, weighing the risk of joining Cade¡¯s team against her unwavering duty to protect Evie. It was all written in her stiff posture, the way she kept glancing between Evie and the bustling streets beyond, as if the answers lay hidden somewhere in the cobblestones and glowflakes nearby.


    The siren¡¯s heart ached for her. She knew Nora would rather throw herself into the jaws of hell than put her at risk, but the stars had led them here for a reason. That alone weighed on Nora¡¯s mind¡ªEvie could see it in the way her friend''s jaw clenched and unclenched, in the way she muttered under her breath as if debating with some invisible force.


    ¡°Nora,¡± Cade said flatly. ¡°What¡¯s it going to be?¡±


    With a resigned sigh, Nora met Cade¡¯s gaze. A flicker of determination flashed across her face as she nodded once, her expression hardening into resolve.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil Evie knew she felt. ¡°We¡¯re in.¡±

 Chapter 28 (Part 1): Thats why you dont sign without reading it first!!

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade Stormhollow strode through the bustling streets of Elysia, his keen eyes taking in every detail of the city. The vibrant energy of the Tournament of Life thrummed around him, but his focus remained on the ragtag group he now found himself leading.


    He glanced back at his companions, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Bunny now sat on his shoulder, his wings tucked close to his body as he swayed in time with Cade¡¯s steps. Rayka, Jer, and Elena had rejoined them in the nick of time, and the awkward chatter amongst the group made him wonder¡ªbriefly¡ªif he¡¯d made a mistake with these three newcomers. He didn¡¯t know these people, after all, and he was about to enter a death tournament with them.


    ¡°No way this will fail,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    In answer, Bunny nipped gently at his ear and snickered mischievously.


    They were an odd bunch, to be sure: the warrior woman, Nora, her eyes constantly scanning for threats; the dark-haired singer, Evie, whose dreamy gaze seemed to see things beyond mortal kin; and then there was Gavin, the newcomer who had somehow captured Evie''s heart in the span of a song that no one understood, but which the paladin had written down for some reason.


    He¡¯d never seen someone with a book holster before, and he kind of envied Nora for it. Maybe she could get him one, too.


    As they approached the Grand Pavilion, Cade felt a familiar surge of excitement. The stakes were higher than ever before, the air thick with possibility and danger in equal measure.


    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll win?¡± Evie¡¯s lilting voice carried to him on the breeze.


    Cade turned, catching Gavin''s eye as the man responded with a gentle nod.


    He suppressed a chuckle. Winning was always the goal, of course, but Cade knew that in the Tournament of Life, survival was often victory enough.


    The crowd of people that had once swarmed the registration tables had thinned to almost no one at all, and the lone woman sitting at the last occupied table stared off into the distance with her cheek resting on one hand. Apparently bored out of her mind, she tapped her fingertip on the table¡¯s surface and yawned.


    When they reached her, Cade flashed his most charming smile at the registrar.


    ¡°Cade and... company,¡± he announced, his voice steady and confident. ¡°We have eight members, just as you requested.¡±


    The registrar¡¯s eyes narrowed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Cutting it close, aren''t you? Registration closes as soon as that shadow hits the clocktower.¡±


    He peered over his shoulder in the direction she pointed to find the long shadow of the cathedral behind her nearly touching the base of the clocktower.


    Cade¡¯s smile never faltered. ¡°We like to make an entrance.¡±


    She grumbled to herself but shoved a stack of papers toward him. ¡°Can you read and write?¡±


    ¡°Certainly.¡±


    He filled out the forms as quickly as possible, glancing now and then to the elongating shadow that crept ever closer to the clocktower.


    ¡°You¡¯d better write faster,¡± the registration woman said with a dry sneer.


    Cade wanted to retort, but he was too busy pushing himself through the hand cramp slowly building in his knuckles as his quill scribbled furiously across the stack of papers.


    ¡°Is this the first trial?¡± he grumbled under his breath. ¡°A test of the sheer patience needed to fill out papers?¡±


    The registrar chuckled. ¡°No, I¡¯m just bored.¡±


    He grunted under his breath as he dotted the final line with a flourish. ¡°Done.¡±


    ¡°Head over there,¡± the woman said with a nod toward a purple tent to her left. ¡°The enchanters will give you the tattoos.¡±


    ¡°Tattoos?¡± Cade asked, confused.


    The woman glared at him with an irritated expression. ¡°You didn¡¯t even read what you just signed, did you?¡±


    He grinned sheepishly.


    ¡°Too bad for you,¡± she said as she collected the papers. ¡°I think I¡¯ll bet on you lot to go out first.¡±


    ¡°Enjoy losing that bet,¡± he said with a sarcastic bow. ¡°Come on, everyone. We have¡­ tattoos to acquire.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Nora asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t say you could do that.¡±


    ¡°He signed your lives away,¡± the registration lady said with a haughty smirk as she stood. She walked off, papers in hand, as she waved to them over one shoulder. ¡°I hope your deaths are painless.¡±


    Everyone turned to Cade, glaring at him with various degrees of fury.


    He shrugged. ¡°We¡¯re in, at least. That¡¯s good, right?¡±


    In unison, Orro and Nora sighed in irritation.


    As they moved away from the registration tables, Cade''s mind was already racing, strategizing their next moves. The purple tent of the enchanters loomed ahead, its fabric shimmering with an otherworldly light that seemed to dance and shift in the last rays of the sun.


    Cade watched on as Evie skipped along the cobblestone path toward the tent, her fingers lightly brushing against the colorful banners fluttering in the breeze. The Grand Pavilion behind them stood like a beacon of hope, its majestic spires reaching toward the sky.


    His crew entered the large tent where a group of enchanters were busy preparing teams for the tournament.


    The space was half-full of warriors from various races, all of them battle-hardened and scarred, as they sat in rough wooden chairs with enchanters at their sides. The various stations set up in the tent glowed with magical runes that floated above each one, and the enchanters were hard at work as they inscribed various symbols on arms and legs alike.


    ¡°Why are we getting tattoos?¡± Evie asked a little too loudly. ¡°May I request a star?¡±


    The bustle of the tent paused, and everyone just stared at her.


    Nora cleared her throat and they moved on before Evie could get a good look at their bemused expressions.


    As the enchanters and warriors slowly returned to their business, an old dwarf with a long white beard and twinkling blue eyes caught Cade¡¯s attention. His arms and neck were completely covered in interlocking tattoos, and each was gorgeously etched into his tan skin. He stood near the entrance while his hands moved deftly over an ornate box of tools.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Ah, you must be the final batch!¡± he said happily. ¡°Come in, come in.¡±


    They followed him to a corner of the tent, and each of them took a seat on the various chests and surfaces available to them. One chair stood, a lonely sentry in the center of the space, surrounded as it was by a curtain, and the wrinkled dwarf hummed a little ditty to himself as he pulled the curtain closed.


    ¡°The name¡¯s Thrain,¡± he said as he set out his tools. ¡°I¡¯ll be giving you all a tattoo. It¡¯s tuned to the arena and will last through the duration of the tournament.¡±


    Jer raised an eyebrow. ¡°What happens if it rubs off?¡±


    Thrain¡¯s eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. ¡°Oh, you won¡¯t have to worry about that happening! Either you die, or you win. Either way, it¡¯s on you to the end of the contest. Oh, and if you lose the limb it¡¯s on, it¡¯s enchanted to reappear on any remaining limb, even the neck. But let¡¯s hope it doesn¡¯t come to that, eh?¡±


    In unison, Jer and Elena gulped loudly.


    Delicately and with the trained movements of a master, Thrain prepared the ink. Its vibrant green glow cast strange shadows on the tent walls. The ink seemed alive, swirling and dancing in its container, and he grinned as he loaded it into the long glass tube affixed to a custom quill.


    Thrain started with Cade, who held out his right wrist and then grimaced. The ink sank into his skin without a trace of pain, and he relaxed the moment he realized this wasn¡¯t going to hurt. The glowing green magic seeped from the quill¡¯s tip as the dwarf drew an elegant rune on his skin.


    ¡°All done,¡± Thrain said proudly.


    Cade inspected the freshly inked artwork and smiled. It looked stunning, the magic swirling through the ink as he examined it, and he wondered if this was the beginning of a new addiction.


    Tattoos were expensive, but damn if they didn¡¯t look good.


    ¡°So,¡± Nora began as she sat before the dwarf. ¡°What do the tattoos do, exactly?¡±


    Thrain¡¯s eyes sparkled with a mix of knowledge and secrecy. ¡°They help the goddess locate you and assist with things like vitals and transportation. But I¡¯m not allowed to disclose more than that.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Cade said with a conspiratorial smile. ¡°We won¡¯t get you in trouble. You can tell us.¡±


    Thrain clicked his tongue in disappointment. ¡°Charm doesn¡¯t work on me, laddie. You¡¯ll not get another word out of me, and that¡¯s that.¡±


    Darn.


    One by one, the team sat before the dwarf. Each offered various limbs, from wrists to ankles to chests. The dwarf worked with impressive speed and accuracy, and Cade couldn¡¯t help but watch the flawless technique in awe.


    This was an artist.


    Evie was last, and once the short enchanter was done working on her ankle, he gave each of them a long stare. ¡°Just remember: be sure you¡¯re fully clothed come the start of the trial tomorrow morning at ten.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ oddly specific,¡± Elena muttered.


    Jer nodded. ¡°Do that many people show up naked?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised,¡± the dwarf grumbled. ¡°Good luck to you all. May Life guide your steps and protect your hearts.¡±


    His face crinkled into a knowing smile.


    ¡°I mean, that¡¯s not really an option for Life to not guide our steps, right?¡± Jer muttered while he scratched his chin. ¡°We¡¯re constantly living, so does that mean that anything that happens to us is because Life decided it would be so, or does she simply accept any route we choose?¡±


    Elena grabbed his collar and dragged him out of the tent. ¡°Excuse my brother. He¡¯s an idiot.¡±


    As they left the tent, Cade¡¯s mind buzzed with excitement. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder how this ragtag crew was going to hold up in the chaos ahead. Then there were his crew: Elena, with her stubborn fire; Orro¡¯s dependable calm and assassin¡¯s instincts; Jer¡¯s close-combat experience and acrobatic energy; and Rayka, whom he still wasn¡¯t sure should be part of the team.


    He had to protect his little sister, after all.


    Abruptly, the paladin beside him stopped midstride and glared off in the distance, in the general direction of the clocktower. Cade''s finely-tuned instincts prickled, and a warning sensation crawled up his spine. He noticed Nora and Evie''s sudden tension, their hushed whispers carrying an urgency that set him on edge.


    He frowned and followed her gaze, not sure what he was looking for but scanning nonetheless.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked her.


    She raised her chin in defiance as a group of warriors made their way through the distant crowd. Their armor gleamed white and blue in the fading light, the metal pristine and intimidating.


    But it was their leader who caught Cade''s attention¡ªa figure clad in golden armor that seemed to glow with an inner light. The sight stirred something in his memory, a half-forgotten tale of zealots and fate-spinners.


    ¡°I hate those Fateweaver pricks,¡± Elena said under her breath from somewhere behind him. ¡°And what¡¯s with their ridiculous claims of predestined crimes? Ugh, I want to burn down all of their pretentious little temples. Let¡¯s see if they can predict that.¡±


    ¡°We need to find an inn. Now.¡± Nora¡¯s voice was tight with barely contained panic.


    Cade raised an eyebrow, and though he didn¡¯t understand what was going on, he immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. ¡°I know just the spot. And relax, we''ve got time to dawdle a bit. We already have the rooms secured.¡±


    He tried to inject some levity into his voice, a habit born from years of defusing tense situations with charm and wit.


    But Nora''s tension and the plea in her eyes made him reconsider. Whatever was going on, it clearly had his new teammate spooked. And in Cade''s experience, it was always better to err on the side of caution when it came to matters like this.


    ¡°Alright, alright. Follow me,¡± he conceded, his mind already mapping out the safest route through Elysia''s winding streets.


    As they walked, weaving through the festival crowds with practiced ease, Cade couldn''t resist a bit of playful needling.


    ¡°Nora,¡± he said under his breath. ¡°Try not to look so intimidating.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t control that,¡± Nora said dryly.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± He tilted his head as he scanned her body. ¡°Then at least don¡¯t look them in the eye. You look ready for a fight, and I¡¯d rather not start another one tonight.¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯t start that one.¡±


    Though she spoke to him, her gaze never left the small contingent of soldiers they were quickly leaving behind in the square.


    ¡°How did they find us?¡± Nora whispered, so quietly that Cade almost didn¡¯t hear it.


    Hmm.


    This was an interesting turn of events.


    Her intensity and the tightening of her jaw only piqued his curiosity further. There was a story here, one that went deeper than simple tournament jitters. Cade filed it away, another piece of the complex puzzle that was his newfound team.


    Before long, the soldiers were long gone, and the familiar warmth of the Twisted Oak enveloped them as they entered. The scent of woodsmoke and ale were a welcome respite from the chaos outside.


    Greta greeted Cade like a long-lost son, her weathered face breaking into a wide grin. The inn was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of ale and worn wood. Cade found comfort in the oddly peaceful ambiance.


    Nora, ever vigilant, remained at Evie¡¯s side. Cade cast a look over his shoulder as Greta left to get them some ale, and he did his best to ensure she didn¡¯t see him watching her.


    Orro briefly caught Cade¡¯s gaze, and Cade nodded a go-ahead. The assassin approached Nora, his voice low. ¡°So¡­ why aren¡¯t you armed?¡±


    Nora shrugged. ¡°A lake ate my last sword. Nothing¡¯s left of it now.¡±


    ¡°It¡ªwait, what?¡± Orro asked, his eyes narrowing in confusion.


    Nora smirked but didn¡¯t elaborate. Evie stifled a giggle, and Gavin just shook his head.


    ¡°You lot are a strange bunch,¡± Gavin said under his breath.


    ¡°As are you, my love,¡± Evie said as she nuzzled his arm.


    Gavin paused for a moment and looked down at the girl with a bemused expression. ¡°Thanks, I think?¡±


    She hummed happily, but otherwise didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°You¡¯re clearly a fighter,¡± Orro continued. ¡°A fighter needs a sword.¡±


    Without waiting for her to reply, his cloak shifted, and he pulled out the greatsword the little girl had left behind. He handed it wordlessly to her, and though she paused briefly, she eventually took it.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said.


    He nodded.


    Once again, Cade watched Nora through the corner of his eye. She stood like a lighthouse on a rocky shore, so obviously out of place that everyone in this tavern was sneaking glances at her rigid form.


    This woman needed to relax, or she was going to draw unwanted attention.


    There was more to these two women than Cade could place his finger on. They were clearly running from the Fateweavers, but for the life of him, he couldn¡¯t figure out why. She fought like a paladin, with a stubborn will to survive that matched even Orro¡¯s, but she wore no armor and carried no sword. To top it all off, ¡®the stars¡¯ had apparently told her his name.


    A puzzle, for sure. As high as the stakes were on this job, he frankly wasn¡¯t sure this was a puzzle he wanted to figure out.

 Chapter 28 (Part 2): Close Calls

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    That had been too close.


    As the night wore on, Nora sat on the edge of the mattress she was sharing with Evie. Moonlight filtered through the lone window on one wall, casting long silver beams across Nora¡¯s new sword, and she studied it as Evie slept soundly on the other end of the bed.


    It was, for lack of a better phrase, absolute garbage.


    She was grateful, of course, to have a weapon. Armed was always the best way to enter a battle, even if the weaponry was subpar, and her gratitude for finally having a sword wasn¡¯t going anywhere. Its blade glinted in the moonlight, sharp enough to cause some damage. It did not, however, have any enchantments on it whatsoever, and that was a far cry from what she was used to when wielding Wavebreaker.


    Still, it was better than nothing. At least this would give her something to use while she hunted for something better.


    With her and Evie finally safe, she lowered her guard and lost herself in thought.


    Lyla had gotten so close. To make matters worse, that woman and her squad had brought along a siren of their own. The implications of that made Nora''s blood run cold. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    If Lyla and the Fateweavers discovered them now, they were as good as dead.


    Nora¡¯s newfound team had moved as one, with Nora and Evie at its center. Nora had counted down the paces in her head, each step of Lyla''s approaching group feeling like a hammer blow to her heart.


    She had held her breath, praying to any god who would listen that they would simply pass her by.


    Nora and Evie had gotten lucky. If Lyla had been paying even a little more attention¡ªor if their siren had started to sing¡ªthey would¡¯ve been caught.


    Now, hours later, Nora exhaled slowly, the tension of that moment still lingering in her muscles. They had escaped detection, but she wondered how long their luck could last. Tomorrow, the tournament would begin in earnest, and she somehow found herself in the middle of a death zone to work a job for someone she¡¯d never met.


    This was insane.


    She rubbed her tired eyes and set the sword on the floor, ready and waiting in case someone broke in during the night. Exhausted, she laid back on the mattress and drifted off to sleep.


    The nymph on the lake had given her a new direction, but it had been so vague. She had no idea what the immortal woman even wanted her to do, much less what powers the orb had granted her.


    As far as Nora was concerned, her purpose right now was to protect Evie as they did what the stars asked them to do.


    Which, apparently, meant following Cade Stormhollow around while he rustled up chaos.


    ¡°Yay,¡± she muttered dryly.

 Chapter 29: The Barons Balls

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade blinked, utterly bewildered by the sheer spectacle before him.


    After a restless night¡¯s sleep and a light breakfast, he and his crew had gathered their supplies and headed out. It had been a tense trek, void of their usual banter, and everyone was in their own heads as they¡¯d arrived.


    He couldn¡¯t blame them. Even this¡ªeven now that they were here, actually standing in the massive arena¡ªstill felt like a surreal blur of light and sound.


    The Tournament of Life had officially begun.


    The collective volume of the arena had a near tangible force to it as Cade and his crew entered from a low tunnel. He walked with Bunny resting on his shoulder, and the little dragonling¡¯s tail swished back and forth as he glanced around in wonder. The bright morning light that greeted them as they exited onto the clean white marble of the arena floor had nearly blinded him.


    His eyes slowly drifted upward as the sheer scope of the arena¡¯s stands made itself known to his senses. Thousands of skin tones mingled throughout the hundreds of thousands of seats that spread up toward the sky.


    It was like every hue of the rainbow and beyond had decided to present itself in the clothes of those present. The heavy scents of grilled meat, oily bread, and sweating bodies crashed into him like it was a physical force.


    Near the top of the arena¡¯s high walls was what Cade could only describe as the royal seating. And, within that isolated box stood a half-dozen Lifekeepers in their pristine robes of white and green.


    Despite the sheer grandeur of this amazing colosseum, however, his attention had been drawn not by the amazing representation of every mortalkind in the stands, but the nine other teams that had joined his on the arena floor.


    The crowd, he had expected, but it was the seventy-two other warriors who walked in from various entrances around the edges of the battleground that truly gave him pause.


    Oh shit, Cade thought.


    He was no expert on magic users¡ªhells, he still barely understood what a core even was¡ªbut he could practically feel the auras of condensed power gathering around the open space.


    Cade reached into his pocket and touched the new focal stone there. It had taken a few hours for Gavin to attune his telepathy to the fresh ones they¡¯d procured. But as Hugh had demonstrated time and time again¡ªeven up to his own betrayal¡ªcommunication was a priceless tool in the arsenal of any team, but especially one like theirs.


    ¡°Ten teams of eight,¡± Cade mentally sent to his crew. ¡°Everyone, I want you to clock any of the big hitters in this tournament.¡±


    ¡°Am I doing this right?¡± Nora sent through their shared link. ¡°It feels like I¡¯m just trying to shout my thoughts really loud in my head.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re shouting your thoughts really loud in your head, paladin,¡± Elena sniped back a bit too harshly.


    ¡°Tighten up, people,¡± Cade sent to cut off any more bickering.


    Cade gave Elena a glare, but she didn¡¯t budge. He squinted over the large distance that separated them and the other teams, careful to keep his own mask of indifference set across his features.


    ¡°Anyone spot anything unusual or dangerous amongst the other contestants?¡± the thief sent quickly.


    ¡°I see at least two teams composed entirely of elves and gnomes respectively,¡± Elena contributed. Probably diplomatic teams with deep pockets.


    Cade spared her a glance and saw how the blush from his earlier admonishment lingered just a bit across her cheeks.


    ¡°There¡¯s a little girl over there!¡± Evie sent excitedly as she skipped alongside their group.


    Sure enough, from a tunnel adjacent to theirs, a little girl skulked forward, both of her hands firmly clasped in front of her as she stared ahead with dead eyes. Her gray skin and braided white hair did nothing to ease Cade¡¯s discomfort when he took in the little girl.


    Something about her was¡­


    ¡­off.


    ¡°WELCOME!¡± A feminine voice boomed from everywhere and nowhere all at once, and any hopes of focusing on the other teams dissipated in an instant.


    Everyone except for Orro flinched in surprise at the voice, and the cacophony in the stands stilled within the span of a few heartbeats. Where once there was a great storm of noise, there was now a still well of silence. It unnerved Cade to no end, but he waited like the rest of the gathered teams as the voice continued.


    ¡°YOU BRAVE FEW HAVE BEEN GRANTED A CHANCE AT GREATNESS. FIVE CHALLENGES AWAIT YOU, EACH AN EXPRESSION OF MY POWER. MY WILL. MY LIFE.¡±


    At the final proclamation, the crowd above began to murmur excitedly.


    The beautiful voice continued, louder than before.


    ¡°HEED MY LESSONS TO SURVIVE THE TRIALS: PERSEVERANCE OF LIFE, FIGHTING FOR LIFE, METAMORPHOSIS OF LIFE, THE MEANING OF LIFE, AND REBIRTH.¡±


    ¡°Well, that clears things up,¡± Nora said dryly.


    As the paladin spoke, green tendrils swept around the white marble below them, and Cade felt a pulse of foreign euphoria invade his mind. It was a tsunami of tranquility, forcing his limbs and thoughts to relax as the vermillion magic intensified. Flowers and grass started to spring up from invisible cracks in the floor, and there was an audible sigh from dozens of nearby combatants.


    Then, the emerald magic ascended through the arena and condensed up into the clear sky above. There, in the center of the growing orb, a sumptuous figure appeared. Even from this distance, Cade could feel the sheer weight of her presence.


    Life¡ªthe goddess of Elysia.


    Just as quickly as the serenity blanketed his entire being, something within him roared in defiance at the unwelcome energy. The magic that he had yet to subdue into a proper core writhed within him.


    With a burst of power, it shoved against the effects of Life¡¯s energy. Surprisingly, his own magic exhumed the deity¡¯s spell with little difficulty. Clarity broke over him like the sudden parting of clouds to let in the light of day. Everyone around him, including his own team, were transfixed by the glowing figure in the sky. Reverence and gratitude and lust shown as clear as crystal across the faces of all those Cade could see. Nora shook her head and seemed to break from the spell moments after him. They met eyes, and he gave her a crooked grin. She smirked and returned her attention to the deity.


    Before he could help his teammates snap out of this strange daze, the goddess spoke again.


    ¡°IN YOUR FIRST TRIAL, YOU WILL FACE A PUZZLE UNLIKE ANY YOU HAVE SEEN BEFORE,¡± the goddess warned. ¡°THOSE WHO SURVIVE WILL RECEIVE A GRAND TREASURE. THOSE WHO PERISH WILL ASCEND TO THE NEXT LIFE WITH EASE. PREPARE YOUR HEARTS, MY CHILDREN. THE TIME HAS COME TO CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF LIFE, IN ALL FORMS. LET THE TOURNAMENT BEGIN.¡±


    There was a blinding flash of light so intense everything in his vision faded to white.


    One moment, he had been standing in the large arena, listening to Life¡¯s melodic speech.


    The next, he was¡­ well, wherever ¡°here¡± was.


    A soaring ceiling was adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes of Life in various settings, from a picnic with lambs to hovering above a city with tendrils of magic coiling from her very being. Massive crystal chandeliers descended from above, their countless facets scattering light across the polished marble floor below. Tall arched windows lined the walls, framed by heavy velvet curtains in deep crimson, allowing glimpses of moonlit gardens beyond.


    The room¡¯s perimeter was graced with ornate gilded mirrors and delicate rococo moldings, their golden hues complementing the warm glow of wall sconces. At one end, a grand staircase swept down in a graceful curve, its balustrade a masterpiece of wrought iron artistry. The opposite end housed a raised dais for musicians, ready to fill the air with elegant melodies for the evening''s grand affair.


    To his surprise, elegantly dressed people mingled around the room, each wearing flowing gowns, tailored suits, or military uniforms adorned with medals. Servants in pure red livery moved gracefully through the crowd, offering drinks and canap¨¦s.


    And everyone¡ªeveryone¡ªwas staring at them with an eerie smile.


    ¡°What in the hells just happened?¡± Cade muttered, glancing around.


    The spots in his eyes lingered for several more moments as he slowly collected himself.


    ¡°Is everyone okay?¡± Cade counted off their heads while he asked, and to his relief, all of his team had made it. Bunny jumped back up to his shoulder, having apparently been knocked off in the surreal transportation to whatever the hells they were about to face.


    ¡°Were we just¡­ portaled somewhere?¡± Jer spoke up, his hands clenched tightly to his stomach.


    ¡°Seems like it.¡± Cade stood tall, though his own intestines felt like several fairies were trying to break free from them at that very moment. ¡°Let¡¯s regroup, team. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re all here, but we don¡¯t have time to waste. Let¡¯s solve this thing and get our gold, alright?¡±


    The subject of treasure helped all of them recenter, and their team of eight assessed their surroundings in full.


    But as they searched for any sign of a puzzle, all they found were the eerie smiles of the ballroom¡¯s guests.


    Cade smiled widely at each and every guest he passed, and he was mildly concerned his face would cramp after maintaining those eerie grins for so long. Thick pillars lined the expansive room, with a vaulted ceiling detailed with a collage of paintings and murals. Despite the busyness of the decor, however, Cade had to admit that whomever built this place had taste.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Gavin walked close to Cade and, as he looked around the room in stunned wonder, grinned widely.


    ¡°Did we win already?¡± Gavin asked in confusion. ¡°Because this doesn¡¯t look like a battlefield. I thought that delightful woman in the sky would¡¯ve just had us kill each other for a while, or something. Battle royales are quite popular in most of the major cities right now.¡±


    Cade chuckled despite himself. ¡°I¡¯m glad she didn¡¯t. Though at least we would¡¯ve picked up on what in the hells was going on. But if we did win already, then this is the strangest victory celebration I¡¯ve ever seen. Worse, I haven¡¯t even had time to comb my hair.¡±


    ¡°You never comb your hair,¡± Orro muttered just loud enough for the others to hear him.


    A tall, slender man in a gold-embroidered coat approached them, his manner regal yet gentle. Beneath his finely tailored robe, Cade observed, was a crimson suit that was just as dignified as the man that wore it.


    ¡°Welcome, esteemed participants. I am Baron Rathmore, your host for this evening¡¯s¡­ prelude,¡± The Baron said in an unfamiliar lilt.


    ¡°Prelude?¡± Cade echoed, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Prelude to what?¡±


    The Baron¡¯s smile was enigmatic. He procured a glazed fruit from a passing servant and tossed it into his awaiting mouth.


    Then he spoke through it like it was the most normal thing in the world. ¡°To the true Tournament, of course. This ball is a test of your wits and social graces. Consider it an appetizer before the main course.¡±


    Cade¡¯s mind raced.


    He was good with people, but a ballroom filled with the elite of Elysia was a different kind of battlefield. He glanced at his team, each member a study in contrasts against the opulence around them.


    That name stuck in his mind, however.


    Baron Rathmore.


    He knew that name, but he had to be mistaken. The Baron Rathmore he remembered was supposed to be dead for a couple of centuries now. This was probably just one of the man¡¯s descendents.


    Elena, never one to be outdone, quickly adjusted her posture, moving with the practiced grace of a highborn lady. Jer, on the other hand, looked like he was ready to flip over a table just for fun. Rayka¡¯s eyes sparkled with mischief, while Orro pulled his mask up further and placed a gloved palm on his orange sword.


    With a growing grin, he saw Evie, in her own whimsical way, fit right in with the ebb and flow of the ballroom. She twirled slightly as the music picked up, her gaze flitting from person to person, detail to detail. A woman¡¯s hat had caught her attention. Cade followed her gaze. Sure enough, it was adorned with feathers that matched the exact hue of the wallpaper.


    ¡°Evie, focus,¡± Nora whispered, though Cade observed how her own eyes were scanning the room with the precision of a warrior assessing a battlefield.


    Cade would need to ask about her history, and soon. He took in all of these details within a few heartbeats, but there was just so much happening all around them. He figured he was missing something important. There had to be at least a thousand people in this truly vast ballroom, and that wasn¡¯t taking into account the three stories of balconies that lined this elliptical room.


    ¡°Baron,¡± Cade said, turning back to their host. ¡°What exactly are we supposed to do here?¡±


    The Baron¡¯s smile widened, and his eyes flashed with a hungry malice for such a brief moment that Cade would¡¯ve missed it if he had not been searching their host¡¯s face for any clues.


    But it had been there, and it left him with a sour taste in his mouth.


    ¡°Mingle. Gather information. Find the hidden clues. Only then will you pass onto the next stage of the Tournament,¡± the Baron answered in a bored tone. ¡°And, might I add, try not to kill your fellow participants just yet.¡±


    With that, he melted back into the crowd, leaving Cade and his team standing in a corner of the opulent room.


    ¡°Alright, team,¡± Cade sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s split up and see what we can find out. And try not to cause a scene. Also, be on the lookout for the other teams. This might be our best chance to meet our competition without, you know, blades excessively involved.¡±


    Cade trusted them to do their jobs well, but he couldn¡¯t shake the nagging feeling that he was missing something obvious.


    They dispersed, each member moving with purpose¡ªor in Jer¡¯s case, with the eager anticipation of causing just enough chaos to be entertaining. Cade made his way towards a cluster of nobles, hoping to pick up some useful tidbits of information before they noticed him.


    He scanned each member of the group he approached, noting the glint in their eyes, the position of their shoulders¡ªeverything. After a breath, he saw his prey. He snagged a golden goblet from a passing servant, though he had no intention of even sipping the crimson liquid inside.


    He had a job to do.


    ¡°Greetings, my fair and benevolent masters!¡± Cade bowed to the nobles, who returned his courtesy with raised glasses and bobs of their heads.


    This was too easy.


    He tunneled on a plump, jovial man whose face was already red from the wine.


    ¡°You look to be a man of great knowledge and even greater wisdom. What might this humble traveler call you?¡± Cade asked in his best upper-class persona.


    Judging by the faces of those who heard him, it was flawless.


    For the moment, he was one of them.


    The man blushed even redder at the praise, and his eyes lit up. ¡°You¡ªyou¡¯re talking to me?¡± He gestured at his own chest as if there were any debate.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Cade responded smoothly.


    ¡°Huzzah, my dear traveler. I am Lord Harken, but let us dispense with hindrances such as titles or the quantity of estates we might possess.¡± Harken leaned in conspiratorially. ¡°I have seventy.¡±


    He leaned back and grinned widely, his compatriots surreptitiously stepping farther and farther from their conversation.


    ¡°So, what brings you to the Baron¡¯s Ball?¡± Harken asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.


    Around them, hundreds of people from all of the mortal races mingled and ate and talked. He spotted a few clad in armor and weapons, but most of the tournament participants blended in with the rest of the crowd.


    Cade would have to change that.


    Cade smiled his most charming smile. ¡°Just looking to enjoy the festivities. You know how it is¡ªnever a dull moment in Elysia.¡±


    Harken laughed heartily. ¡°Indeed! Though I know nothing of this Elysia you speak of. It must be a quaint hamlet, I¡¯m sure. But you must be here for more than just the dancing and drinking, though I know all of the Baron¡¯s balls are spectacular. The women, I hear, can¡¯t get enough of them! Though I also heard whispers that our host has a great announcement to make soon.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? You¡¯ve never heard of Elysia?¡± Cade asked.


    That troubled him, but he was missing far too many pieces to this puzzle for anything to make sense quite yet. Cade¡¯s smile turned disarming, and he gestured for the plump gentleman to continue.


    But before Harken could respond, a pair of heavily armed warriors beelined in his direction. The first human was nearly bald and had a crazed look in his eyes, and Cade definitely didn¡¯t want to learn the reason behind that little bloodthirsty glint.


    His companion wasn¡¯t much better.


    He was so close in visage they had to be brothers and this late arrival was clearly the older of the two. He had a tightly cut mop of dirty brown hair that Cade would¡¯ve bet his entire coin purse on that he personally shaved with a hunting knife.


    To put them in Cade¡¯s professional terms: they were bad news.


    He didn¡¯t recognize either of them, but he could spot their intentions easily enough. To his right, Cade caught sight of Nora and Evie making their way toward a secluded corner where a group of military officers were engaged in a heated discussion. Cade excused himself and followed them, careful to use as many bodies to obscure his path from those two interlopers.


    As he approached, he overheard snippets of their conversation¡ªwords like: ¡°the Baron¡¯s loyalties,¡± ¡°that bastard,¡± and ¡°we¡¯ll be ready.¡± His interest piqued, Cade stepped closer, hoping to gather more.


    As he listened in on the officers¡¯ conversation, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to find a servant in red livery holding a silver tray with a small, ornate box.


    ¡°A gift for you, sir,¡± the servant said with a bow.


    He was an elf with silver streaks in his otherwise immaculate black hair, and wore the red garments Cade was coming to associate with the people of the Baron¡¯s household.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Cade took the ornate box from the tray and opened it. Inside was a glass sphere that pulsed with enchanted runes. Intrigued, he lifted it up, and as he did, the runes glowed brighter.


    A soft voice emanated from the sphere, reciting a riddle:


    ¡°To grasp the Baron¡¯s veiled design,


    Listen where the murmurs align.


    Breezes whisper through twilight¡¯s gate,


    Before his toast, unveil your fate.


    Truth or darkness, fate will seal,


    As whispers in the night reveal.¡±


    The voice faded, leaving Cade with a chill.


    Before he could pocket the sphere, it crumbled into fine grains of sand that spilled through his fingers onto the floor. For some reason, the sight reminded him of those fancy hourglasses he knew merchants often used.


    He needed to gather his team. Time was not on their side.


    ¡°Everyone. Gather on me. The challenge has officially started,¡± he sent urgently.


    No one replied.


    His brow furrowed. ¡°Can anyone hear me?¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s do this the old fashioned way,¡± he sent anyway, just in the off chance anyone could hear him but was ignoring him out of spite.


    He found Evie first, her eyes wide with delight as she sampled a delicate pastry.


    ¡°Evie, we need to gather everyone,¡± Cade said, his voice low but urgent.


    She nodded, evidently sensing the seriousness in his tone. Cade thought he saw a deep sorrow flash across her eyes when their gazes met, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. He had more important things to consider, and so left that mystery for some other time.


    They moved through the ballroom, finding Elena and Jer near a lavish buffet, each carrying plates piled high with delicacies.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got our first clue,¡± Cade told them, and they reluctantly set their plates down after stuffing a few of the pastries into their mouths.


    Rayka was chatting animatedly with a group of nobles, but she quickly excused herself when she saw Cade approaching.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a riddle to solve,¡± Cade replied. ¡°Meet at the grand staircase.¡±


    He continued through the crowd, spotting Gavin near a group of musicians. The telepath was leaning against an ornate pillar as he smiled slyly at a lady beneath the shadow of his arm.


    Evie muttered something softly under her breath, but Cade missed whatever she said. Gavin in tow, he moved on in the direction he remembered Orro slunk off to.


    ¡°I¡¯ll meet you all by the staircase,¡± he said, dismissing the others. ¡°I don¡¯t want to move in a pack just in case we get targeted.¡±


    They all nodded, and Cade shifted through the ebb and flow of the ball attendees, careful to avoid any noticeable groups of other contestants. He briefly eyed the same little girl with freakishly gray skin, but she was hidden by the crowd a breath later. After a minute of searching, he spotted his best friend in one of the few dark corners this well-lit room offered.


    Orro was the only one who hadn¡¯t indulged in the food or drink, his sharp eyes constantly scanning the room. Just as Cade was about to reach him, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, ready to brush off whoever it was, but froze when he took in the face of the person who stopped him.


    That face.


    For all his days, he wished he never saw that face again, as its presence here only spelled death for him and his crew. The man had a nasty scar running down the left side of their neck, but his obnoxiously handsome features were still relatively untouched. The scar actually made his domineering and arrogant attitude all the more pronounced, in fact.


    ¡°Well, well, Cade. Fancy seeing you here,¡± Fenwick drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    Hugh¡¯s new prized pupil stood there in a suit that blended right into the gala.


    Cade forced a smile, though his heart pounded in his chest like a wardrum.


    ¡°I like the new suit, Fenwick,¡± Cade commented with forced boredom. ¡°Did you know you could dress differently than virtually every other person here, or were you afraid to stand out? Style isn¡¯t a template, you know.¡± He flashed a cheeky wink. ¡°It¡¯s about courage.¡±


    Fenwick¡¯s lips curled into a sneer, revealing the snake beneath the finery. ¡°Unlike you, Cade, I can afford to dress like this every day, not just for special occasions. But I wouldn¡¯t expect a gutter rat like yourself to understand the standards the rest of the world live by. You are just a petty little thief, after all.¡±


    Cade¡¯s jaw clenched, but he was determined not to let Fenwick get under his skin. He shouldn¡¯t even be here.


    None of this was right. The anger coursing through his veins intermingled with the tumult he felt within his fledgling core. Still, he could work with this. He could spin it in his favor.


    Probably.


    ¡°Good for you,¡± Cade started. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, a familiar voice cut through the noise, stopping him in his tracks.


    ¡°Hello, Cade. It¡¯s time we had a bit of a chat.¡±


    Hugh.

 Chapter 30: Blood Begets Blood

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade tried to get a look at his former mentor, but Hugh grabbed the back of his neck and forced him to stay in place. Cade could feel the man¡¯s cold fingers dig into his skin like a steel trap.


    Of all the cities for this bastard to slink into, it had to be here. Images flashed in Cade¡¯s mind.


    That dark vault.


    His boss, mentor, and friend betraying all that they had built.


    Cade never wanted to see this man again, and yet here he was, colder than ever. He caught a glimpse of his former teacher and was startled to see that he was almost exactly as Cade remembered.


    He was tall, with piercing eyes and an air of quiet authority. In his free hand, he held a crystal chalice filled with a dark red wine. He swirled it like he had all the time in the world while he held Cade captive.


    ¡°Hugh,¡± Cade said, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°How did you find us?¡±


    Hugh¡¯s grip on his neck tightened. If his actions weren¡¯t enough to prove to Cade that he meant less than nothing to the old man, his words did the trick.


    ¡°You know, I really did think you were smarter than this, boy. I thought that maybe, just maybe, you might¡¯ve listened to one fecking thing I said. But no. You have no discipline, no survival instincts. You know, I could¡¯ve killed you ten times already? Of course you didn¡¯t. You¡¯re a pup who thinks himself a wolf.¡±


    ¡°Then why haven¡¯t you?¡± Cade demanded. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you killed me already? If I¡¯m that much of a disappointment?¡±


    Hugh grunted, his grip as tight as ever.


    ¡°You know what pups are great for?¡± Hugh mused, and Cade could hear the wicked sneer in his tone. ¡°Distractions, lad.¡±


    ¡°Best part is that they¡¯re expendable too,¡± Fenwick added from where he leaned against the railing of the balcony.


    Cade felt a surge of anger, but he forced himself to remain calm. ¡°What do you want, Hugh?¡±


    Hugh¡¯s gaze dug into him.


    With a bark of laughter, Hugh shoved Cade forward and then casually lifted a tall glass of wine so red it looked like blood. He took a long pull, but his eyes never left Cade¡¯s. That gods-damned tattoo of broken manacles seemed to glow in the dim light along Hugh¡¯s neck.


    When he had drained his cup, his lips were stained with the crimson liquid. In the warm glow of the torches and candles, Hugh was the spitting image of a vengeful spirit returned from the dead.


    ¡°What do I want?¡± the man asked. ¡°What I¡¯m owed, Stormhollow. I¡¯ve come to take what¡¯s mine.¡± Hugh stepped closer to Cade, and the young thief strained his neck to maintain eye contact. ¡°And nothing¡ªnothing¡ªis going to stand in my way this time.¡±


    He took another sip, then handed his glass to Fenwick as he turned to leave.


    Then, over his shoulder, he called out one last time. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you were paying attention, boy. Enjoy the ball.¡±


    Fenwick gave him a parting sneer but followed like a chick behind its hen.


    Cade¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll find out.¡±


    Hugh and Fenwick melted back into the crowd, leaving Cade standing there. His mind raced. Cade¡¯s fingers trembled as the panic and coldness he felt at seeing Hugh flushed through his system.


    He needed a drink.


    Orro approached, eyes as dark as the shadows he loved. When he took in Cade¡¯s state, his expression darkened further. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Hugh¡¯s here.¡± In the span of a single breath, Orro went from alert to murderous.


    His head went on a swivel while his hands reached into his cloak for a pair of knives. Cade wanted to let him hunt their old boss. He wanted to rid himself of this nightmare, but he knew that would only lead to their deaths, and not just because Hugh had more aces up his sleeve than cards in a deck.


    They needed to get out of here, and then they could deal with that bastard.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, Orro.¡± Cade placed a gentle yet firm hand on his best friend¡¯s shoulder.


    The assassin turned on him, and Cade resisted the urge to recoil. Hate¡ªstronger than Cade had ever witnessed inside anyone, much less his lifelong ally¡ªburned inside the assassin¡¯s eyes like the fury of a scorned god. It was both frigidly cold and viciously hot all at once, and Cade was amazed his hand on Orro¡¯s shoulder didn¡¯t burn up in the proximity of such raw and unfettered hate.


    ¡°He¡¯ll pay, Cade.¡± Orro barely moved a muscle when he said it, and Cade knew it was taking all of his self-control not to go on a rampage then and there.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cade said, as gently as he could manage, given his own discordant emotions. ¡°He¡¯ll pay. But first, let¡¯s solve this ridiculous puzzle and get out of this orgy just waiting to happen.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a puzzle?¡± Orro asked while he tilted his head in confusion.


    ¡°I love that the puzzle part is what you focused on in that statement, but yes. Let¡¯s get the others, and I¡¯ll explain.¡± Cade let go of Orro¡¯s shoulder and gestured for the assassin to walk with him.


    In minutes, they regrouped at the grand staircase, and Cade felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The ballroom around them was a swirl of color and sound, and the thrum of hundreds of people as they milled about the large hall threatened to overwhelm his senses.


    Hugh was here.


    Worse yet, he had entered the tournament as well.


    ¡°Cade? You okay?¡± Rayka asked softly.


    Cade took a deep breath but nodded, gingerly rubbing the back of his neck. He gave his sister a brittle smile and refocused on the present. He would tell them about Hugh later. Right now, they needed to get out of here.


    He cleared his throat and addressed the team. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ve been given a riddle.¡±


    With a brief pause to recall what he could, he did his best to recite the riddle in full¡ªand by the gods, he hoped he could remember the whole thing.


    ¡°To grasp the Baron¡¯s veiled design,


    Listen where the murmurs align.


    Breezes whisper through twilight¡¯s gate,


    Before his toast, unveil your fate.


    Truth or darkness, fate will seal,


    As whispers in the night reveal.¡±


    Elena frowned. ¡°Whispers? Like rumors? Or secrets?¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Probably, but that feels too easy,¡± Cade said. ¡°Let¡¯s start with a bit of gossip. We need to find out what people are saying about the Baron. Start there, but keep in mind that this is probably going to get messy quickly.¡±


    Cade rolled out his shoulders and told them the plan. ¡°This is an information-gathering and espionage job, plain and simple. Everyone, play up your strengths. Gavin, talk to the ladies. Nora and Evie, see if you can find some military personnel who might open up to you. Jer, Rayka, Elena, talk to the staff. You know that they¡¯re the best source for gossip in places like this. Take Bunny with you, since he¡¯s a little heartbreaker. They won¡¯t be able to resist you, will they buddy?¡± Cade asked his little dragonling.


    The dragon purred and hopped off his shoulder and landed on Jer¡¯s.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Cade said, refocusing. ¡°Last but not least¡ªOrro, keep an eye out for the other contestants. We haven¡¯t run into them yet, and I want to keep it that way. Run interference if you need to.¡±


    Cade heard Hugh¡¯s words play in his mind again.


    ¡°You know what pups are great for?¡± The words echoed in his mind. ¡°Distractions, lad.¡±


    ¡°What did I miss?¡± he asked himself, his voice too quiet for anyone else to hear. ¡°And how am I the distraction?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t let himself play into Hugh¡¯s hands.


    Rayka¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I heard some nice elf ladies talking about a mean sorcerer causing havoc on the borders of this province. Maybe that¡¯s related?¡±


    ¡°Good start,¡± Cade answered. ¡°The second you hear something notable, come find me. Our telepathic link is blocked for some reason. Gavin, any idea why?¡±


    Their handsome comrade shrugged in defeat.


    ¡°Not sure,¡± Gavin replied while he rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°Given the location we¡¯ve been tossed into, my best guess is that our host has some of the typical anti-telepathy runes set into the stones. It¡¯s pretty standard practice for the elite, but it¡¯s annoying as all hells.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. But we¡¯ll need all of your charm, then. See if you can find anything about the Baron¡¯s intent. That line feels extra important.¡± Cade clapped his hands and gave them a forced smile. ¡°Let¡¯s get out there and not die.¡±


    His team melded with the meandering crowd, and his chest swelled with a bit of pride at seeing them work.


    Cade couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something big was about to happen. The tension in the air was nearly palpable as he took in the throng of individuals unaware of the doom that loomed over all of them. He remembered the rumors about this tournament. Death would carry them out of this arena if they weren¡¯t careful.


    And quick.


    With every step he took, he knew with greater and greater surety that he was missing something. The ballroom¡¯s opulence seemed to mock the urgency of their mission, the laughter and music a stark contrast to the deadly game they were playing. Cade scanned the room, his mind racing with possibilities.


    The Baron¡¯s veiled design. The whispers. The truth.


    ¡°Now¡­ how do we not die in here?¡± he whispered to himself.


    Servants glided through the crowd, their smiles unnervingly constant as they offered trays of drinks and plates of delicacies. Despite his hunger and thirst, Cade avoided the tables piled high with richly colored foods.


    He needed to focus. His mind rehearsed the poetic riddle over and over in his head while he watched the passersby.


    ¡°Sir, a drink?¡± a servant asked suddenly, and he nearly jumped out of his boots.


    Her pale blue eyes were oddly wide and desperate even as her unnatural smile stretched further.


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Cade replied, moving past her.


    Another servant intercepted him, this one a tall man with a tray of wine glasses.


    ¡°Please, sir, just a sip. You must be parched,¡± he intoned with just a bit too much forced cheer.


    Cade shook his head, more forcefully this time. ¡°I said no.¡±


    The lanky man stepped into the young thief¡¯s path. The servant¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter, but tears began to stream down his face, glistening in the ballroom¡¯s soft light.


    ¡°Please,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking. ¡°You must.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Cade answered cautiously.


    The tight cord of muscles in the servant¡¯s neck loosened noticeably as Cade reached up and grabbed a crystalline chalice from the large serving plate. With a nod, Cade pushed past the servant even as a chill ran down his spine.


    When he was behind a few more guests, he poured the sparkling liquid into a drunk gentleman¡¯s ruby-encrusted goblet but held onto the emptied cup. The stranger nodded his thanks and gulped down the expensive liquor like it was water and he had just exited a desert.


    Cade shook his head and moved on, scanning the crowd as he sought familiar faces. His heart settled a little when he spotted none other than Lord Harken leaning deeply into his velvet chair.


    The thief placed a hand on the man¡¯s shoulder, but Harken slumped forward awkwardly. Confusion turned to horror as Cade turned him over only to be greeted by lifeless eyes with drying blood around their rims and across the man¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Cade muttered, his panic rising.


    He looked around and saw more and more guests slumped in their seats or on the floor. A few had their faces set against the white linen tablecloths, and he could now see the spreading stain of red across their surfaces. He cursed again while his mind raced for answers.


    ¡°Is this one of the teams?¡± He forced himself to consider.


    There was nothing in that damned riddle about poisons or assassinations, but as he looked, he could see that both guest and contestants were lying dead around the increasingly quiet room.


    He was running out of time.


    Uncertainty began to creep into the back of his mind. He wasn¡¯t ready for this. He wasn¡¯t equipped or qualified to deal with this situation. Hugh had always navigated the murky waters.


    He was a leader. Cade was just¡­


    A sudden crash echoed through the ballroom, drawing Cade¡¯s attention to a group of contestants standing defiantly amidst the chaos. One team, comprised of burly mercenaries covered in scars and furs, had overturned a table and were shouting at the top of their lungs.


    Their leader, a hulking man with a jagged cut running down his cheek, brandished a sword and roared, ¡°We¡¯re not dying here like rats in a cage for your fecking game! Fight us, you cowards! We¡¯ll kill the lot of ya and take that prize for ourselves!¡±


    The men around this outspoken idiot roared their approval, and Cade watched as the mercenaries fanned out, their faces twisted with fear and determination.


    It was so quick.


    One moment, the girl who offered Cade a drink stood at attention. The next, her blood coated the berserker¡¯s axe as the rest of the girl painted the wall behind her. Someone from across the expansive room screamed, and all hell broke loose.


    Some charged at the servants, who desperately tried to maintain their eerie composure while fighting back with unexpected ferocity. Spells clogged the air. Weapons clashed against each other.


    More contestants rose and took up the fight. The shouts of combatants filled the air, a cacophony of flesh and bone against blade that threatened to overwhelm Cade¡¯s senses. Plates shattered, silverware clattered to the floor, and the war cries mingled with the gurgling wails of dying guests.


    Death had arrived at the banquet after all.


    Cade watched from across the ballroom as the towering mercenary swung his massive battle axe, cleaving a path through yet another group of servants. His eyes blazed with fury, each swing of his weapon sending sprays of blood across the polished marble floor.


    Nearby, another contestant hurled a chair, the wooden legs splintering against a gnome¡¯s head. The eerie, fixed smiles of the servants twisted into grimaces of pain and rage as they fought back with concealed daggers and spells.


    Across the room, a team of wood elves in opulent finery were experiencing their own descent into madness. Their leader, a tall elf with golden hair and a regal demeanor, convulsed and collapsed, the poison taking its deadly toll. The sight shattered their aloof composure.


    ¡°No! Lord Thalion! Please! Don¡¯t close your eyes! Please!¡± one of the wood elves screamed, her voice breaking with despair.


    Another elf, his eyes wild with rage, began to weave their hands in complex patterns even as thick trains of tears streaked across his face. Vines and roots erupted from the floor, wrapping around the feet of anyone nearby and dragging them down.


    ¡°We¡¯ll tear this place apart before we let you kill us!¡± he shouted. ¡°You won¡¯t take him! Not like this!¡±


    The ballroom transformed into a battlefield.


    Servants, now exposed as combatants, fought back with a viciousness that reminded Cade of cornered animals. One contestant conjured a wall of fire, attempting to hold off the advances of a team of massacring humans, but a swift blow from a mercenary¡¯s hammer shattered his concentration, and the flames flickered out.


    Another servant¡ªa silver-haired elf with a perpetual smile¡ªlashed out with twin daggers, her movements quick and deadly, but she was soon overwhelmed by a barrage of arrows from the wood elves.


    Cade¡¯s heart pounded as he took in the scene. Magic clashed with steel, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of blood and burnt ozone.


    He felt a strange sensation within him, as if his fledgling core writhed just beneath his skin. It was just like in that accursed room beneath the earth with Scorn¡¯s cronies.


    The air around him began to stir, and he thought he saw sparks flickering across his sleeves. He shoved the sensation down, focusing instead on the key to their survival. It wasn¡¯t this useless fight. It was in that riddle.


    But then he spotted Jer and Rayka stumbling near the edge of the dance floor, and all thoughts of caution evaporated. Cade¡¯s stomach churned, and it was like lead filled his lungs.


    Rayka stumbled and dropped to all fours even as Jer attempted to pick her up. She coughed and blood flooded from out between her lips. She looked up, and Cade knew he was already too late.


    They were all going to die.

 Chapter 31: Conflicts Court

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Heart racing, Cade rushed over to Rayka, Jer, and Bunny.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Cade demanded, his voice shaking briefly as a lump of hot coal burned its way through his gut.


    Bunny nuzzled Jer¡¯s side and looked up at the acrobat. He and Elena both stared intently at Jer.


    The man wiped his brow, looking dazed. ¡°We don¡¯t know. We just started feeling sick.¡±


    ¡°Why? Did anyone stab or cut you? Did you eat anything weird?¡± Cade pressed, and he caught the momentary shame flicker over both of their eyes as he said it.


    He was about to demand they answer, but voices nearby stole the momentum of his panic. The conversation was whispered, but what secrecy they had beneath their table was lost as their volume steadily increased.


    ¡°You said Moonglade was safe, Gerry!¡± A jarring voice hissed. ¡°You said, ¡¯oh, we should totally attend the Baron¡¯s ball! What could go wrong? He has the most opulent and warded palace around!¡¯ It was because Victoria was going to be here, wasn¡¯t it? Admit it, Gerry, you¡¯ve been fornicating with her whenever I¡¯m off to the college, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    The hissed words were clearly from a woman, and Cade decided it was time to interrupt their lover¡¯s quarrel.


    He lifted the linen tablecloth up to reveal a spectacled man as wiry as he was tall, huddled next to a noblewoman with a mole the size of a small kingdom atop her nose.


    ¡°Moonglade?¡± Cade repeated, the name tickling the back of his mind.


    It felt familiar, yet distant.


    Jer hacked up blood behind him.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± The woman asked in a shrill voice that belied her fear.


    Cade didn¡¯t have time to comfort her. His friends were dying, and he needed answers.


    ¡°You said Moonglade just a moment ago. What is that? Where is that?¡± Cade¡¯s voice was like a whip.


    He had an idea, but he needed to be sure.


    ¡°Oh, gods!¡± Elena yelled from behind him.


    Cade looked over his shoulder to see her arrive and immediately drop to her knees as she cradled Jer¡¯s prone form.


    ¡°What happened? No, no, no, no!¡± Elena muttered as her lower lip quivered dangerously. She met his eyes, and something hotter than hell¡¯s winds lanced between them. ¡°Cade, do something.¡±


    ¡°Working on it,¡± he replied quickly before he turned to the couple. ¡°Moonglade. Answers. Now.¡±


    ¡°How dare you speak to me in such a disgraceful¡ª¡± The woman began with a sneer, but the spectacled gentleman cut her off.


    ¡°Help us out of here, and we¡¯ll answer any questions you might have, traveler.¡± At his demand, Cade hesitated and then nodded.


    ¡°I give you my sacred oath as a thief and lover of the arts,¡± Cade promised. ¡°Now, talk!¡±


    The man scowled in confusion, but then shrugged and scooted his way out from beneath the table. He was thin and fair-skinned, and Cade got the distinct impression he didn¡¯t get out much.


    ¡°Al¡ªalright,¡± the poor noble started. ¡°Moonglade is where we are. It¡¯s been ravaged the past few years, though, and there are not many safe provinces left. A dark sorcerer has been collecting more and more territory across our borders. The Baron¡¯s province is the final bastion between us and destruction.¡±


    The explanation the scholar gave didn¡¯t help Cade in the slightest, other than confirm that there might be another force at play here. For all the gold in the world, though, he couldn¡¯t figure out how this helped with the riddle.


    ¡°That¡¯s interesting but totally unhelpful. I need more.¡± His mind raced, and he snapped his fingers. He pinned the couple with a hard stare. ¡°Do either of you know anything about breezes whispering through a twilight gate, or where murmurs might align, or what any of that might mean?¡±


    Both of them paled.


    ¡°What? What do you know?¡± Cade stepped forward and into their path.


    The man started to back up, horror draining the blood from his face even as he slipped on something dark and wet beneath his polished boots


    ¡°Whispers bring death in Moonglade,¡± the scholar admitted before he stumbled away, the noblewoman in tow.


    She gave him and his group one last sneer and then disappeared into the tumult around them.


    Orro sprinted toward him, his face a mask of concern. ¡°Cade, more of our teammates are falling ill. It¡¯s spreading fast.¡±


    The young thief saw Nora keeled over next to Rayka, hands clenched against her stomach even as the tips of her fingers turned purple. Bunny nuzzled Jer¡¯s shoulder in concern while Elena held his head on her lap.


    Cade¡¯s mind raced. ¡°Orro, take care of them. And don¡¯t drink or eat anything. Do you understand?¡±


    Orro nodded and hurried away. Cade scanned the room, his sense of urgency mounting. He needed to get to the bottom of this.


    ¡°To grasp the Baron¡¯s veiled design¡­¡± Cade recited, then stumbled to a halt.


    He looked up at the balcony where Hugh had been. Either that traitorous bastard was laying a false trail, or he really did think that little of Cade¡¯s intelligence. But it made sense.


    He knew the truth now, but that only made what he had to do next worse.


    ¡°Huh.¡± He looked back at his team and then made his decision.


    They would not die. He wouldn¡¯t let them.


    He rushed toward his target, careful to avoid the many skirmishes that were still popping up around the massive hall. Wide banners with the Baron¡¯s seal depicting some kind of dragon coiled around a thick book billowed in the winds kicked up by the fighting.


    Cade beelined through the shattered chairs and overturned banquet tables, stepping around the corpses that now littered the floor.


    He found the Baron standing at the head of the room, calm and unconcerned. Cade stormed up to him, his anger matched only by his growing confidence.


    ¡°Hey, Baron Rathmore! You¡¯re the Baron Rathmore, aren¡¯t you? Not just some copycat for our dark amusement or some sick joke?¡± Cade demanded while his chest heaved.


    The Baron smiled serenely. ¡°Do I look like a joke to you, peasant? Though I do think it¡¯s about time to finally add some fun into this part of the world.¡±


    The way he said the word ¡¯fun¡¯ convinced Cade that they had very different definitions of that word. His involved a castle filled with priceless art and his crew spending more gold than a nation-state.


    Something about the Baron¡¯s response triggered another memory for Cade. The image of a bedraggled storyteller flashed into his mind, though it took him a long moment to realize why.


    More of the puzzle pieces came together, but he still needed more information.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re bored. I get that. I get bored too,¡± Cade replied with a wave of his hands. ¡°I usually try to steal from a minor prince or Orro¡¯s secret stash of perfumes¡ªboth equally dangerous I might add. But is a massacre really the only solution you¡¯ve got? And poisoning, no less? Seriously. Talk about getting desperate for a thrill.¡±


    The Baron¡¯s eyebrow twitched, and his serene mask slipped for just a moment. Cade resisted the urge to smile when he saw the wild beast beneath the calm exterior. He was right, but that made what would come next even more dangerous.


    ¡°I¡¯m not desperate, you pitiful creature. I am finally rising from the disgusting ashes of this stagnant kingdom, and I¡¯m taking its prized possession with me.¡± The Baron adjusted the lapels of his suit and huffed softly through his nose.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Oh, and what is that?¡± Cade asked, though he already had an idea of what it might be.


    ¡°Its Whispers, of course,¡± the Baron retorted easily.


    There it was.


    Cade knew something felt off about that phrase, but now he needed to make sure.


    ¡°The whispers?¡± He clarified in his most naive persona. ¡°As in, people gossiping? I imagine hosting balls was great for that sort of thing.¡±


    The Baron¡¯s smile turned predatory. ¡°Fool. Not bland rumors my servants document without any effort at all. No. The Whispers are those nasty little assassins. Nearly everyone here tonight hired at least one of them to acquire my estate. They thought that it was this castle that warded off that pesky sorcerer they were so worried about. Turns out the Whispers were just as bored as I was.¡±


    He gestured to the room where countless people lay in pools of their blood.


    ¡°I would make a comment about the taste of one¡¯s own medicine, but it¡¯s beneath me. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have a toast to make to my new friends.¡±


    Cade¡¯s mind whirled as the final pieces slipped into place. He stared down at the soul-curse tattoo attached to his left wrist. He then peered over to where his friends were dying.


    His sister.


    ¡°Shit, this is going to suck.¡± He took in a deep breath and called to his best friend. ¡°Orro! Get them all sitting up!¡± He didn¡¯t wait for a response.


    Cade dashed to a dinner table and grabbed a large knife and a goblet. He sprinted back to the Baron, who watched him with mild curiosity. Cade forced a smile and bowed sardonically.


    ¡°Thank you for your generosity,¡± he said, and before the Baron could react, Cade sliced the man¡¯s wrist open and poured the blood into the goblet.


    The Baron screamed in pain and fury, but Cade ignored him. He raced back to his friends, the goblet sloshing with the Baron¡¯s blood. Orro recoiled in disgust, but Cade shoved past him.


    ¡°Drink this. Now!¡±


    One by one, each of his teammates drank the blood, their faces contorting in revulsion. As they did, their color returned, and their wounds began to heal. The effect was immediate and miraculous.


    The Baron, clutching his bleeding wrist, began his big announcement.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the grand¡ª¡± He stopped, seeing Cade and his team standing, alive and well.


    Cade stepped forward, holding the empty goblet high. ¡°These trials are about Life, Baron. Or, should I say, Conflict?¡±


    The Baron¡¯s fist twisted in rage as the hand holding his goblet paused in its journey to complete his toast. He lowered the cup and swirled it slowly as he gritted his teeth.


    Around them, the fighting slowed, and Cade scanned the room to see at least five groups of contestants clustered together in various sections of the large space. Cade noted that nearly all of the noblewomen and men that had cut in line just yesterday lay dead near the overturned dining tables.


    ¡°What gave it away, peasant?¡± The Baron inquired, though his eyes never left whatever dark concoction filled his glass.


    ¡°I just had to figure out which trial this was,¡± the thief answered smugly.


    His veneer of naivety removed, he spoke calmly and clearly.


    ¡°Once I realized it wasn¡¯t the trials about fighting for life or the perseverance of life, but rebirth, it became obvious. It¡¯s actually a bit on the nose now that I think about it. Rebirth only happens in so many ways, and what greater example is there besides the infamous mortal-turned-god that happened just a few centuries ago?¡± Cade asked rhetorically, though he couldn¡¯t hide the grin across his face at the Baron¡¯s growing irritation.


    Cade raised an eyebrow. Conflict¡¯s grip on his goblet turned white and the crystal snapped. Blood dripped across his fingers and his fist shook violently by his side.


    Cade decided to hammer the final nail home and prayed to whatever god might be listening that this didn¡¯t kill him.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t take a master-scholar to figure out your riddle¡¯s double meaning. ¡¯As whispers in the night reveal?¡¯ The Whispers are famous no matter where you go.¡± Cade gestured to the recovering participants who had calmed enough to listen in to this exchange.


    His grin widened.


    ¡°A group of assassins bent to the will of a god is pretty solid fodder for even the most inept bard, trust me. I remembered something about how Conflict arose from some plagued kingdom and made it his home, or something like that, but I never figured you to be some bored Baron who was too much of a coward to face his enemies directly,¡± Cade sucked at his lip in faux contemplation.


    ¡°For the god attributed for war and chaos, you sure are a letdown. I¡¯ll bet you had to ask a real god to help you ascend,¡± Cade hedged.


    The Baron screamed and lunged off of his dais at Cade.


    Please let this work, Cade prayed as he clenched his eyes shut and waited for the impact.


    It never came.


    The sound of a grunt followed by the crash of plates, accompanied by more grunts and curses, was enough for Cade to finally peek through his eyelids.


    As he¡¯d hoped, several warriors were holding the Baron down while others collected his blood and shuttled it to what Cade could only assume were other poisoned contestants. He looked around, and his heart nearly stopped a second time in as many minutes as Hugh gazed back at him. He nodded once and then shoved off the pillar he¡¯d been leaning against and headed away from the spectacle.


    ¡°I will arise! You won¡¯t get away with this!¡± The Baron cried.


    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± Cade said loudly, and he snapped his finger in the air.


    He turned to the restricted noble and his smile turned cold.


    ¡°I remember that old bard saying something about how Conflict needed to start a war by killing a whole bunch of officials and dignitaries from other kingdoms. You tried to poison all of us. You even succeeded a bit there, but have fun starting a bloodbath when everyone¡¯s united against your demise, you disgusting piece of trollshit,¡± Cade spat.


    ¡°Curse you! Curse you!¡± The Baron screamed, but Cade turned away and toward his friends.


    He put both hands in his pockets and sauntered away as the demigod kicked and screamed in vain. A vine as thick as a tree branch sprouted from the ground and gagged the vile creature, putting an end to his tirades.


    A finely dressed elf caught his eye and nodded a silent thanks before she rushed off, goblet in hand.


    ¡°Y¡¯know,¡± Orro began as he helped Rayka to her feet. ¡°The Whispers have the same insignia as those banners, right?¡±


    Cade¡¯s shoulders tightened. ¡°Wait, really? I thought I was being all clever with that connection to the story I heard as a kid.¡±


    ¡°My question,¡± Nora rasped as she put her weight against a thick oak table beside where Orro had propped her. ¡°How in the hells did you know his blood would cure us?¡±


    Cade looked around at his team and saw the same question repeat itself across each of their expressions.


    He smiled. ¡°The fruit.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Elena questioned, and there was more venom to her tone than Cade expected.


    Jer winced at her harsh tone, and she hushed him gently as he continued to recover next to her.


    ¡°You wagered the life of my brother and everyone else on¡­ fruit?!¡± Elena demanded hotly.


    ¡°Calm down, El. It worked out, didn¡¯t it?¡± Jer croaked. He grimaced, but looked to be on the mend.


    ¡°I saw the Baron eat fruit off of a tray.¡± The thief shrugged and gave them his first genuine smile. ¡°Then he drank from another random goblet. Either he had special servers, or he just got some sort of immunity beforehand. The poisons all acted quickly, so I assumed they entered the blood. If he¡¯s immune, then it would be connected to his blood, right? Hence the fun-juice you all got.¡±


    Cade¡¯s explanation was met with disgust and even more confusion. Rayka used her index finger and thumb to rub her temples in annoyance, but she couldn¡¯t hide the small smile playing on her lips.


    Orro laughed softly to himself. The assassin looked up with a rare warmth in his eyes. ¡°Thanks for getting us out of this mess, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You came through for us. Thank you,¡± Jer chimed in, though he coughed immediately after.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you all down. I promise.¡± With Cade¡¯s vow, it was like the storm clouds around them cleared.


    His arm itched, and he lifted his sleeve just enough to itch at the edges of the soul curse tattoo Scorn had given him. To his horror, its bright glow was entirely gone from the top of the tattoo, and only about four-fifths of the tattoo still had light to it.


    He was running out of time.


    There was the heavy thrum of horns with such a low tone that it rattled Cade¡¯s bones. The sound echoed through the expanse, and with a flash of light, the ceiling peeled away to reveal the arena¡¯s occupants.


    A second later, the final membrane between the contestants and the audience dissipated, and the volume of the crowd slammed into him like a physical wall. He blinked quickly and squinted through the sharp onset of light above. The tournament attendees screamed and shouted their praises, banners and ribbons, and hands dancing in the air in their revelry.


    ¡°CONGRATULATIONS, MY CHILDREN,¡± a voice boomed over the mania.


    Cade started up in the direction of the newcomer and saw the brilliant outline of Life descending from the royal box. Her bare feet touched down on the smooth stone of the arena floor, and grass bloomed up in her wake.


    ¡°FOR YOUR VALOR AND TRUST IN MY LESSON, I SHALL GRANT EACH OF YOU A SLIVER OF MY POWER.¡±


    The light around her diminished, and Cade caught his first good look at the goddess. Her blonde hair was gilded with flowers of every possible shape and size, and Cade could¡¯ve sworn that a few of them were made from some sort of crystal.


    Her lacy dress left little to the imagination, and every sway of her hips left Cade¡¯s cheeks a shade redder than they had been the moment before. She was captivating, and yet he felt bile rise up in his throat as she neared. Her aura was like miasma.


    Cade looked away, and the moment he did, some of his faculties returned. He caught Nora¡¯s eyes, and they shared a brief connection of mutual discomfort as the goddess approached their position. In his periphery, he saw the deity stretch out her dainty fingers and green light spilled from them like a bubbling brook.


    Lifekeepers began to line the outskirts of the arena floor, each carrying a large sack. Cade¡¯s smile turned genuine at the sight of so much gold just waiting to be spent.


    ¡°MY GIFT FOR ALL OF YOU WHO WERE REBORN THROUGH MY LESSON.¡±


    Life¡¯s sweet and motherly voice carried through the expanse and left everyone holding their collective breath.


    The green light swam along the arena and contented sighs arose from various parts of the arena as the energy enveloped them. A single tendril snaked its way up Cade¡¯s leg and hovered over his heart.


    ¡°...IS MY LOVE. IT WILL BIND YOUR WOUNDS AND AWAKEN YOUR SOULS. LET IT IN, AND I WILL EMBRACE YOU AS MY OWN.¡± She let out a moan that quickly evolved into a giggle as she twirled for all the world to see.


    The flowers in her hair glowed as she moved, and Cade was once again sucked into her aura of power.


    ¡°I WILL LET YOU WORSHIP ME NOW.¡±


    The green band of energy shot into his heart, and Cade¡¯s vision blurred as an all-consuming pain wracked every inch of his body.


    And as the world around him darkened, his body went ice cold.

 Chapter 32: Lies the Gods Tell Us

    <hr>


    <h3 style="text-align: center">THE GODDESS OF DECAY


    <hr>


    If that bastard Hugh was still alive, Decay would kill him herself.


    The goddess of rot and ruin soared gracefully above the landscape atop a massive white dragon, with her trusted assassin Cin perched behind her. The enthralled cloudrift dragon¡ªBaloran, king of storms¡ªobeyed every tap of her heels as she steered him toward her sister¡¯s temple. The dragon¡¯s vast wings beat rhythmically, slicing through the clouds with ease, until she commanded him to land.


    As they descended, the golden wheat fields below them shivered, seemingly in reverence to the powerful trio and the tempestuous authority they brought with them.


    Baloran¡¯s landing was a spectacle in itself. With a final, thunderous flap of his wings, he touched down in the wheat field, the sheer force of his arrival causing a shockwave that rippled through the sea of stalks. The wheat around them quaked as if in fear, and as Decay and Cin dismounted, the once-lively field began to shrivel and die, leaving a ring of decay around their landing site.


    Such was her immense power.


    Standing in the eerie, circular patch of desolation, Decay surveyed their surroundings. In the distance, the imposing structure of Scorn¡¯s temple taunted her, its harsh lines and dark silhouette a stark contrast to the now wilting landscape. Cin, ever the loyal companion, adjusted her stance beside Decay, her eyes reflecting the same determination and readiness.


    Decay¡¯s icy blue hair fluttered in the residual breeze of Baloran¡¯s powerful wings, her eyes narrowing in contempt. Her pockmarked face¡ªtwisted by the magicks she¡¯d consumed in ages long past¡ªtwisted in disgust at all the vibrant crops and vegetables below her.


    All of the life.


    Baloran, sensing the tension, let out a low, rumbling growl that echoed across the field. The wheat beneath his massive claws continued to wither, a visual testament to the power they wielded and the corruption they brought.


    Decay¡¯s mind was a whirl of emotions¡ªspite, resentment, and a glimmer of anticipation. The proximity to her sister¡¯s stronghold heightened her resolve. She clenched her fists, her shadow magic flickering at her fingertips, ready to be used at a moment¡¯s notice. The once-fertile ground of the wheat field now served as a foreboding amphitheater, heralding the clash that was destined to come.


    A battle of wit, perhaps, but a battle nonetheless.


    ¡°Wait here,¡± she ordered Baloran.


    The enthralled king of dragons roared mindlessly, his eyes fogged over with her spell, but he ultimately nodded.


    ¡°Good dragon,¡± she said with a cruel smirk.


    With a final, cold glance towards Scorn¡¯s temple, Decay began to move. Each step she took left a trail of desolation, the earth beneath her feet succumbing to her presence. She couldn¡¯t control what her aura did to the unprotected plants. She never could. It was hard enough to reign in her corrupting power enough to avoid killing her servants and mounts. The grass and wheat were the smallest victims to her powers, and by far the fewest.


    Cin followed silently in her footsteps, the assassin¡¯s vigilance unwavering.


    Their arrival at the edge of Scorn¡¯s domain was marked by a silence that promised chaos. The air was thick with the unspoken challenge between the estranged sisters. Decay and Cin stood as harbingers of a storm, ready to unleash their wrath upon the grounds of Scorn¡¯s sanctuary.


    In that moment, Decay¡¯s heart was a tumultuous blend of rage and sorrow, her facade of cruelty masking the deeper wounds inflicted by her sister¡¯s very existence.


    ¡°I despise these little visits,¡± Decay said under her breath. ¡°My sister always has a way of annoying me.¡±


    ¡°As does Helga,¡± Cin agreed with a sidelong glance up at her mistress. ¡°That orc can¡¯t keep her mouth shut. Do you think that¡¯s how word spread about the missing Remnant?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Decay murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her half-bored glare scanned their surroundings for any signs of eavesdroppers, but the expansive crop fields on either side of the road stretched on forever, endless and silent. ¡°We gave Hugh everything he needed, from the way in to the way out. And yet I still don¡¯t have what¡¯s mine.¡±


    ¡°Then something went wrong.¡± Cin¡¯s reply was equally hushed. ¡°Maybe she killed him, and one of his crew snuck off with it. Mortals are traitorous beings.¡±


    ¡°Fleeting lives,¡± Decay whispered absently, as if the words called her into a momentary daydream. ¡°Here and gone, so quickly.¡±


    ¡°He must be dead,¡± Cin continued, apparently having not heard what her mistress had said. ¡°He knew the consequences of taking it from you. He knows what I plan to do to him if he fails. He wouldn¡¯t run, Mistress.¡±


    ¡°And yet he is gone,¡± Decay retorted, her tone laced with frustration and suspicion. ¡°We must discover what happened. The Remnant¡¯s potential is too great to lose.¡±


    The conversation paused as they crossed into the central courtyard. As they closed the distance toward the main doors, they both stared up at the unsightly statue of a naked woman with a dragon wound around her torso. The abomination dominated the cracked stone and ancient rock spires that lined the entry to the temple.


    Decay¡¯s lip curled in distaste. ¡°When will she destroy that hideous thing?¡±


    ¡°When the sun burns this decrepit continent to ash,¡± Cin muttered in annoyance.


    Decay chuckled darkly.


    As the two of them reached the massive fortress doors, Decay¡¯s disappointment only grew when no one stepped out to greet them. No servants, trembling as they bowed. No torches, symbolizing the sacrifices once owed to her with each visit.


    Just¡­ silence.


    ¡°Scorn¡¯s tantrum continues, I see,¡± she muttered to herself.


    The stone walls loomed high and foreboding, casting a long shadow across the barren courtyard. The air was thick with a musty scent, like old books left to rot in a forgotten library. Not a single sound could be heard except for the faint whisper of wind through the cracks in the walls.


    Scorn had not changed, it seemed, in the decades since they had last spoken.


    As Cin raised her fist to bang on the door, a ripple of magic ran through the air. The assassin stiffened briefly, as though fighting a shiver as it ran through her body, but Decay hadn¡¯t felt cold in millenia.


    Sometimes, she missed those human sensations¡ªbut then she snapped from the nostalgia and usually destroyed something shortly thereafter.


    The massive front doors to the temple opened without a sound. No creak of the hinge, no rush of air, just silence and the lingering fog of looming dread.


    Decay rolled her eyes at her sister¡¯s theatrics. They didn¡¯t work on her or her own servants, so it was little more than a waste of magic.


    That petty little fool.


    The interior of the fortress was dim, its cavernous halls shrouded in an eerie gloom. The doors swung shut behind them, practically on their heels as they entered, but Decay did not hurry her pace. Her eye twitched in annoyance.


    ¡°You still underestimate me, big sister,¡± she said under her breath.


    That woman would never learn.


    Unfazed, she arched her back and lifted her chin in defiance as she continued toward the throne room, where she knew her sister would be waiting. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    As Decay glided through the corridor, the sconces lining the walls extinguished one by one, their cadence matched perfectly to the rhythm of her passing. Each dying ember cast her long shadow farther across the floor in the seconds before it was snuffed out completely.


    This newfound darkness seemed to ripple outward from the void behind her, reflecting her somber mood. With each light that snuffed out, a chill spread, creeping along the stone walls and mirroring the shimmering hue of her hair.


    Decay¡¯s smirk was fleeting but purposeful, a subtle acknowledgment of her resilience to her sister¡¯s nonsense. She relished these small acts of sabotage, as they were easy victories in a world where Scorn so often tried¡ªand failed¡ª to overshadow Decay¡¯s formidable power.


    The walls of the fortress, ancient and imposing, seemed to lean in, echoing the power struggles and whispering secrets of ages past. As she moved deeper into the fortress¡¯s bowels, the air grew heavier, carrying the weight of untold stories and broken bones. Each step was deliberate, her shoes barely making a sound against the cold, stone floor. She was a specter of her own making, a shadow within shadows.


    In this fortress, built as much by magic as by hands, her presence alone was enough to command an eerie respect. Despite her vindictive tendencies, Decay knew when to wear her cruelty like a cloak and when to conceal it beneath layers of frosty detachment.


    She navigated her sister¡¯s Domain the same way she did her own¡ªwith the precision of a tactician, her mind always a few steps ahead, calculating the cost and benefit of every flicker of emotion she allowed herself to show.


    Scorn had no idea just how much influence Decay had built over all their centuries of immortal life, nor how much of that reach extended even to Scorn¡¯s own lands.


    Again, Decay smirked with wicked glee.


    As she and her prized assassin approached the throne room, Decay¡¯s heightened senses caught fragments of a tense conversation. She tilted her head slightly, straining to listen through the thick iron doors. Her sister thought the enchantments on these doors could mask the sound from anyone outside, but Decay always had a trick or two up her sleeve.


    In the other room, Scorn¡¯s voice was sharp and commanding. ¡°...and you¡¯ve done well, Helga. Return to Elysia, and take Gunn with you. He must prove himself worthy to stay here after his blunder.¡±


    Curt.


    Tense.


    Angry.


    Oh, how delightful. With Scorn in such a sour mood, getting under her skin would be even easier than usual. Decay repelled her sister¡¯s awful influence over her emotions with an errant thought. It would not do to let her own mind get twisted by the fleeting urges of petty vengeance and piss-poor attitudes.


    Scorn¡¯s tone turned even more sinister. ¡°This thief¡ªthis Cade Stormhollow¡ªhe can¡¯t be allowed to develop his new power. You may show yourself this time, if doing so will hurry him along. A single misstep, and I want you to slit their throats.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the orc¡¯s husky voice replied through the thick doors. There was the rustle of steel over leather, and the heavy thud of orc boots stalked closer.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Scorn ordered.


    The footsteps stopped.


    ¡°That assassin¡­ what was his name? Otto?¡±


    ¡°Orro, I believe, Mistress,¡± Helga answered.


    ¡°Bring him to me alive.¡± There was a dark lilt to Scorn¡¯s voice this time, and Decay could practically imagine her sister¡¯s twisted smile. ¡°It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve had a pet.¡±


    For a brief moment, Decay glanced down at her own acolyte, and the two of them shared a knowing glance.


    If Scorn wanted something¡ªor someone¡ªthere was always a reason. Whomever this assassin was, he apparently was someone worth trailing.


    ¡°You know what to do,¡± Decay said under her breath as the doors slowly creaked open.


    Cin merely nodded.


    The doors opened effortlessly, without so much as a whisper to announce their movement. Decay stood at the threshold of the throne room, her presence demanding attention despite her slight frame. Her blue eyes narrowed as she surveyed the scene before her.


    She stepped inside, her silent steps like a whisper across the marble floor. The throne room was vast, its walls made of dark, polished marble. Torches flickered along the walls, casting dancing shadows across her feet.


    In the center of the room sat Scorn, regal and unflinching on her throne. Her steel-gray eyes met Decay¡¯s frosty glare, and for a moment, neither woman spoke. The tension in the room was palpable, each one waiting for the other to make the first move.


    It was a duel Decay rarely lost.


    ¡°Hello, little sister,¡± Scorn eventually said, her voice laced with a dark warning. ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure?¡±


    Decay¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile. ¡°Always delightful to see what new shades of black and gray you¡¯ve used in your decor.¡±


    Scorn frowned.


    ¡°Always so serious,¡± Decay chided with a lazy flick of her hand. ¡°I¡¯m joking, my darling.¡±


    A lie.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Scorn snapped, her patience apparently thinner than usual.


    It took effort, but Decay managed to suppress a victorious smile.


    ¡°Very well, then.¡± Decay clasped her hands together. ¡°To business, I suppose. I¡¯ve heard there was a theft from your temple. I came to ensure you are safe, and to offer assistance in the event you need to re-fortify your vaults.¡±


    ¡°How selfless,¡± Scorn said dryly.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Decay tilted her head ever so slightly, barely able to restrain her mocking tone, though she let out a tiny morsel of her aura, withering the edges of the curtains along the far wall. ¡°I can¡¯t have anyone hurting my big sister, now can I?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Scorn snapped. ¡°That¡¯s your job.¡±


    Decay didn¡¯t take the bait. She didn¡¯t show even a flicker of emotion, save for the slight narrowing of her eyes.


    It was true, after all.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood,¡± Scorn said with a dismissive wave. ¡°I don¡¯t have the energy to deal with you, Decay. Get out.¡±


    ¡°How rude,¡± Decay said mockingly. ¡°And here I am, just wanting to help.¡±


    The goddess on the throne sneered. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t accept your help if the old gods themselves came for me.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Decay said. ¡°You¡¯re clearly dealing with something terrible. After all, I couldn¡¯t help but overhear your little strategy meeting with the orc. Planning another hunt, I see?¡±


    Scorn¡¯s merciless grin faded, and her eyes flashed briefly white with rage.


    Decay didn¡¯t budge. Her expression didn¡¯t shift, nor did she so much as look away. She kept her sister¡¯s gaze, and the two of them stood like that for several tense moments of silence.


    ¡°I won¡¯t entertain this,¡± Scorn eventually said, breaking the silence. ¡°Besides, I doubt you¡¯re here for something to entertain your toys,¡± she added with a nod toward Cin.


    ¡°As if you don¡¯t have toys of your own,¡± Decay said in a sickly sweet voice, gesturing toward the row of muscled acolytes along the wall behind the throne.


    Scorn¡¯s eyes narrowed, and she rested an elbow on one armrest as her glare worsened. ¡°Why are you really here, Decay? Looking for something else to steal?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still upset about that little trinket, all those centuries ago?¡± Decay¡¯s tense smile never faltered. ¡°I¡¯ve changed, dear sister. You know that.¡±


    ¡°Rot never changes,¡± Scorn snapped back.


    The tension between the sisters was palpable, each word a sharpened weapon. Scorn¡¯s orc assassin stood between the two goddesses, and her hand inched toward the weapon at her waist. Somewhere along the walls, knuckles cracked. The soft swish of steel sliding along leather punctuated the brewing silence.


    Cin, ever fearless, set her hand on the pommel of her sword. These fools had no idea the pain they would feel if they were foolish enough to attack.


    It was something Decay, quite frankly, wanted to see. Maybe this time, she might let her servant kill the orc this time.


    ¡°Come, now,¡± Decay began, faking concern. ¡°All the gods are speaking of the recent theft. They¡¯re calling you weak. Some even claimed you were wounded by mortals. Am I supposed to simply sit idly by while you¡¯re harmed?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all you ever do,¡± Scorn said. ¡°Why is this time any different?¡±


    Decay clicked her tongue in disappointment, but didn¡¯t say anything else. Right now, her sister was so close to revealing something useful. The weight of a stretching silence always sat heavily on Scorn¡¯s shoulders, and she couldn¡¯t stay quiet for long.


    It was one of the goddess¡¯s many weaknesses.


    Scorn¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°I am well aware of the whispers, sister, but I can manage without your pity. I can replace what was taken.¡±


    Oh.


    Oh, how very interesting.


    It took considerable effort to not widen her eyes in surprise. Decay focused on her breathing, ensuring it remained steady as she processed the unspoken implication of what Scorn had said.


    There was another Remnant.


    How utterly delightful.


    Feigning innocence, Decay pressed on. ¡°Cade Stormhollow,¡± she repeated, casually dropping the name Scorn had inadvertently revealed. ¡°What did he take from you, Scorn? Should I be worried?¡±


    With the briefest flicker of realization at her blunder, Scorn otherwise masked her irritation. ¡°Worry about yourself, little sister.¡±


    A threat.


    ¡°Leave,¡± Scorn ordered.


    More out of petulance than anything else, Decay stood still. She met Scorn¡¯s glare with one of her own before finally tilting her head once in mock reverence. With an elegant twirl, she turned her back on her sister and led Cin from the throne room. But she let her aura flare just one last time. A parting gift, for her dear old sister. The curtains rotted where they hung, sunlight spilling into the brooding darkness her insufferable sibling so preferred. Decay smiled cruelly as Scorn cursed in ten different languages, most forgotten by mortalkind, at her farewell vandalism.


    The doors slammed hard behind them, and Decay walked the dark halls with a cocky grin.


    ¡°You know what to do, my darling,¡± she said to Cin in a hushed voice.


    Cin¡¯s smile was sharp. ¡°Murder and mayhem, like always.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Decay said, her eyes glinting with malice. ¡°Our two favorite things.¡±

 Chapter 33: Let’s Get Out of Here

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade was on a cloud.


    At least, that¡¯s what his delirious senses told him.


    His eyes fluttered open to a ceiling adorned with intricate carvings of ancient lore, each line glowing faintly in hues of green and gold. The light filtering through enchanted windows cast gentle patterns on the walls, creating an almost otherworldly ambiance.


    ¡°Where... Where am I?¡± Cade asked.


    Cade attempted to move but found his limbs restrained by silken straps. Panic surged briefly, but he forced it down, taking a deep breath of the floral-scented air mixed with a hint of antiseptic.


    ¡°Not again,¡± Cade muttered when he took in his horrible situation.


    His dread arose at the acute realization that he had no idea how he got into this bed. He had a brief flash of horror that his psychopathic ex had caught up with him, and that he was about to pay with his body for fleeing from her in the night all those years ago.


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re awake,¡± a melodic voice noted.


    Cade turned his head, expecting to see a young woman with bright blue hair, but instead spotted a wood elf in the undeniable garments of a physician. Her deep green eyes were a mix of relief and curiosity. She moved towards him with the grace of a deer, her silvery hair flowing like a river of moonlight.


    ¡°You gave us a scare out there, you know,¡± she chastised him in a tone somewhere between playful and accusing. ¡°You really should have better control over your core.¡±


    Cade resorted to his default response and gave her a wide smirk. ¡°Control would imply I had any to begin with, lady.¡±


    There was a long pause between them, and Cade got the impression he read the room wrong. With a gentle pull, the elf closed a long curtain around his bed, obscuring them from other beds and cots spread around the room they were in.


    She raised an eyebrow and leaned in conspiratorially. ¡°You¡¯re not joking, are you? Have you even established your core?¡±


    Cade¡¯s tense chuckle was answer enough.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be joking. I was going to go on vacation after the first trial, but nooo, I had to be an idiot and take this shift. Stay here,¡± she ordered Cade.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. That won¡¯t be a problem,¡± he replied smoothly, though a cold pit formed in the bottom of his stomach.


    She disappeared behind the curtain, and he could hear her continue to mutter and curse as she rummaged about. ¡°What in the hells is going on?¡± He tried to remember where he was before this, and slowly¡ªoh so slowly¡ªthe shards of his memory returned.


    The arena.


    The Baron.


    Blood.


    The goddess.


    Pokey magic? Screams?


    Before he could clear his murky thoughts of the daze he was in, the elf returned and tucked a thin strand of her silvery hair behind a long ear. She sighed deeply and retrieved an intricate, enchanted tool from beneath her flowing robes. It shimmered with runes and embedded gems.


    ¡°This is designed to resonate with and quantify a person¡¯s core,¡± the elf explained quickly. ¡°Let¡¯s see what we¡¯re working with here.¡±


    She placed it over his chest and the device hummed softly. Her dainty eyebrows furrowed together.


    The hum increased.


    ¡°Is that normal?¡± Cade asked, his voice a few notes higher than it was a moment ago.


    Before she could respond, the device vibrated violently, the gems cracking under the strain. The elf¡¯s eyes widened in shock, her professional demeanor giving way to urgency.


    ¡°We need to get you out of here, now,¡± she said, hurriedly unstrapping him.


    Cade, still groggy, sat up with her assistance. ¡°Mind telling me what¡¯s going on?¡±


    Her face was pale, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Your core... it... I¡¯ve never seen anything like it. The Lifekeepers¡ªif they find out¡ªthey¡¯ll demand your execution. We must leave quietly.¡±


    His mind raced. ¡°What?! Why would they care what¡¯s in my core? Hells, what is in my core? What did you find, lady?¡±


    ¡°You¡ª¡± She started, then huffed in annoyance. ¡°Look, all I know is that it¡¯s not filled with anything good. I¡¯ve never seen readings like this. It¡¯s like your core... ¡° She bit her lip and looked over her shoulder. Then, leaning in, she whispered, ¡°... has no limits.¡±


    The world spun around Cade.


    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± He asked.


    Her grip on his shoulder tightened. ¡°You need to learn control. Whatever is inside of you looks ready to explode at any moment, and you¡¯re just a copper ranker!¡±


    She practically shoved him towards the exit.


    ¡°Please, just give me something to go on!¡± Cade protested. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to figure out how to establish this stupid thing, but it¡¯s resisting any attempt to conform it to a specific shape or order! If you know anything that might help, you¡¯ve got to let me know! None of the common methods are working, trust me.¡±


    She ignored him, but he dug his feet in as anger roared inside his chest.


    He needed answers.


    Cade wasn¡¯t going to let an opportunity like this just pass him up. With a twist of his body, he shifted under her surprisingly strong grip and placed a hand on her arm.


    His look turned serious. ¡°Please. I have no idea what¡¯s going on with me.¡±


    She stared at him for a long moment, and Cade could see her inner battle finally give into his side.


    ¡°Fine,¡± the elf sighed. ¡°But the Lifekeepers always send someone to check on downed contestants. When I hear them, you¡¯re gone. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± He exclaimed, and she shushed him with a warm hand over his mouth.


    ¡°Gods, child.¡± She took in a shuddering breath and looked over his back at the door. ¡°Okay, everyone has a core, sort of.¡±


    She clenched her eyes shut in frustration.


    ¡°Whether it ever gets awakened is entirely dependent on circumstances. But whatever wakes their core up determines the dominion they have access to,¡± she explained quickly.


    ¡°Yes, I know this much. There are dozens of dominions, right?¡± Cade asked quickly,


    ¡°Indeed,¡± she confirmed. ¡°They cover every aspect of reality. Death, Life, Honor, Prosperity, Destiny¡ªeverything. Each of the gods has a slice of the pie that is reality. It¡¯s what makes them gods, so far as we can tell, at least. They don¡¯t really share how they got where they are, or if they were even mortal like us at some point.¡±


    She sighed, and her words slowed a bit.


    ¡°Whatever¡¯s inside of you is unlike anything I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± She bit at her lower lip nervously. ¡°The tablet said that wind and flame and storm and darkness and conflict are all housed inside that flimsy excuse of a core you got there,¡± the elf shook her head in bafflement. ¡°And those were just the ones it pointed out before it overloaded. How you¡¯re not dead where you stand is a miracle.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nothing new. I sneezed lava a few days ago. You mentioned that my core is coppery? Is that because of the color my magic sometimes has? I¡¯ve seen others have that too, but I¡¯ve also seen silver and even a few golds in my time¡ªerm¡ªtraveling,¡± Cade corrected quickly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the physician said with a tight nod. ¡°The hue of your magic indicates the stage of evolution your core has. Copper is just the first.¡±


    Her words cut off as she tilted her head. The blood drained from her face, and she shoved him toward the door again.


    ¡°Learn to control that magic in you,¡± she whispered. ¡°Figure out what comes easiest, and build from there, okay?¡±


    Cade stopped at the door, turning back to her. ¡°But how do I¡ª¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Just go!¡± she hissed, locking the door behind him as soon as he stepped out.


    The corridor outside was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that screams of impending chaos.


    Then he heard it. Footsteps.


    By the sound of them, there were at least half a dozen people heading his way. Cade¡¯s pulse quickened as he moved swiftly, his senses on high alert. His mind replayed the physician¡¯s words.


    No limit. Control. Execution.


    Each step was a blend of urgency and caution, and he shot through the glowflake-lit hallway like his life depended on it.


    Despite the tension, Cade couldn¡¯t help but mutter to himself, ¡°Great. First, I¡¯m almost poisoned at a ball, and now I¡¯m a time bomb with unlimited power. Just another day in the life of Cade Stormhollow.¡±


    His path wound through a series of narrow corridors, each twist and turn heightening his sense of disorientation. The walls, adorned with more elven carvings and glowing runes, seemed to close in on him. His leather boots echoed softly as he padded his way up a winding staircase that he hoped led to the surface.


    As he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with a pair of Lifekeeper guards. Behind them, a long staircase rose up into the light of day. Their green and white armor gleamed under the soft light of the glowflake sconces overhead, and the one on the right pressed a gauntleted hand into his chest.


    Cade¡¯s chest tightened, but he forced a casual smile.


    ¡°Evening, gentlemen,¡± he said, walking past them with a courteous nod.


    ¡°What¡¯re ya doin wandering about?¡± The one on the right proclaimed in such a thick accent Cade had trouble understanding him. ¡°Civilians aren¡¯t allowed down here!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not a civilian!¡± Cade responded.


    The one on the left raised his eyebrow. ¡°Ya aren¡¯t? Well, what are ya, then? Ya ain¡¯t no warrior, that¡¯s for sure!¡±


    He placed a hand on his short sword, and the leather straps beneath his thick armor creaked as he leaned forward to loom over Cade.


    ¡°See, look!¡± Cade exclaimed and raised his left wrist. When he noticed the soul curse there, he paled and raised his other hand. ¡°Here! See, I¡¯m a contestant and everything.¡±


    ¡°Waaait.¡± the guard on the right drew out the word like it tasted funny.


    He shoved Cade gently in the chest and leaned back to get a better look at him. Then, after a breathless moment as the footsteps behind him drew closer, the guard laughed in recognition.


    ¡°Oy! You¡¯re the Bloodsucker, aren¡¯t ya?¡± The guard announced. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t recognize you! That was mighty smart of you, realizing old Conflict was one of them vampiric sorts. I heard a bard once say all of his Whispers were converted after he ascended.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s bollocks!¡± His companion retorted with a nasally scoff.


    Cade was taken aback at the title. Behind him, the steps grew closer.


    ¡°Sorry, did you call me Bloodsucker?¡± Cade clarified smoothly.


    ¡°Oh, ya haven¡¯t heard?¡± The other guard remarked with a dimpled smile. ¡°Everyone and their mothers know about you now. The way you just drew that Baron¡¯s blood out to save your friends! Blimey, that was nasty shite, but ya did it for them. You¡¯re a real nasty one, aren¡¯t ya? Save any of it for later, did ya?¡±


    Cade decided it was time to go.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad that¡¯s what everyone remembers,¡± he stated with a professional nod. ¡°And no, I didn¡¯t save any. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯d better go check on my team.¡±


    The young thief winked at the guards and slid past them as they continued to argue enthusiastically about the trial. He took the stairs two steps at a time and was back in the sunlight in no time. His heart pulsed rapidly in his chest.


    He was safe.


    A pale form slammed into his face, and he went crashing to the ground. His skull cracked against the sandstone floor, and he heard a chorus of laughter and ¡°oofs!¡± as soon as he went down. Green eyes consumed his vision, and a barbed tongue like that of a cat¡¯s washed over his mouth and cheeks.


    ¡°Oh, Bunny! Gross!¡± Cade complained, but he found himself laughing along with everyone else.


    He peered between Bunny¡¯s legs and claws as the dragonling crawled all over his head, and he saw the remaining seven members of his team. They stood beside a small grove of pillars that separated them from a bustling street.


    ¡°You gave us a scare, oh mighty leader.¡± Elena threw the husk of some red fruit at his face, and he flicked it away. ¡°Don¡¯t do that again... Okay?¡±


    ¡°Aww, she¡¯s still feeling guilty for getting mad at you after saving my life; isn¡¯t that sweet?¡± Jer said.


    The redhead¡¯s lips were pursed, and his head was tilted down in the worst excuse of an adorable expression Cade had ever seen. Orro slapped him upside the head, and Jer cursed.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay,¡± Orro growled roughly, though Cade knew it was because of his incredible lack of experience dealing with emotions. ¡°Any idea why you passed out after Life tried to heal your wounds like the rest of us?¡±


    ¡°I have an idea, yeah,¡± Cade answered. ¡°But let¡¯s talk about it later, okay? I need a drink,¡±


    ¡°And a bath, brother,¡± Rayka teased, but held out a hand to help him up. He took it, and she hauled him up. ¡°Though you could swim in this for a while.¡±


    She tossed him one of the large green bags he¡¯d seen the Lifekeepers holding earlier. When he caught it, the divine clink of coins sliding over one another greeted his ears.


    He could¡¯ve cried, it was such a glorious sound.


    ¡°Speaking of drinks and baths,¡± Gavin chimed in from where he leaned against one of the pillars. ¡°We¡¯ve been given special accommodations now that we passed the first trial. The city is paying for everything, which means the first round is on me.¡±


    The bubbly girl, Evie, was behind the same pillar and was ogling the tall man when she thought no one was paying attention.


    Cade laughed. ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    Gavin led them down the street from the goddess¡¯s colosseum to a massive spire of wood gilded in gold. Cade honestly couldn¡¯t tell if it was a tree, or simply a design so organic and detailed that it merely looked like it was grown from the earth.


    On either side of each of the three large doors leading into the structure, Lifekeeper guards stood at the attention. Cade¡¯s heart quickened at the sight of them, and he remembered what the elf had told him:


    They can never find out.


    He gulped and followed his crew inside the building. The first thing that struck Cade as he entered the hotel was the sheer opulence of it all. The entrance alone was a marvel, a grand archway carved from a single piece of shimmering crystal, enchanted to reflect a kaleidoscope of colors as the sun set.


    Beyond the arch, the lobby opened up into a vast, cavernous space, its high ceilings supported by massive pillars¡ªeach intricately carved with scenes from the city¡¯s mythology.


    Between them, enchanted waterfalls created walls of water that separated different areas, their waters shimmering with a spectrum of colors as they tumbled into crystal-clear pools filled with vibrant tropical fish.


    The constant flow provided a calming backdrop of sound while the air exuded fragrance with the scent of exotic flowers¡ªorchids, hibiscus, and jasmine¡ªeach plant meticulously arranged to enhance the natural beauty of the space.


    Cade whistled in appreciation when he noticed that even the flora was not just decorative but enchanted. From what he could see, each of their petals and leaves subtly shifted colors and emitted a gentle, soothing hum.


    The glowflakes above this chamber depicted tales of the goddess Life healing the sick, bringing joy to the despondent, and uniting star-crossed lovers, each story told in shimmering, animated vignettes. Each perfectly carved flake glowed softly, casting ethereal light on the polished marble floors below, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.


    Cade didn¡¯t care much for the gods, but he had to admit: their obsession with ornate depictions of themselves was worth the narcissism. For from their vanity, art was alive.


    Maybe mortalkind wasn¡¯t doomed after all.


    ¡°I did it, guys. I¡¯m in heaven,¡± Jer muttered.


    But when Cade looked at him, the boy only had eyes for the employees milling about.


    ¡°Not this again,¡± Elena cursed under her breath.


    ¡°This?¡± Gavin asked her as they strode deeper into the palatial building.


    Elena huffed in annoyance. ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±


    Sure enough, gorgeous male and female attendants moved gracefully through the lobby, their uniforms as impeccable as their manners. Jer decided it was a great time to entertain the female staff, and he started to show off his admittedly impressive acrobatics.


    ¡°He¡¯s hopeless,¡± Elena surmised and shouldered past the rest of the team as she bulled her way toward the front desk.


    The servants all wore various shades of white and green, and greeted the guests with warm smiles, their voices melodic and inviting. Every need was anticipated and attended to with an almost magical efficiency, from the smallest request for a cool drink to the grandest demand for luxurious accommodations.


    Soon, they were beckoned forward, and each of their tattoos was authenticated. Cade and his companions were led by a particularly striking attendant, a tall woman with flowing auburn hair and eyes of liquid gold. She gestured for them to follow her deeper into the lobby, where the grandeur only increased.


    As they approached the reception desk, Cade¡¯s attention was drawn to a figure standing nearby¡ªa winter elf with braided locs and strange black tattoos winding across her pale skin. Her presence was as incongruous with the beauty and serenity of the hotel as a viper in a box full of puppies.


    ¡°Wait here. An attendant will be with you in a moment,¡± The golden-eyed staff member told their motley crew.


    Cade looked ahead in line, and past a finely dressed couple in their way, the winter elf continued to speak quietly with the woman behind the desk.


    ¡°Something¡¯s not right,¡± Nora whispered into his ear.


    Cade nodded.


    As inconspicuously as he could, he studied the winter elf¡ªher posture, the subtle lines across her body that hinted at concealed weapons, and the small detail that the employee she was talking to looked ready to keel over from terror.


    He stepped forward, his curiosity getting the better of him. Cade picked up snippets of their conversation as they neared.


    The attendant¡¯s fear was palpable, her eyes wide and desperate as she listened to the winter elf.


    ¡°I know... Cade... Where... Just... Hugh... ¡° With each word, Cade¡¯s steps slowed while his pulse quickened.


    Sweat gathered across his palms as he heard the winter elf question the lobbyist. ¡°... You will tell me when they arrive.¡±


    On instinct, Cade backed up and grabbed Jer¡¯s arm, pulling him away from a particularly cute half-elf with a freckled face and thick red curls.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving. Now,¡± he said, his voice low but firm.


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Jer started to protest. ¡°She could be the one!¡±


    Cade cut him off with a glare that brooked no argument.


    ¡°Trust me,¡± he hissed. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here.¡±


    ¡°What? What is it? Are we leaving?¡± Rayka asked from where she was studying a red flower.


    Cade¡¯s eyes flared, and she got the message. The others followed, grumbling quietly in annoyance. Cade¡¯s heart hammered in his chest. Elena¡¯s eyes flashed with irritation, and Orro¡¯s hand twitched toward his hidden blades, but they held their tongues.


    The thief led them swiftly toward the exit, his mind rushing through a dozen different scenarios, none of them good. As they reached the doors, he risked a glance back at the lobby.


    She was gone.


    The winter elf was gone.


    Cade cursed, then looked to his team.


    ¡°Okay, shut up and listen,¡± Cade said, and from their serious expressions, all of them knew now wasn¡¯t the time to argue. ¡°That winter elf? She¡¯s trouble. I¡¯m not sure how, and I¡¯m not sure why, but I heard my name and Hugh¡¯s. We¡¯re going back to the Twisted Oak. NOW.¡±


    Nora frowned, and her hand went to the hilt at her side. ¡°What did she want?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Cade admitted, ¡°but I¡¯m not sticking around to find out. We¡¯re safer at the Twisted Oak, where we can keep a low profile.¡±


    They followed him, their irritation giving way to wariness. As they hurried away from the opulent hotel, Cade couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they had narrowly avoided something terrible. The memory of the terrified attendant and the dangerous aura of the winter elf lingered in his mind.


    It was only as the shoddy sign denoting their favorite tavern for lowlifes came into view that the implication of that elf¡¯s presence really slammed home in Cade¡¯s mind:


    They were being hunted.

 Chapter 34: Don’t Make Me Stab You

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    The Twisted Oak was alive with the hum of conversation, the clinking of mugs, and the scent of ale and cheap incense mingling with the smoky air.


    As Nora and the rest of the group entered, they were greeted by a chorus of cheers and raised glasses. The sound was such a shock that Nora reached instinctively for Wavebreaker, only for her fingertips to brush the hilt of the new sword she had been given. It felt cold and unnatural beneath her fingers, and she cleared her throat intently as her nerves settled.


    Orro gave her an inquisitive look, but she ignored him.


    Greta, the stout barkeep, broke into a broad smile as she spotted them.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s back, the heroes of Elysia!¡± Greta bellowed, her voice carrying over the din.


    She wiped her hands on her apron and approached them, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth.


    ¡°And there¡¯s our favorite bloodsucker!¡± she teased, giving Cade a playful punch on the arm. It looked like it would bruise by the way the man rubbed at it, wincing through his practiced grin.


    Cade groaned playfully, rolling his eyes. ¡°I seriously hate that nickname.¡±


    Greta laughed heartily. ¡°Too bad, it suits you!¡± She turned to the others. ¡°Drinks on the house for our new champions!¡±


    They were immediately accosted by drunken fans of that accursed tournament, each one declaring their praises for how well they escaped death, solved the riddle, and drank the blood.


    It was embarrassing enough to be entirely useless during that trial. It was worse that her hunger had nearly been the death of her. That blonde charmer had saved her, even though she was used to being the one to save others.


    It wasn¡¯t a fun feeling. It left a bitter taste in her mouth that had nothing to do with the taste of that ¡¯antidote.¡¯


    She leaned against the heavy bar with her elbows and scanned the room.


    ¡°Not much of a talker, are ya, love?¡± Greta inquired as she poured someone¡¯s drink from behind the bar.


    The foamy liquid sloshed in the mug she held in one hand, stained towel draped over the opposite shoulder. Nora turned her glower at the woman, but she only laughed.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to try much harder than that to make me shiver in my boots, girlie,¡± Greta promised. ¡°I¡¯ve had pirate kings piss themselves when I went to settle their tabs. You¡¯re too clean and tidy to be that terrifying, let me tell you.¡±


    If only she knew.


    The day she strove so hard to forget flashed like the lightning of the abyss through her mind. That day when the world turned to shadow. When that thing had crawled out of the darkness and called her by name.


    But that Fateweaver had rescued her and taken her away from that hellish place. She rehearsed that story over and over again until her heart stopped pounding like a war-drum inside her chest.


    ¡°A fire stout, barkeep.¡± Nora finally spoke. Her voice was raspier than she expected. ¡°Please.¡±


    ¡°Aye. Coming right up, love,¡± Greta replied with a soft smile.


    Something in her eyes said that she understood the ghosts hidden away in Nora¡¯s mind, but how could she? No one knew what it was like to be haunted.


    Not like this.


    As they all ordered their drinks, Nora took to accounting for every weapon, exit, and suspicious figure in the packed tavern. She noticed Evie at the bar, her delicate fingers tracing the rim of her mug as she hummed a soft tune. The young siren¡¯s voice was a soothing contrast to the rowdy surroundings, drawing the attention of everyone around her.


    From across the room, Nora saw two men stagger toward Evie, their movements clumsy and exaggerated by too much ale. The first man, tall and broad-shouldered with disheveled blonde hair, leaned heavily against the bar, his eyes half-lidded and unfocused.


    ¡°Hey there, beautiful,¡± he slurred, a wide, sloppy grin spreading across his face. ¡°How ¡¯bout you and me... get to know each other better?¡±


    Evie¡¯s smile wavered, her eyes darting around for help.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in boulders who talk,¡± she said, her voice steady yet tinged with apprehension.


    The second man, shorter but equally drunk, sidled up next to her, his breath reeking of alcohol and desperation.


    ¡°Not sure what that means, but don¡¯t be like that,¡± he purred loudly. ¡°We¡¯re just having some fun. You like fun, right? What girl doesn¡¯t like fun?¡±


    Nora¡¯s protective instincts kicked in. She crossed the room in a few swift strides, her expression darkening. She placed a firm hand on the blonde man¡¯s shoulder, her grip stronger than normal as her anger fueled her.


    ¡°She said she¡¯s not interested,¡± Nora growled, her voice low and dangerous.


    Something deep within her leaked into her voice. It might¡¯ve been her imagination, but the shadows seemed to darken nearby.


    ¡°Leave her alone.¡± Nora waited.


    The blonde man turned slowly, his bleary eyes struggling to focus on her.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± His companion gulped loudly when he made eye-contact with her.


    He tapped his friend on the chest with the back of his hand.


    ¡°Maybe¡ªmaybe we should go, Turner,¡± he whispered loudly.


    ¡°Shut up, Bernie. I¡¯m not leaving without that fine piece of¡ª¡± The man started, but Nora cut him off as she stepped in front of his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m her guardian,¡± Nora replied. She fought to keep her voice steady. ¡°Now back off.¡±


    Tension crackled in the air as the men sized her up, their expressions shifting from confusion to annoyance. She saw the blonde¡¯s shoulders shift beneath his tunic as he prepared to strike.


    She knew the signs and welcomed them. She needed to blow off some steam anyway. But right as he was about to stand, a feminine hand coated in dirt rested on his collar and shoved him back into his chair. Nora and the men turned at once to see Elena standing there. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and calculated charm.


    ¡°Boys, boys, boys. There¡¯s no need for this,¡± Elena clucked her tongue, her voice a seductive purr. ¡°How about you come with me? I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re well taken care of later. I just passed the first trial, if you didn¡¯t hear, and I have all sorts of lessons about Life now I¡¯d just love to teach you.¡±


    The promise in Elena¡¯s voice was enough to distract the men, their drunken gazes shifting from Evie to Elena with newfound interest. The shorter man leered at her, his expression lecherous.


    ¡°Alright, sweetheart,¡± he drawled. ¡°We¡¯ll hold you to that.¡±


    Elena winked at them, a dark, playful glint in her eyes. ¡°You do that. Now, let¡¯s get you thirsty men something to drink. Greta!¡±


    Elena waved over the barkeep and got the two brutes and herself a round of drinks on her tab. The red-haired woman passed Nora with a sashay to her hips and she leaned into the paladin¡¯s ear to whisper,


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to end every fight with your fist, Nora,¡± Elena commented with a knowing wink. ¡°Besides, robbing men like this blind is far more satisfying.¡±


    She playfully punched Nora on the shoulder and wandered off, ale in hand.


    As the men stumbled away, Evie exhaled a sigh of relief. She looked at Nora with gratitude, but also a hint of frustration.


    ¡°Thanks, Nora,¡± she said softly, though there was a trace of disappointment in her voice.


    Nora¡¯s expression softened. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Evie hesitated, her fingers playing with the edge of her sleeve. ¡°I just... I wish he had come over. It¡¯s why... ¡°


    Her gaze lingered on the dirty floor beneath her stool. She then blushed and looked up at Nora.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t appreciate it, Nora, but... ¡° Her gaze drifted over to where Gavin spoke with a heavily chested patron, and Nora connected the dots in her head.


    Nora¡¯s heart clenched slightly, understanding the longing in Evie¡¯s words. Now wasn¡¯t the time to lecture her on her choice of men.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Nora tried to say earnestly. ¡°But I¡¯m always going to protect you, Birdie. No matter what.¡±


    Evie gave a small nod, her eyes deep pools of emerald. The torchlight in the Twisted Oak reflected inside their depths, and Nora vowed never to let them be filled with tears again.


    ¡°C¡¯mon. Let¡¯s go see what the others are up to.¡± She put an arm through Evie¡¯s, and together they joined the rest of the group at a large, round table.


    Either their recent fame or Greta¡¯s sharp tongue had kept the rest of the tavern dwellers at bay, and Nora sighed with relief as the hubbub of the place quieted slightly as she entered their corner booth.


    Jer was sprawled in his chair, a dreamy smile playing across his lips.


    ¡°Emily... ¡° he sighed, the name a wistful breath.


    Cade looked at him over a raised mug, eyebrows raised. ¡°Sorry, but who in Life¡¯s questionable name is Emily?¡±


    Jer¡¯s eyes widened, affronted. ¡°Emily is the most beautiful woman alive. How could you forget?¡±


    ¡°Umm,¡± Cade answered slowly and set his mug down on the chipped mahogany.


    The condensation from his fresh drink trickled down the length of the birchwood edged with simple iron. Nora absently watched a fresh droplet form and then slowly fall to its demise after venturing the length of the weathered cup.


    ¡°Blunt force to my head?¡± Cade answered with a quirk to the side of his grin.


    ¡°Magically induced screaming?¡± Rayka offered.


    ¡°Maybe he was so stunned by her beauty that he couldn¡¯t hear what her name was?¡± Orro added in a rare display of humor.


    The darkly clad warrior nursed a shot glass filled with an amber liquid so dark it was nearly black. He swirled it slowly with his wrist before he pulled his half-mask down and drained the small cup in one simple motion. The face behind the mask was rugged and sharp, and Nora was glad she had a drink of her own to keep her company.


    ¡°Wait, is that true, Cade? Were you as enraptured as I was when you saw her that you forgot her name?¡± Jer demanded as he leaned over the table on both hands.


    For some irrational reason, Nora wanted to push him over.


    Cade gave him a straight face for a long moment, then burst out laughing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jer. We¡¯re messing with you. I have no idea in Honor¡¯s hairy ass who this Emily might be.¡±


    Elena rolled her eyes as she sat down across from Nora, a smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°Emily is probably that hotel staff member he was flirting with just before we had to escape for our lives. Isn¡¯t that right, Jer?¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Jer nodded, still lost in his reverie. ¡°She had the most amazing smile... ¡°


    Cade shook his head, a small smile on his lips. ¡°Alright, dreamer. Let¡¯s get back to reality for a moment.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s everyone talking about?¡± Gavin asked as he sat down next to Evie.


    Nora¡¯s blood boiled at the sight of him, but she tampered it down. She may not be a Fateweaver anymore, but she would not lower her honor so far as to murder someone for being a poor suitor for her best friend.


    Probably.


    ¡°We¡¯re just discussing the most magical creature known to this world!¡± Jer exclaimed and fell onto their table with a happy sigh.


    Drinks went spilling and crashing all across them, and they all yelled their annoyance at the lovestruck fool in front of them.


    ¡°Oh! That Emily girl from the hotel? Yeah, she was amazing, my friend. I wish we had more time to talk,¡± Gavin sighed.


    Jer rose slowly from his perch on the table to glare at the telepath with such venom that she felt a small shiver of fear at the sight.


    ¡°You¡ªyou talked to her?¡± The redhead¡¯s face went pale. ¡°She¡¯s mine, Gav. Don¡¯t even think of making a move on her!¡± Jer warned.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Cade drew out the word and got everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°You two can solve your weirdly intense love triangle over a girl you just met later.¡±


    Nora snorted but was grateful for the change in subject. She leaned back in her chair, heavy armor creaking against the neglected oak furniture. The warm glow of the torches flickered across the faces of the group, casting long shadows that danced with the movement of patrons.


    The paladin took in a deep breath, taking a moment to enjoy the thick scents of roasted meat, spilled ale, and the faint tang of wood smoke.


    Cade leaned forward, elbows on the table, fingers steepled as he addressed the group.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about what really happened in the trial,¡± he began, his voice carrying a tone of quiet authority that demanded attention. ¡°We need to be on the same page if we¡¯re going to make it through this.¡±


    Jer was the first to break the somber mood. He twirled an empty mug between his fingers, his grin almost manic. ¡°Yeah, we barely got through that Rebirth trial. That place was a death trap.¡±


    Rayka nodded in agreement. ¡°Seriously. Who poisons everything? It was worse than we expected. I mean, we¡¯ve seen traps before, but those were... different. More sophisticated.¡± She tapped her fingers rhythmically on the table. ¡°This felt like it was meant to kill us.¡±


    ¡°And the competition isn¡¯t just the traps.¡± Elena sat back, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp. ¡°Some of those other teams looked ruthless. We can¡¯t trust anyone but ourselves.¡±


    She toyed with a lock of her red hair, her lips curling into a skeptical smirk. The way she said it, though, Nora immediately felt the invisible wall between them and this tight-knit team.


    Cade¡¯s gaze softened as he looked at the newcomers¡ªGavin, Nora, and Evie.


    ¡°That includes our new friends,¡± their team leader insisted. ¡°We¡¯re all in this together now.¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s to our merry band of misfits,¡± Gavin said, his voice dripping with charm. He raised his mug in a mock toast, a roguish grin playing on his lips.


    ¡°Cade?¡± Evie, still visibly shaken, forced a small smile.


    She clutched her drink tightly, her knuckles white. Nora and the others looked at her, and she shrunk down further.


    ¡°Yeah, Evie?¡± Cade replied patiently.


    ¡°You seem different. What happened when you were with the physician?¡± Evie¡¯s question was like a splash of icy water on the mood, and Cade¡¯s eyes widened with alarm.


    ¡°How did you¡ª¡± he started, but then gathered himself.


    With a tired smile, Cade took a deep breath. His eyes darkened with the weight of his words.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how you guessed that, but she¡ª¡± Cade cursed under his breath and then gave them all a forced grin. ¡°She said my core has no limit. Oh, and it¡¯s not filled with anything good. Something about winds and fire and storms and chaos, or some other weird concoction she¡¯d never seen before. The elf said that if I don¡¯t learn to control it, things could get very bad, very fast.¡±


    Nora¡¯s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. She knew cores were powerful, but limitless? That was unprecedented.


    ¡°That¡¯s... concerning.¡± She tried to keep her voice steady.


    Cade¡¯s intense gaze lingered on her, searching for reassurance, or perhaps answers. ¡°Anything you can tell us might help, Nora. We need every edge we can get.¡±


    Nora hesitated.


    She hadn¡¯t thought about cores for years now, much less her own. Her skills had always been enough. Then, with Wavebreaker, she really had no concern about figuring out what happened that day. The paladin traced the rim of her mug with a finger, her mind racing.


    ¡°Cores are tied to our essence, our very being,¡± Nora started cautiously. She couldn¡¯t reveal too much, but she did have to explain how she was a silver ranker at some point. ¡°Control comes from understanding and harmonizing with that essence. But without guidance, it¡¯s incredibly risky.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Elena snorted. ¡°More vague magic stuff. Just what we needed.¡±


    She rolled her eyes, her fingers drumming impatiently on the table.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find you a teacher, Cade,¡± Orro finally spoke up.


    His deep voice cut through the noise. It took on a sharper edge, and he didn¡¯t look over to their corner of the table when he spoke next.


    ¡°While you were recovering, we scoped out the arena,¡± Orro began. ¡°There¡¯s a whole labyrinth of tunnels and hallways beneath it. We didn¡¯t find any hints of the apricot.¡±


    The half-masked figure interlocked his fingers together and leaned forward.


    ¡°But the apricot has got to be down there,¡± he said with utter surety. Nora would have laughed if not for the somber mood his bizarre comment had on the group.


    Cade nodded, some unspoken understanding passing between the rest of the original team. Nora¡¯s lip curled at being left out of the loop, even if she had just lied through her teeth as well. She realized that their trust didn¡¯t run as deep as she thought.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to explore it more after the next trial,¡± Cade finally answered. ¡°Apricots don¡¯t pick themselves.¡±


    ¡°Okay, what¡¯s the big deal about an apricot?¡± Gavin asked, clearly as annoyed as Nora was.


    No one answered.


    ¡°Got it. We¡¯re not a part of your ¡¯fruit searching¡¯ if that¡¯s what you¡¯re calling this.¡± Gavin stood up and looked through the shutters of the tavern to the street outside. ¡°I¡ªI need to go. I¡¯ll meet you all at the arena tomorrow.¡±


    Before they could protest, he left out the front door.


    Orro stood to give chase, but Cade put a hand on his arm. ¡°Let him. It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s been a difficult day for all of us.¡±


    Nora frowned, questioning the honor of this group. They were clearly after something valuable, something they weren¡¯t being entirely honest about. But she held her tongue, knowing now wasn¡¯t the time for confrontation. She would bide her time.


    Once a Fateweaver, always a Fateweaver¡ªat least in spirit.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the next trial?¡± Elena leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful as she swirled the ale in her mug. ¡°We¡¯ve done Rebirth. That leaves Perseverance of Life, Fighting for Life, Metamorphosis of Life, and the Meaning of Life.¡± She counted each of them off on her fingers.


    ¡°Perseverance of Life?¡± Jer¡¯s grin widened, and he laced his hands behind his head. ¡°Sounds like we¡¯re going to be running an endless marathon.¡±


    With a deft gesture, he picked up, then balanced, Orro¡¯s empty shot glass on a finger. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯ll be endurance for something else... ¡°


    Elena pushed him over, and he went crashing to the floor with a mad giggle on his lips while the rest of them rolled their eyes.


    ¡°Or maybe we¡¯ll be stuck in a room with no food or water,¡± Rayka said with false terror. ¡°Now that would be a real test of endurance.¡±


    The blonde woman leaned forward, her elbows on the table, the light catching the gold flecks in her eyes. Orro, Nora noticed, leaned in slightly toward Cade¡¯s sister.


    Elena rolled her eyes dramatically at Rayka¡¯s antics. ¡°Or fighting some sort of giant beast. They always throw those in somewhere, from what I heard.¡±


    The female twin crossed her arms, her foot drumming against the floor in a frantic beat. Her eyes shot to a familiar pair of men waiting at the bar, and Nora¡¯s lip curled in disgust.


    Cade chuckled at his team¡¯s suggestions, though his eyes remained serious.


    ¡°Whatever it is, we need to be ready. We can¡¯t let our guard down for a second.¡± He glanced around the table, his gaze lingering on each member of the group, gauging their readiness.


    ¡°What about the trial of Metamorphosis? Any ideas?¡± Nora took a sip of her drink, the warm liquid soothing her nerves.


    Cade shrugged, his roguish smile returning.


    ¡°Transformation magic, maybe? Or something more symbolic, like a change in perspective or strategy.¡± He leaned back, his eyes flickering with a mischievous light.


    Evie, her voice quiet but clear, added, ¡°The trial of the Meaning of Life sounds the most daunting. How do you even judge something like that?¡±


    Cade sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. ¡°I have no idea. But whatever it is, we¡¯ll face it together. We have to trust each other and work as a team. That¡¯s the only way we¡¯ll get through this.¡±


    His eyes met Nora¡¯s, and the unspoken question crystallized in her mind. Could he trust her?


    Nora glanced around the table, seeing the same determination and loyalty in each of their faces. Slowly, she gave Cade a single nod, and their leader relaxed visibly. His eyes flicked to the doors to this mangy establishment, likely hoping their absentee telepath would return.


    She inhaled and then downed her fire stout in one fluid gulp. The amber liquid burned her throat, warmth spreading across her cheeks and tingling down to her fingers and toes. Nora sighed, enjoying how the glowflakes glowed just a bit brighter now.


    The paladin observed the team as they continued to discuss strategies for tomorrow. Despite the differences and the unspoken tensions, they were united by a common goal. The night wore on, the conversation drifting into what they were going to spend their gold on.


    ¡°Cade, we should all get some rest,¡± Nora eventually suggested.


    At Nora¡¯s suggestion, Elena gave her an unnecessary nod of gratitude and winked salaciously at two people across the tavern.


    Nora fought the urge to roll her eyes, though she admitted to herself that she was impressed by the confidence the redhead bore.


    The day¡¯s events had left her feeling as if she were slowly transforming into Future. For, like her old god, it felt like she carried the infinite burden of decision on her shoulders.


    ¡°Good idea.¡± Cade nodded his agreement, his eyes still darting around the dimly lit room, alert for any sign of trouble. ¡°Let¡¯s meet back down here in the morning and head to the arena together. Stay alert. Oh, and be sure to lock your doors.¡±


    He leaned in and whispered conspiratorially.


    ¡°Greta sleepwalks.¡±


    Nora stifled a laugh.


    Soon their group dispersed, and Nora guided Evie up the creaky wooden stairs to their room. The hallway was cloaked in a murky twilight, with shadows flickering and dancing across the walls as they walked.


    The ancient floorboards beneath her feet groaned with each step, resonating with a somber, almost mournful tone. The air was thick with the scent of aged timber and lingering pipe smoke, and Nora wished, not for the first time, that she didn¡¯t have to hide.


    She hated all this secrecy. All of this hiding and deception. But when she pictured Evie in Prosperity¡¯s court, her complaints disappeared.


    Nora would never let that fate come to pass.


    Evie¡¯s soft, melodic humming filled the silence, a soothing balm against the eerie stillness that seemed to envelop them as they ascended the stairs. Her song died out, leaving them with nothing but the unsteady rhythm of their steps.


    ¡°Gavin¡¯s been acting strange,¡± Evie said suddenly, her voice filled with concern. ¡°Do¡ªdo you think he¡¯s going to leave us?¡±


    Nora halted midstride and glanced at her, noting the worry etched in her friend¡¯s eyes like fine lines on a delicate porcelain face. ¡°Why do you say that?¡±


    ¡°He just... left. We didn¡¯t even get to talk about our furry babies or how sweet the wind tastes tonight.¡± Evie shrugged, her fingers nervously twisting a loose thread on her sleeve, an unconscious gesture of unease.


    ¡°Birdie,¡± Nora¡¯s brow furrowed, and she raced to say anything helpful in response to that.


    Her thoughts drifted as they reached their room. She pushed the door open, and her heart nearly stopped.


    The room was a catastrophe.


    Their belongings were strewn about haphazardly, drawers yanked open, and the bed overturned. The faint, flickering light from the hallway cast long, jagged shadows across the chaotic scene, making the disarray appear even more sinister.


    ¡°Evie, stay behind me,¡± Nora whispered, stepping into the room with caution.


    Her eyes darted through the shadows, her hand instinctively reaching for the absent hilt of Wavebreaker, only to meet the hilt of her unnamed weapon. The sense of exposure and vulnerability without her old weapon gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the danger they faced.


    Evie¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Who could have done this?¡±


    Nora¡¯s mind ran through the likely culprits.


    She briefly considered if it was one of her teammates, but that would require intimate knowledge of wards used by her old order. And it was unlikely some random patron of the tavern had decided to go burgling into this random room, leaving the richer suites down the hall untouched.


    It had to be the Fateweavers. They had found her. Panic surged within her, but she forced it down, gripping her emotions tightly. If Cade discovered they were being hunted, he¡¯d undoubtedly kick them out. They couldn¡¯t afford to lose their place on this team.


    She turned to Evie, her voice a steely whisper. ¡°Promise me you won¡¯t tell anyone about this. Not a word.¡±


    Evie hesitated, her eyes searching Nora¡¯s for reassurance and answers.


    Finally, she nodded. ¡°I promise. But Nor... Why?¡±


    ¡°I think this might be Lyla. If it is, we can¡¯t let Cade or the others think we have the authorities chasing us. They seem nice, but I can tell they wouldn¡¯t stand for that kind of attention on them. We¡¯re still fugitives, Birdie. We need to act like it.¡± Nora spoke softly, but she could tell her words weighed heavily on her best friend.


    She hesitated, then reached over and pulled Evie into a tight hug.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay, Evs. I¡¯ll protect you,¡± Nora promised into Evelyn¡¯s hair.


    What she didn¡¯t say was that she would do anything¡ªanything¡ªto keep that promise, as it scared even her what lengths she would go to in order to keep it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get some sleep. I¡¯ll keep watch.¡± She strode over, lifted the bed back onto its rickety legs, and then tossed one of their only blankets back on it.


    ¡°Should we get a different room?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Nora said as she worked. ¡°We would¡¯ve seen or sensed them if they were still here. I suspect they¡¯ve moved on to watching the nicer accommodations where all the other survivors are staying. They probably think we¡¯re staying there, too.¡±


    Nora nodded at her handiwork but was surprised to feel Evie¡¯s delicate arms hug her from behind.


    ¡°Thank you, Nora.¡± The siren yawned and stretched her arms wide.


    Evie slid into the bed and curled up with the blanket as her cocoon.


    Then, barely above a whisper, she said, ¡°I¡¯m so glad it¡¯s you.¡±


    A lump formed in Nora¡¯s throat at the words. She would earn that trust. Nothing else mattered. For better or worse, their ragtag team was in this together.


    ¡­for now.

 Chapter 35: Identity Crisis: Tournament Edition

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    The next morning, Nora walked toward where the group gathered outside the Twisted Oak. The early morning light painted the cobblestone streets with long, cool shadows, and the air was crisp and invigorating.


    ¡°Ooh!¡± Jer shouted playfully when he caught sight of her.


    Nora felt a smile tug at the edges of her mouth as the rest of the team turned at his proclamation. They too shared their congratulations and admiration at what Nora now sported across her body.


    She¡¯d done it.


    The paladin had finally splurged on some armor, using the gold they¡¯d received from the previous trial to finance her much-needed upgrade. Too long had she walked around, feeling exposed and vulnerable each time another patrol passed them by. And that last trial was the final straw.


    She might not be a Fateweaver, but gods damn it all, she was a paladin.


    ¡°Those suit you,¡± Cade said with a twinkle in his eyes.


    Nora flushed. ¡°Thank you, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Was that a suit of armor joke?¡± Rayka demanded of her brother, ruining the moment. ¡°Seriously?! That¡¯s beneath you, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get a move on!¡± Cade answered cheerily, ignoring his sister.


    Nora inhaled deeply, enjoying the aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the distant clatter of merchants setting up their stalls, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. Several of them seemed to remember her from a few days prior, their venomous glares proof that grudges were forming.


    She swallowed, not sure how to explain that her best friend was nearly kidnapped to a bunch of strangers. And while she was settled about her denunciation of her vows, it had been nice to hide behind the Fateweaver reputation in times like these. Now, the decisions¡ªand their consequences¡ªwere hers to bear.


    Nora tried to shake off the unease from the previous night, but the tension clung to her like a second skin.


    ¡°How are you holding up?¡± Cade approached her, eyes murky with a darkness of his own creation.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just tired.¡± Nora forced a smile, though it felt fragile on her lips.


    It was a lie, but it was better than the truth.


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s get to the arena.¡± Cade¡¯s gaze lingered on her, as if he could see through her facade to the turmoil beneath, but he didn¡¯t press further.


    The walk to the arena was steeped in tension. The city, usually a cacophony of life, seemed unusually subdued, the hustle and bustle replaced by an unsettling calm. Vibrant banners fluttered in the morning breeze, their rich colors contrasting starkly with the underlying sense of dread.


    As they neared the grand structure, Nora¡¯s eyes scanned the crowd, her paranoia and sleep deprivation turning even the most benign pedestrian into a threat.


    The arena loomed ahead, its massive stone walls casting imposing shadows on the ground. The distant roar of cheers and the clamor of preparations filled the air, creating a dissonant symphony. When they reached the entrance, Cade frowned, his expression darkening.


    ¡°Wait, where¡¯s Gavin?¡± The team leader demanded. ¡°I swear on the gods, if he¡¯s still fussing over his scarf or ascot, I am going to strangle him in that silk.¡±


    Nora looked around, her heart sinking into a pit of worry. It wasn¡¯t for her, but for Evie. Sure enough, her siren started to twist her luscious brown curls around her finger, bright eyes misting up around their rims. She looked around more, careful not to dismiss any detail.


    He was nowhere to be seen.


    The group exchanged anxious glances, the tension crackling like static in the air.


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s... ?¡± Jer began, but Cade cut him off with a sharp look.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions.¡± Cade walked past them and back up the long path back to the arena, but Nora caught a haunted look hidden behind his gaze.


    He looked tired and absolutely worn out.


    ¡°We need to focus on the trial ahead,¡± Cade stated as they resumed their walk to the arena. ¡°Keep your eyes open and stay sharp. We don¡¯t know enough about this city or who might gain if we disappeared. But because he¡¯s gone, we¡¯ll have to rely on our hand signals again. Nora, Evie, we¡¯ll try to keep to the simplest motions, okay? Orro, stay near them so you can translate.¡±


    They each followed, though the tension only mounted with each block they passed. The crowds were largely absent from the street, which Nora found a bit strange. Soon enough, they were under the thick shadow the arena cast onto the large square lined with trees along its impressive entrance.


    Sandstone steps over fifty yards across led up to the gates that opened into the colosseum, with a steady trickle of guests climbing them in a rush. Like last time, they took a turn and headed toward the entrance reserved for contestants.


    The underbelly of the arena was a labyrinth of shadowy tunnels and echoing footsteps. Lifekeeper guards, clad in gleaming armor, stood at intervals, their watchful eyes and stern expressions adding to the gravity of the moment. Nora followed the procession, her senses on high alert. The air was cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of earth and metal.


    Sconces alight with amber glowflakes were affixed along the stone walls, casting dancing shadows that seemed to leap and twist with every step. The attendants moved with practiced precision, guiding the combatants through the winding passages.


    Above the hum of the crowd was a constant backdrop, a distant roar that grew louder with every passing moment. It resonated in her bones and clattered her teeth. She had never heard such a thunderous sound in her life before this tournament, even when she faced Progenitors out in the wilderness.


    Their primordial roars were nothing compared to this collective force of anticipation and bloodlust.


    As they walked, Nora could feel the rumble of the crowd through the soles of her boots. The anticipation was palpable, a living entity that thrummed through the very walls of the arena. Each step they took seemed to resonate with the pulse of the gathered masses, their excitement a tangible force that set the ground trembling.


    Cade walked beside her, his usual roguish grin in place.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve always wanted to make a grand entrance,¡± he quipped. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll do a little dance when we get out there. Think that¡¯ll win us some points? Or maybe I¡¯ll tell them my favorite joke!¡±


    Nora couldn¡¯t help but smirk at the ridiculous image that conjured.


    Beside her, Orro¡¯s shoulders tensed. ¡°Cade... we told you never to tell that joke again.¡±


    ¡°C¡¯mon, Or. It¡¯s funny and you know it. These Elysians will love it!¡± Cade argued while he skipped forward through the tunnel¡¯s length. ¡°I¡¯ll bet half of them won¡¯t even know what the inside of a dragon¡¯s anus feels like. It¡¯ll be educational.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Elena, Jer, and Orro said at once.


    Bunny roared his approval on Cade¡¯s shoulder. Their blonde-haired leader slumped in feigned defeat, but his light never dwindled.


    Rayka, walking just ahead, glanced back with a tight smile. Her eyes betrayed her nerves, darting to and fro as if expecting danger to leap from the shadows. Nora wished she could dissuade her from that fear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you can joke at a time like this,¡± Rayka muttered. ¡°This is worse than that time Hugh made me pretend to be a noble¡¯s long-lost daughter, and I had to go to three different galas.¡± Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Her eyes took on a haunted look.


    ¡°Three... ¡° Rayka repeated with a haunted expression.


    Cade¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve already said I was sorry about that, Ray. Besides, you looked great in pink.¡±


    The sound of stone against flesh echoed through the long corridor, and Cade yelped in pain at the pebble his sister threw. They all laughed at his expense, and even Nora felt a low chuckle bubble up unbidden. She shook her head and pulled her black braid from her right shoulder and tucked it behind her new armor.


    The tunnel began to incline, the path leading upwards. Nora could feel the earth continue to shake with the rumbling anticipation of the crowd.


    The vibrations grew stronger. Thousands of voices melded into a single, thunderous roar that reverberated through her bones. As they neared the giant wrought-iron gates that marked the entrance to the arena floor, the roar became deafening.


    Enchanted iron gates loomed ahead, intricate designs of twisting vines and fierce creatures etched into the metal. Nora could see the flickering light beyond, the arena bathed in the glow of a thousand glowflakes. Every muscle in her lithe body tightened in anticipation of the fight to come. She hadn¡¯t been ready before, and that was a mistake she would not make again.


    Evie clung to Nora¡¯s side, her delicate features pale and eyes wide with worry.


    ¡°What if Gavin doesn¡¯t come?¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din.


    Nora placed a comforting hand on Evie¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be here,¡± she said with more confidence than she felt. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t abandon us now.¡±


    Evie nodded, but the fear in her eyes remained. ¡°The stars promised, Nora. They promised me the most beautiful future with him. If he leaves¡­¡±


    The lovestruck siren apparently couldn¡¯t finish the thought.


    Nora squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, trying to project strength she wasn¡¯t sure she possessed. The gates creaked open, the sound like the groaning of some ancient beast awakening from slumber.


    Bright light flooded the tunnel, momentarily blinding Nora. She blinked against the glare, her heart pounding in her chest. The howls of the crowd surged, a wave of sound that crashed over them as they stepped into the arena.


    The sight that greeted them was overwhelming.


    The arena was a vast expanse, the stands filled with a sea of faces, each one shouting, cheering, or jeering. The sandstone beneath them bore the remnants of past battles visible in the scuffed and worn surface. The air was thick with the smell of sweat, metal, and anticipation. Even though this was their second time in this death pit, it wasn¡¯t any easier.


    She felt exposed. Naked, and not in a fun way.


    A muscle feathered in her angled jaw as she assessed their competition. None of them would be easy to take down. She studied their expressions, which ranged from grim determination to outright defiance, though she did note a few other queasy expressions hidden behind their bolder comrades.


    Cade raised his arms, acknowledging the crowd with a flourish.


    ¡°Okay, my band of brave and noble heroes! Let¡¯s give them a show they won¡¯t forget!¡± he shouted, his voice clear during a brief lull in the clamor around them.


    The crowd responded with a renewed roar, their excitement palpable.


    She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge ahead. She felt a single bead of sweat trickle down her neck and into the covered valley of her breasts. The heat of the sun was unnaturally intense.


    Nora Lancaster repeated her purpose in the sanctuary of her mind.


    Evie will not die here.


    As Nora and the others stepped into the arena, the deafening crowd assaulted their senses. Packed to the brim, the stands were filled with more people than the day before.


    She moved further in, and she forced herself to focus on the other teams. Each was a testament to the diverse factions drawn to the tournament.


    Five teams of eight, though a few had members conspicuously missing. To her left, a group of wood elves stood in disciplined formation, their expressions stoic, their eyes sharp. Their leader, a tall elf with silver hair and piercing green eyes, surveyed the arena with an air of calm authority.


    Nora knew a military squad when she saw one, and could only guess why an elite team of elves had decided to join this bloodfest.


    She marked all of their weapons, memorizing how many arrows were in each of their ornately carved quivers.


    Next to them, a dwarf unabashedly scratched at his nether region in the direction of the elves. The silver-haired elf sneered at the rude display, but the dwarves behind the offender only laughed and shouted their encouragements.


    Despite their comical disposition, she did not miss their sturdy frames encased in intricately crafted armor. Their leader, a burly she-dwarf with plated braids running low across her back, held a massive war hammer slung over her shoulder. The she-dwarf yelled at the wood elves in her native tongue for a few seconds before throwing them a rude gesture.


    Nora¡¯s dwarvish was extremely rusty, but she got the general comparison of the elves¡¯ mothers and a particularly social goat.


    The paladin¡¯s eyes roamed to a third team.


    ¡°Those guys look like Reavers,¡± Cade commented, following her gaze.


    Nora nodded at the team leader. She recognized them from the first trial, but she was too addled to take them in properly back in the ballroom. Now, with a clear view and clearer mind, she knew fighting them without Wavebreaker¡¯s enchantments would be a struggle.


    ¡°Destiny preserve,¡± Nora whispered under her breath as she glanced down at her recently acquired greatsword.


    Out here, in the daylight, it looked even worse.


    Nora noticed Cade wave jovially at one of the final teams to enter the arena floor, and she narrowed her attention at their stoic postures. The entire group wore black cowls so low their faces were completely obscured. The only member whose face was visible was a little girl with pale skin and long braids. Her eyes were wide and innocent, as if she had somehow ended up there by mistake and just didn¡¯t know what to do about it.


    The girl turned to her, and despite the distance between them, Nora caught a flash of something deadly in that little girl¡¯s eyes. Something dark.


    Something evil.


    She had nearly concluded that this girl was the most dangerous opponent they had to face, but a pulse of someone¡¯s aura had her swiveling her head. Every team turned in concert as the final group arrived. They stepped out of the shadows, weapons drawn and freshly polished.


    Curses and gasps of disbelief arose behind her from Cade and his team.


    The person in the front of these late-comers looked directly at them, a cold smirk across his face. His grizzly demeanor reminded Nora of a chipped blade, hiding its serrated edges behind alleged neglect.


    Behind the human was a collection of fighters just as formidable as their leader, though perhaps not quite the same relentless fury in their eyes. She spotted an honest-to-Destiny orc, two dark elves, and two more humans besides their leader.


    This was their true competition. Nora could feel it in her bones.


    ¡°Cade!¡± Elena hissed, her eyes blazing with anger. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us he was here?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to distract you.¡± Cade clenched his jaw, his expression hard. ¡°I thought it was better not to say anything until it became relevant.¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re distracted now!¡± Rayka¡¯s face twisted in fury.


    ¡°You asshole,¡± Elena sneered, and she looked ready to walk away then and there. ¡°How could you?¡±


    Jer stepped forward, his fists clenched. ¡°You should have trusted us.¡±


    Nora placed a hand on the curve of her hips, watching as the argument escalated, the bonds of their group fraying under the strain. She felt a pang of sympathy for Cade, caught as he was in a difficult position like this.


    Secrets and lies had a way of unraveling trust. She knew it better than anyone.


    The bickering was cut short as a seductive voice boomed overhead, resonating through the arena.


    ¡°WELCOME, MY BELOVED CHILDREN!¡± the goddess¡¯s voice purred, each word dripping with honeyed allure. ¡°PREPARE YOUR HEARTS FOR MY NEXT LESSON. MAY YOUR UNDERSTANDING TRANSFORM YOU.¡±


    ¡°Oh, shit,¡± Cade whispered to their team. ¡°I think it¡¯s the metamorphosis trial.¡±


    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Rayka asked frantically, some of her anger cooling in the face of imminent danger.


    She re-tied her blonde ponytail behind her head, though Nora noted how she refused to look at her brother.


    ¡°It means we¡¯re about to be changed somehow,¡± Nora answered evenly.


    The goddess¡¯s voice echoed once more, softer now but no less commanding. ¡°LET THE LESSON BEGIN.¡±


    Nora felt a chill run down her spine.


    A brilliant light exploded overhead, blinding Nora and her companions. She instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes, but the light was overwhelming, searing through her closed lids.


    The crowd¡¯s roar seemed to fade into a distant hum, and for a moment, there was nothing but the blinding brilliance and the goddess¡¯s voice echoing in her mind.


    When the light finally dimmed, Nora blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. She looked around, her heart pounding.


    The first thing she felt was a strong wind against her cheeks. The chirp of a flock of birds with long tails of dazzling pinks and blues shot across the space just above her head. She tried to duck, but the sensation felt slow¡ªsluggish.


    A horrible, horrible feeling swelled in her gut.


    ¡°What the feck?¡± A voice rose up from nearby.


    The foreboding inside of her reached a whole new level. She tried to turn her head to find Evie, to make sure she was okay, but her body refused to listen to her.


    Or, rather, she felt her head spin, she knew she was performing this simple action, and yet her vision didn¡¯t move in the slightest.


    ¡°By Prosperity¡¯s whiskers, what in the devils is going on here?!¡± The same voice from before demanded.


    She tried to turn and face this newcomer, but her body refused to cave to her command.


    The low rumble of a huge waterfall grew louder somewhere nearby. Her vision swirled and caught sight of something she never expected to see.


    There, across the rocky platform every contestant had been teleported on, was herself...


    ¡°Oh gods,¡± the paladin breathed in horror and disbelief.


    Nora Lancaster, hunted heretic of the Fateweavers, stared at herself through the eyes of a stranger.

 Chapter 36: High-Stakes Hide and Seek

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Nora blinked.


    At least, she thought she did.


    The nightmare worsened as whoever¡¯s eyes she saw through looked down, and the visage of a dwarf¡¯s stocky frame greeted her. His stout legs and studded boots were rooted to the roughly hewn stone, and she watched as the male lifted his leather gloves to his face, more curses filling the cloudy air of this massive platform.


    Nausea swept across Nora¡¯s body as the foreign vision sharpened on the rock. She could spot details now that her eyes never could¡¯ve spotted before. The paladin might¡¯ve reveled in this unique quirk that dwarves possessed if not for what this new insight provided.


    The rock beneath their feet was riddled with fissures. They were small, barely more than hairline fractures across the extensive surface of the platform. But even as she watched, those cracks widened.


    The dwarf¡¯s vision flitted over to the edge of the massive boulder, and she could see the start of a floating staircase descend out of sight. Worse, the waterfall she heard crashed along a stony length of the only way out of here.


    To escape, they would have to brave not only a series of wide jumps from floating boulder to boulder, but a torrent of water coursing along this treacherous path.


    ¡°I¡¯m really starting to hate Life¡¯s lessons,¡± Nora grunted. ¡°What¡¯s there to learn from this shitshow besides how to die in a bunch of ways?¡±


    Her stomach lurched again as her mind fought to grasp what was real. She could still feel the spray of water cling to the tight linens she wore beneath her plated armor, could still hear the chilly wind whistle across her reddening cheeks.


    But her sight.


    She could no longer trust her senses, Nora decided. She tried to shut them all out, but the cacophony around her was deafening¡ªshouts, screams, the clash of metal, all echoing in the open space.


    Nora reached out instinctively to steady herself, her hands grasping at empty air. Someone bumped into her, nearly knocking her off her feet. Panic surged through her. She felt adrift, her senses at war with each other. Her nostrils flared as a gust sent the distinct scents of wet earth and moss, the chill of the waterfall¡¯s spray continuing to bite past her defenses.


    ¡°Evie!¡± she shouted, but the surrounding chaos swallowed her voice. ¡°Evie!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m over here!¡± Evie¡¯s voice cut through the turmoil.


    The paladin tried to move toward where she thought Evie might be, but her vision, filled with the dwarf¡¯s perspective, made it impossible to navigate. She saw stout legs moving unsteadily over the stone, completely out of sync with her own frantic movements.


    A scream pierced the air, sharp and close by.


    Nora¡¯s heart clenched.


    Evie.


    She shoved her way through the throng, her borrowed vision swinging wildly. Every step was a gamble, her body moving in one direction while her eyes saw another.


    Nora tripped, stumbled, and caught herself on her hands, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Someone stepped on her gloved fingers, and she roared a curse, unable to spot the offending boot even as her knuckles crunched under its weight.


    Slick moisture greeted the leather tips of her fingers as she struggled to regain her composure. The sound of the waterfall grew louder somewhere nearby.


    Nora ducked instinctively as the faint whisper of a blade cutting through the air hissed past her ear. She lashed out blindly, her fist connecting with something solid.


    The attacker yelped and fell back, giving her a moment¡¯s respite. Something else caught her shin, and she stumbled across the large platform. Another leg connected with her chin, and she heard the dwarf curse as her vision must¡¯ve turned red with stars. Nora got to her feet, feeling for anyone or anything nearby, but thankfully finding nothing.


    The scuffle of feet across stone rushed past her, and a scream faded into the distance as its source fell away.


    Oh no, Nora thought as a growing realization crept into the back of her mind.


    She peeked through the vision of the dwarf¡¯s eyes, getting the confirmation of what she feared in that brief glimpse. Wherever that goddess had teleported them, they were far above the line of clouds.


    If they misstepped, they would die.


    ¡°EVIE!¡± Nora roared into the howling wind.


    ¡°Here!¡± The reply came, but it sounded even farther off than before.


    She opened her eyes, fighting through the nausea. Her vision swirled. Then a figure caught her attention. Nora caught glimpses of Orro through the dwarf¡¯s vision, his eyes squeezed shut, moving with precise, almost mechanical efficiency.


    He fought off attackers with an ease that belied the chaos around him. Nora clenched her jaw, determined to emulate him despite the vertigo gripping her.


    ¡°Birdie, where are you?!¡± she called again, more controlled this time. She would not let her fear control her.


    Evie will not die today.


    Nora discarded decorum and ripped into her tunic, uncaring of how it exposed her toned midriff. Wrapping the cloth around her eyes, she tied it until she was certain her mind wouldn¡¯t betray her by opening them by accident.


    Eyes closed, she took a steadying breath and began to move. Her world was darkness. Thoughts of the last time her entire reality had been consumed by shadows leaped into her mind, but she shoved them away.


    Evie will not die today.


    She forced herself to slow down and truly assess what her non-traitorous senses were screaming at her. The roar of the waterfall, the cold spray on her face, the slippery moss underfoot. She moved cautiously, each step tentative, her heart pounding in her chest.


    Cloth scraped over flesh, and she slammed upward with her knee. Metal dug into bone and skin as her counterattack landed. A feminine groan of pain escaped from her attacker, but she followed up with a vicious hook to where her muscle memory told her the woman¡¯s jaw was. Her gauntlet slammed home, and she heard the warrior fly off her feet and land heavily on the stone.


    Nora pressed forward calling out Evie¡¯s name every few seconds, getting the siren¡¯s desperate cry in return.


    Bodies tumbled into her, but she shoved them away. Her feet slid smoothly across the ground. Nora would not allow herself to concede her footing again. A part of her briefly considered activating her core again, using the shadowy tendrils to quicken her blind search, but she discarded it. Without her sight, she would not be able to control who did and did not get affected by the terror her shadows induced.


    And from that all-consuming fear, everyone on this platform might flee off its edge.


    No, her magic would be no help right now.


    Nora felt a blow snap toward her head, and she blocked it on her steely forearms. Someone cursed as their wrist caved under her unyielding defense. She didn¡¯t waste the chance, and swept her legs across in a vicious arc. Her attacker tumbled across the slick platform.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m getting the hang of this,¡± Nora commented dryly.


    ¡°Nora! Is that you? The stars said you¡¯re here, but I don¡¯t want to open my eyes again,¡± Evelyn shouted nearby. Nora¡¯s hand whipped out and grabbed at the familiar sleeve.


    ¡°Evie, it¡¯s me,¡± she panted, relief swimming across her body with such ferocity her knees nearly buckled. ¡°We have to move. Now.¡±


    ¡°Alright. But Nora, the stars are crying. I¡ªI think a lot of people are dying right now,¡± Evie¡¯s reply came in short, panicked gasps.


    Nora ripped a strip of cloth from the fallen attacker¡¯s shirt, tying it around Evie¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Trust me, this will help.¡± Nora didn¡¯t have the time to address her best friend¡¯s concerns. Right now, the only thing that mattered was getting them off of this gods-damned rock.


    Evie whimpered but clutched Nora¡¯s hand tightly. Together, they stumbled forward. Nora¡¯s mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of the boulder staircase she had seen through her borrowed vision. She had to focus, to push through the uncertainty and confusion.


    They could do this. They would survive.


    The ground beneath them trembled, and she risked a peek through her shared sight. A part of her felt awful about restricting the dwarf¡¯s ability to see through her vision thanks to the blindfold, but the tangible reminder not to keep staring really was helping.


    Sure enough, the dwarf looked down as well. Cracks spread across their starting platform like spiderwebs. With her dwarven vision, she could see the detailed lacework of the stones, though comprehension of what it all meant evaded her.


    Nora tightened her grip on Evie¡¯s hand, but it was the siren who voiced her decision first.


    Gone was the panic. All that was left was an eerie calm she came to associate with the divine.


    ¡°Nora. We have to jump. Now.¡± Evelyn¡¯s voice was breathy and light, and yet rang with the finality of the gods.


    She trusted that voice. It was the voice of fate itself.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± Nora replied, eyes closed.


    ¡°NOW!¡± the siren screamed.


    Evie pulled her forward, and they leaped.


    The waterfall splashed across their soaked boots and propelled them forward. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Open air whistled across Nora¡¯s blindfold. She could hear dozens of others making the same leap of faith around them.


    Stone cracked.


    Nora¡¯s training kicked in the moment her leather soles touched the new platform. She pulled Evie forward as she twisted and rolled, dispelling the worst of the impact of their tumble away from the edge. She didn¡¯t want to know how close they¡¯d come to missing it.


    Moss and vines coated the ground beneath them, though it provided scant purchase. Nora¡¯s sweat mingled with the salty tang of the waterfall as she grabbed one of the vines and held Evie close. Her wrists barked in protest at the strain, but her steely muscles were more than up for the task.


    Behind them, the starting platform groaned, then collapsed with a thunderous crash. She opened her eyes, the blindfold surely preventing the dwarf from seeing what she could now see through his gaze. Stone shards and debris rained down, some narrowly missing them. For a terrifying moment, the world slowed as she saw over a dozen forms intermixed in that meteor shower.


    So, the dwarf had made it too.


    She felt a strange sense of comradery with the stranger. Though the only real connection they bore was that of mutual survival, she couldn¡¯t help but hope that he got out of this nightmarish situation, too. It would make for one hell of a drinking story if they got out of this.


    Nora¡¯s breaths came in ragged gasps, her body trembling with adrenaline. She felt the cold bite of the waterfall as it relentlessly shoved them toward the next edge, the next drop into open air and another, smaller, platform.


    ¡°Alright, Birdie. Are the stars telling you when and where to jump next, or are they taking a short break for tea?¡± Nora asked over the roar of water.


    Evie¡¯s laugh was tight and weary. ¡°They¡ª¡±


    Nora heard the siren¡¯s head whip to the side. She braced for an impact, but none ever came.


    ¡°Cade!¡± Evie shouted suddenly, her voice barely carrying loud and bright over the throng of bodies. ¡°Go now!¡±


    Nora was about to risk another peek through her borrowed eyes when a fist collided with erh face. She went down right as her blindfold was ripped from her face.


    She opened her eyes.


    She was immediately swallowed by the chaos of other contestants on the starting platform, their faces contorted with panic and desperation. Nora squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to see the inevitable falls of those left behind.


    The paladin cursed under her breath. This wasn¡¯t some lesson about Life.


    This was a massacre.


    ¡°Evie, we need to keep moving. This gods-damned water is making my hands numb. You ready?¡± she shouted over the din, her voice barely audible.


    ¡°Nor?¡± Evie¡¯s voice was clear despite the chaos.


    Something about its tone set Nora¡¯s nerves on edge. Sorrow lingered there.


    ¡°What? What is it?¡± Nora demanded, adjusting her makeshift blindfold.


    A pause.


    For some reason, the silence was worse than the answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s not going to be your fault, okay?¡± Evie said softly. ¡°There¡¯s no other way. There¡¯s just no other way.¡±


    Nora felt like she¡¯d been struck. She didn¡¯t have the context for the siren¡¯s omen, but she could feel the dread those words brought. They wrapped around her neck like a noose.


    ¡°Evie, what did you see?¡± Nora pressed, but the siren rose to her feet and began to shove through the water and bodies with incredible purpose. ¡°What did you see?!¡±


    The ground beneath them trembled again, a warning that this platform was going to collapse soon too. Nora¡¯s heart pounded in her chest, each beat a hammer blow of fear and adrenaline. She could feel her pulse in her temples, a frantic rhythm that matched the chaos around them.


    The wind howled, screeching in her ears like a banshee¡¯s wail. It whipped at her hair, plastering it against her wet face. Her clenched eyes stung with cold droplets. She refused to look out again, refused to see what needless death the dwarf¡¯s eyes might reveal.


    ¡°Come on, Birdie. One step at a time,¡± Nora urged, One hand in Evie¡¯s while the other pulled at the length of the ivy she¡¯d caught earlier. The vines cut into her palms, their sharp edges biting through the worn leather and thin skin. Her fingers felt numb and raw, every movement sending jolts of pain up her arms.


    The ground was even slicker, the moss offering little traction. The winds shifted, and her left foot slipped. Her ankle twisted as Evie fell down beside her, the twin grip she¡¯d held for this long now a trap as her body fell awkwardly. Pain throbbed through her foot, and Evie yelped as the waterfall carried her to the edge.


    Nora lost her grip on the vine.


    They rushed forward, and the paladin had no idea how much of the platform was left before they went falling to their deaths.


    ¡°Evie! Hold on!¡± Nora bellowed. Her numb fingers fought for purchase, but none yielded to her slippery grip.


    A sudden scream cut through the noise, close and shrill. Nora¡¯s blood turned to ice. Their momentum stopped. Whoever they had struck gave her just enough time to regain her feet and yank Evie up with her.


    She didn¡¯t dare open her eyes, relying instead on the fragments of the dwarf¡¯s vision she had glimpsed. Even through closed eyelids, though, she could see flashes of movement, blurred figures clashing in the chaos. Every sense was heightened, the terror of fighting blind amplifying each sound, each sensation.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there!¡± She screamed.


    No response.


    The scuff of boots against stone grew louder, and she readied herself for an attack. Nora¡¯s breath hitched, and she felt every cord of battle-hardened muscle in her arms tense. She felt the cold steel of a weapon slice through the air, narrowly missing her. She ducked the blow and then lashed out blindly, grateful when her fist connected with solid flesh. The impact jarred her arm, but the attacker stumbled back, giving her a moment to breathe.


    ¡°Stay close, Evie,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling.


    She felt sweat trickling down her face, mingling with the cold spray. Her clothes and plated armor clung to her, heavy and soaked, the weight pulling her down. She reached down and found another vine. It became her lifeline, but it also felt like a trap, each step a potential slip into the void below.


    Their attacker swung again, and the flat end of a blade slammed against her shoulder. She cried out and lost her grip on Evie. Her instincts forced her body to move, though. She rolled with the momentum of the nearly fatal strike, pivoted on her left heel, then kicked outward and upward.


    Her free leg slammed into the gut of the sword wielder, and a scream followed as they fell off their shared boulder.


    ¡°Evie! Where are you?¡± Nora demanded, and several seconds passed as she waved her hands frantically around.


    ¡°The stars are so sad, Nor. They won¡¯t stop crying,¡± Evie said in a soft voice, and Nora rushed toward the sound. She felt Evie¡¯s shoulder and lifted her back onto her feet.


    The platform beneath them gave another shudder, a deep, ominous groan. Nora¡¯s heart raced, the threat of falling almost paralyzing. She tightened her grip on Evie¡¯s hand, pulling her forward. They had to keep moving, had to find some semblance of safety amidst the chaos.


    ¡°Cade!¡± Evelyn screamed again, desperation clawing out from the siren¡¯s shout.


    Nora¡¯s senses were overwhelmed, every inch of her body screaming in pain and exertion.


    Suddenly, she felt a presence beside her, strong hands gripping her shoulders.


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Cade shouted, his voice barely audible over the cacophony. Relief flooded through her, a momentary balm to her frayed nerves. ¡°We¡¯re almost there!¡±


    Nora nodded, though she had no idea if that helped. She focused on the sensations¡ªthe rough texture of the boulder beneath her hands, the cold bite of the waterfall¡¯s spray, the pounding of her heart in her chest. She could feel Evie¡¯s grip, an anchor in this storm.


    The ground beneath them shifted again¡ªa final, violent tremor. Nora¡¯s breath caught in her throat as the platform gave way. She leaped with Evie and Cade right as the boulder below them crumbled apart. The sensation of falling was a sickening lurch in her stomach, but their hands found purchase on another slippery boulder.


    ¡°I really am coming to hate falling,¡± Nora breathed from where they landed. She heard Cade and Evie chuckle softly at her comment, and a tight smile spread across her lips.


    They were alive...


    ... For now.


    Above them, the platform collapsed in a cascade of stone and debris. Nora could hear the distant screams of those still on it, but she shoved those unjustified deaths to the back of her mind. She could deal with that rage later.


    The volume of the waterfall was relentless, the spray turning everything slick and treacherous. She yelled and pulled all three of them onto the rounded surface of this new platform.


    She could feel her muscles burning with the effort, but it was better to feel some fatigue than to suffer an untimely fall. More bodies shuffled around them, and it was all she could do not to give in to the mania they all shared. Screams and bursts of magic shuttered in the air around them.


    Then, like a slap across her cheek, she heard something, and she nearly let go of the vine that kept them alive.


    ¡°I can help you descend. Please, just trust me.¡±


    Gavin¡¯s voice.


    He¡¯d finally taken the time to show up.


    Nora¡¯s eyes snapped open, but she quickly squeezed them shut again, the disorienting vision of the dwarf¡¯s perspective threatening to overwhelm her. Anger flared in her chest. She reached into her pocket while Evie shrieked in relief next to her.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± Nora seethed as she put a finger on the focal stone they¡¯d given her.


    ¡°I got... delayed,¡± Gavin¡¯s voice was steady but urgent in her mind.


    ¡°You coward! Why didn¡¯t you show up? We needed you!¡± Elena¡¯s voice cut through the shared link like a viper.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to argue. Teams are already descending with ease, including some scarred bastard and the group in black cowls. The elves are doing well too. We have to move,¡± Gavin sent quickly.


    Though Nora barely knew him, even she could hear the tinge of regret and desperation that laced his every word.


    Cade¡¯s voice cut through the telepathic chatter, firm and commanding. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss this later. For now, we follow Gavin¡¯s lead. What do you need from us?¡±


    ¡°Everyone, open your eyes,¡± Gavin replied immediately.


    Nora¡¯s heart pounded.


    The thought of using the dwarf¡¯s vision again filled her with uncertainty. Her pulse thundered in her ears, a frantic rhythm that mirrored her rising panic. The ground beneath them started to tremble.


    ¡°Nora! Open your eyes!¡± Evie yelled over the waterfall. ¡°Please! This one is going to fall soon!¡±


    As if heralded by the siren¡¯s voice, Nora felt and heard the rock crack beneath her.


    ¡°Nora, please,¡± Gavin sent. ¡°I can¡¯t track down your paired vision unless there¡¯s a signal to follow. Orro will strike them down, and you¡¯ll regain your vision!¡±


    ¡°You mean if I open my eyes, someone¡¯s going to die?! NO!¡± Nora shot back.


    She felt Evie try to drag her along the boulder, but she refused to open her eyes.


    ¡°Nora! Please!¡± Evie screamed.


    More cracks spread underneath her boots as she got to her feet with the siren¡¯s aid.


    ¡°We need to jump!¡± her friend pleaded. ¡°Now!¡±


    But Nora was a paladin.


    A protector.


    Someone who sacrificed everything for the sake of those she was sworn to guard.


    She didn¡¯t move. This was all wrong.


    There had to be another way.


    Behind her, she heard someone approach. She whirled and swung wildly, but the person ducked, and she felt calloused hands on her face. Her eyes opened on impulse, and she once again saw through the unfamiliar sight of the dwarf¡¯s perspective. The rough stone floor and squat, muscular legs were disorienting.


    ¡°There! To your left, Orro!¡± Gavin practically screamed through the mental link.


    Nora might¡¯ve imagined it, but she thought she heard a sleek blade whistle through the air as it shot through toward her vision.


    A second later, her eyes went dark, and the sound of a heavy form crashing to the ground followed.


    She blinked.


    Her vision was back.


    It was normal. She could see her braided black hair, the watery beads slip down her plated armor, and the leather gloves peeking out from beneath her gauntlets.


    The dwarf was dead.


    And there, standing in front of her with hands lingering on her cheeks, was Cade.


    ¡°You... You killed him,¡± she breathed.


    Sorrow, fury, and relief all coiled like the heads of a hydra inside her chest. All of the images she¡¯d conjured of meeting the dwarf, of sharing a drink and commiserating about the insanity of this trial burned behind her eyes.


    Cade met her steely gaze with one of his own.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cade answered evenly. ¡°I take care of my own, Nora. Now, jump.¡±


    Cade didn¡¯t leave her much time to argue. With a gentle shove, he pushed her over the edge right as the boulder beneath them crumbled away

 Chapter 37: Loot Is a Love Language

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    { Earlier that day }


    Gavin closed his eyes, letting the faint waft of emotions that suffocated the air around him wash over and past his senses. He was used to this¡ªthe noise. Everyone shouted their thoughts, and dreams were worse. Even at this early hour, his mind told him a crowd filled with drunken fools were clambering over each other for his attention.


    He might¡¯ve undersold the potency to his accursed powers to Cade and his team.


    The tall and lean gentleman let his other senses take in what the streets of Elysia had to offer. The morning air was crisp with the scent of freshly baked bread and the lingering musk of rain-soaked cobblestones.


    He sighed, grateful for at least the illusion of solitude. Last night had been too close.


    He had lost count what night of the month it had been. His skin still itched from where his other power tried to claw its way out of him during their discussion.


    Hands in pockets, Gavin strolled through the bustling streets of the market district, his nose twitching at the myriad of aromas¡ªroasting coffee, sweet pastries, and the pungent tang of smoked meats. He meandered without purpose, his mind replaying the events of the previous night at the Twisted Oak.


    The pull of the moon had been stronger than he anticipated, gnawing at his sanity, and he¡¯d made a hasty excuse to leave before anyone noticed his growing agitation. He recalled that cute girl sitting next to that paladin.


    Ebbie? Easy? Emily? Gods, he was the worst with names. He wished everyone could just go by their scents. That would make his life immeasurably easier.


    Well, the strange woman of lavender and cinnamon had given him a look, as if she could see right through his facade.


    He shuddered at the memory, though not entirely out of displeasure.


    ¡°Morning, my fair lady,¡± he muttered to a passing flower vendor, and flashed her a charming smile.


    The vendor blushed, her cheeks blooming like the roses she sold, but Gavin¡¯s thoughts were elsewhere. So his feet took him down a path so familiar he barely noticed the little tavern tucked away in an alley. He was mulling over what he might say to convince Cade to forget his premature departure when he spotted them¡ªthe Stone Britches.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Gavin whispered under his breath and picked up his pace.


    Dressed in their signature bowler hats, suspenders, and waxed mustaches, the gang that ran this district was impossible to miss. Gavin¡¯s pulse pounded in his ears as he instinctively turned to slip away into the crowd, but it was too late.


    ¡°Oy! If it isn¡¯t our favorite pup?! It will always amaze me how a dog returns to his owner even after a beating. Ain¡¯t that right, Gavin?¡± Rufus, the leader of this patrol, shouted. ¡°Boys?¡±


    That was all it took. Within seconds, Gavin was surrounded.


    Rufus hopped off of the crate he was sitting on, his wiry frame a charade that hid the unnatural strength in his veins. He was a silver ranker, Gavin knew from his many closeup encounters with Rufus¡¯ magic. And to think that he was just a foot soldier in Bernard¡¯s forces.


    Rufus stepped out of the early morning shadows, his breath reeking of stale whiskey and cheap tobacco. He grabbed Gavin by the collar, slamming him against the wall.


    ¡°We were starting to think you¡¯d skipped town, Gav,¡± Rufus breathed into his face.


    Gavin forced a smile, trying in vain to mask his fear. ¡°Rufus, mate, you know I¡¯m good for it. Just a bit of bad luck lately. Give me another week, and I¡¯ll have your money.¡±


    Rufus¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he nodded to his henchmen. One of them, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward and pressed a wicked blade to Gavin¡¯s neck. Another, shorter but stockier, held a dagger uncomfortably close to Gavin¡¯s nether regions.


    ¡°Please! We¡¯re all gentlemen here. No need for barbarism,¡± Gavin pleaded as he felt the lower blade inch closer to the point of no return.


    ¡°That¡¯s awfully rich coming from a murderous bastard like you, Gav!¡± the man on his left spat. His dagger dug deeper into Gavin¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Tick-tock, Gavin dear,¡± Rufus said, his voice a menacing whisper. ¡°Your excuses are running thin. When are you going to pay up?¡±


    Gavin swallowed hard, feeling the cold steel against his skin. The blade at his throat smelled faintly of oil and blood, and he nearly made a comment to its owner that he should really clean it before someone got an infection, but he decided against it.


    ¡°I¡¯m working on something... big,¡± he answered, his voice smooth but edged with an annoying amount of desperation. ¡°I just need a little more time. You¡¯ll get your money, with interest. I give you my word as a gentleman.¡±


    Rufus chuckled darkly. ¡°Interest, eh? How generous. But you know what? I¡¯m getting tired of waiting. Maybe we take a little down payment now, just to remind you of how serious we really are. A gentleman is always honest, isn¡¯t that right boys?¡±


    He motioned to the scarred man, who pressed the blade harder, a thin line of blood trickling down Gavin¡¯s neck.


    Gavin winced, his mind racing for a way out. ¡°Please, Rufus, I can¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, the shorter thug slashed his ear, a searing pain shooting through him. The thug licked the blade, a cruel smile playing on his lips.


    ¡°Always liked the taste of dog,¡± he sneered, the racial slur hanging in the air like a noxious cloud.


    Gavin¡¯s vision blurred with pain and anger, but he forced himself to stay calm.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get your money,¡± he whispered, his voice trembling. ¡°Tell Bernard I¡¯m a man of my word.¡±


    Rufus leaned in close, his breath hot and foul. ¡°That¡¯s not all you are. Now, get us our money, or next time, we¡¯ll take more than just a nibble.¡±


    They released him, and Gavin slumped against the wall, clutching his bleeding ear.


    He hated them. He hated all of them.


    Not for their cruelty¡ªthat he understood came with the territory.


    No, it was because of how quickly they turned on him after just one mistake.


    One mistake that nearly cost him his life.


    The mustachioed gang sauntered off, their vicious laughter echoing down the alley. Gavin watched them go, his heart a battleground of shame and disgust. He could smell salt and brimstone in the air. He cursed, hating the smell of fear that wafted off of his body.


    He knew he needed a plan.


    This unfortunate encounter had only cemented his resolve. He had to get back into Cade¡¯s good graces, join the real team, and use their strengths to achieve his own ends. With a grimace, he pushed himself to his feet and began making his way toward the arena.


    He could do this. He could make this work.


    The scent of his blood mingled with the morning air, a metallic tang that reminded him of his predicament. As he walked, the bustling sounds of the market faded, replaced by the ominous silence of his own thoughts. He was deep in contemplation when a sudden flash of light blinded him, and he felt himself being pulled away from the street.


    ¡°What in the hells?¡± He asked as his senses went haywire.


    The sudden flash intensified. All he knew was a blank whiteness that consumed his senses.


    And then, silence.


    Gavin might¡¯ve wept for the relief it brought, but like all good things in his life, it was ripped from him far too early.


    The telepath¡¯s vision cleared, and he found himself standing on a massive, stony platform, while the deafening roar of a waterfall crashed nearby. The thin air reeked with the scent of wet stone and moss, and they mingled with the sharp tang of fear that hung heavy over the area.


    He looked down, and the single motion filled him with dread as he noticed the incongruity.


    His body was not his own.


    The platform beneath his feet was slick and treacherous, and he could feel the vibrations of the water pounding against the rock. Vision still blurry, he could hear the distant screams and shouts of other contestants, their voices distorted by the thunderous waterfall. The cold spray of the water stung his skin, mingling with the sweat that dripped down his forehead.


    He felt it then¡ªa foreign, yet immensely powerful telepathic link. It was like a sudden jolt to his psyche, an intense connection that filled his mind with a cacophony of sensations and emotions. Gavin stumbled to the side, clutching his head as he tried to focus.


    ¡°Wait, is this¡ª?¡± He started, but then he made the mistake of opening his eyes again.


    And he saw...


    Shoes?


    Blood dripped in this strange new vision around soaked leather shoes. If he had to guess, they belonged to an elf, given the light filigree sewn around their base, and the narrow length of the sole. He could feel the telepathic link strain as whoever he was paired with was consumed with panic. He swiveled for the source, but there were too many people clustered together on the floating platform. Overhead, a flock of birds cawed at their sudden appearance and darted through the entourage of contestants.


    How high up are we? He wondered absently as he reeled to get a hold of his senses.


    His own damned mind.


    Something strained inside of him, and he focused on the new link there. He tried to extricate himself from it, but it was like shoving against a mountain. The link¡¯s invisible line lengthened suddenly, and he felt the barest traces of terror run along its length.


    Then nothing.


    His sight returned to him, but the relief was short-lived. When next he opened his eyes, they worked as usual, but he almost wished he could keep them closed.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Chaos reigned around him as contestants fought blindly, screaming about their stolen vision. Blades sunk into flesh, mingling with the salty waterfall that crashed around their legs, sweeping people to the edge of this strange floating platform and beyond.


    People began to run. To crawl. They fled in every direction as he felt a spider web of telepathic links crisscross all around them, and yet only in pairs.


    Gavin began to understand this trial, and revulsion swelled inside of his throat. This was not some mere lesson from a benevolent goddess. This was a twisted game.


    He had no more time to consider his situation as an axe swept toward his face. Gavin ducked and weaved around the slice, but the mad brawl only worsened with each passing second.


    Cursing, he narrowly avoided another blade, and it whistled past his windswept hair. He choked on the smells that collected on this forsaken platform. This altar.


    The space was thick with the acrid scent of sweat and blood, the coppery tang of injury mingling with the dampness of the waterfall¡¯s spray.


    Gavin¡¯s pocket grew warm, and a grim smile bloomed over his face. Maybe, just maybe, they weren¡¯t totally screwed yet. He reached into the pocket and snatched the focal stone hidden there. Beneath the spiderweb, a calmer, subtler, series of connections ebbed and flowed in his vision.


    His team was nearby.


    He searched through the crowd and soon spotted Orro, the darkly garbed warrior moving with his eyes tightly shut. Gavin sprinted toward him, the ground slippery underfoot. He reached Orro just as another attacker lunged at him, their face twisted in panic.


    Gavin tackled the assailant, feeling the rough fabric of their clothes and the hard muscles beneath. The attacker¡¯s breath was hot and ragged against his face as they struggled, the scent of fear and desperation palpable. He slammed his elbow into their nose again and again until they went still.


    Gavin¡¯s chest heaved, but he forced himself to focus. He needed to prove his worth. He needed a win today.


    ¡°Orro, it¡¯s me,¡± Gavin projected, trying to calm his racing heart. ¡°I can help you. Trust me.¡±


    Orro hesitated, and Gavin could see how even with his eyes shut, the dark warrior was aware of his proximity. How, he had no idea, but the telepath went as still as possible just in case.


    After a painful few seconds, Orro responded. ¡°Why should I?¡±


    Gavin sent up a quick prayer of thanks to whichever god was listening when he heard Orro¡¯s reply.


    ¡°Because if we don¡¯t work together, we¡¯re both dead,¡± Gavin sent back, his tone urgent. ¡°I can use our connection to track whoever your vision is connected to.¡±


    Orro stiffened. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°The link is telepathic,¡± Gavin explained hurriedly. ¡°I swear, I can find them if you just open your eyes.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± Orro demanded coldly.


    This was the part Gavin dreaded. ¡°I regained my sight the second mine died.¡±


    He left the unspoken dilemma lingering in the air.


    A tense moment passed before Orro nodded, his expression grim. ¡°Fine.¡±


    Gavin closed his eyes again, focusing on the connection between them. The scent of wet stone and moss filled his nostrils as he concentrated, the foreign link becoming clearer. It was a nearly invisible thread through the chaos around them, and yet in his mind¡¯s eye he saw it trail downward.


    Orro¡¯s target was below them.


    ¡°They¡¯re on the next platform!¡± Gavin shouted aloud.


    Orro gripped his shoulder and gestured for Gavin to take the lead. They moved cautiously, every step a perilous dance on the slick, moss-covered boulders.


    The screams and shouts around them intensified, and Gavin felt a rush of adrenaline. He could sense their target nearby, the link growing stronger.


    ¡°We need to jump,¡± Gavin sent, not wanting to alarm their prey should they have similar means as them.


    He could practically hear the defeated sigh in Orro¡¯s response. ¡°The stairs aren¡¯t connected? Of course they aren¡¯t. Fine. Lead the way. If you make me fall, I will kill you.¡±


    Gavin didn¡¯t ask how that would work out, and so just grabbed the warrior by the arm and leapt down to the first step. Thankfully, neither fell to their demise, so Orro didn¡¯t have to follow through on his threat. Right as they reached this platform, however, their target descended another step.


    ¡°They¡¯re picking up their pace. I think they have help!¡± Gavin sent quickly.


    Orro cursed, but sheathed his glowing orange blade and gestured for them to continue. They descended the floating boulders, the treacherous path demanding every ounce of their focus.


    The roar of the waterfall was a constant, oppressive presence, its spray soaking their clothes as it rolled across each step of their way down like the world¡¯s most unhelpful water feature.


    Suddenly, the link flared with intensity, and Gavin knew they were close. He opened his eyes, feeling the proximity of Orro¡¯s shared link. Their target, a frantic woman with wild eyes and twin axes in hand, was just ahead. She wielded her weapons with desperate ferocity, the metal glinting in the dim light as she swung without hesitation or prejudice.


    Gavin considered it a miracle she had made it this far. Whoever might¡¯ve aided her descent was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Now!¡± Gavin urged, directing Orro.


    Orro lunged, his movements precise and deadly. The woman¡¯s scream was cut short as he struck, her body crumpling to the ground. The telepathic link shattered, and Gavin witnessed the green glow in Orro¡¯s eyes dissipate as his vision became his own once more.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Orro said aloud with dark eyes glaring. Gavin felt the raw anger behind that look, and swallowed hard.


    ¡°Right,¡± he answered with a nod.


    They moved quickly, gathering Cade and the others as they descended.


    It was a joyless task, but Gavin located each of their paired links, and Orro hunted them with brutal efficiency. With each death, their team sped up. The path was still treacherous, the boulders slick and unstable, but with their vision gradually restored, they navigated with renewed determination.


    The intensity of the waterfall grew as they neared the final platform.


    Nora and Evie were the last to be found. Gavin could sense the tension between them as they approached, noting Nora¡¯s reluctance to open her eyes. It seemed she knew the cost quicker than the rest.


    ¡°Nora, we need you to trust us,¡± he projected, his voice firm but gentle.


    Gavin watched from the lower boulder as Cade intervened, forcing her eyes open. The dwarf paired with Nora let out a panicked scream right before one of Orro¡¯s black daggers ended his life with a single strike to his head.


    For a brief moment, Gavin could feel the fierce rage Nora held toward their leader.


    No, not toward Cade.


    It was because he¡¯d removed her ability to choose between her life and the dwarf¡¯s. There was a surge of shame, of guilt, of a shattering illusion of self as she clung to her identity as a protector. The sentiment shivered and then disappeared as Nora retracted her mind from their shared link.


    Soon enough, they reached the final platform, but the boulders were crumbling faster now. Below them, a crystalline pond shimmered invitingly, but it was over a fifty-foot drop to safety.


    Gavin¡¯s heart pounded as he prepared to jump. ¡°You can do this. You can do this," he chanted under his breath.


    Cade stepped to the edge, his eyes scanning the drop. Gavin took in the blonde man. Despite the danger, he looked at peace. The wind and spray from the waterfall almost looked to swirl around him rather than buffet his clothes.


    Strange.


    Cade turned back to the group, a reckless grin spreading across his freckled face.


    ¡°Well, I always did say I wanted to make a splash!¡± he shouted as everyone groaned.


    Then he turned to face them, his expression a masterful combination between somber and devious. Gavin memorized it for later use.


    ¡°In case these are my last words... Cici sucks!¡± Cade shouted.


    Before they could respond, he jumped off the edge with a wild yell.


    ¡°Who in the hells is Cici?!¡± Gavin yelled over the wild spray of water. His head pounded and it was like his very bones were waterlogged.


    He had put his mind under too much strain the past hour, and now he was paying for it.


    ¡°Trust me! You don¡¯t wanna know!¡± Jer called back.


    ¡°She¡¯s the devil, and the reason we can¡¯t leave Cade alone for more than a few minutes!¡± Elena added right before she too jumped over the edge.


    Orro squeezed his shoulder and leaned in. ¡°Cici always finds us. Always.¡±


    Orro then followed Elena and Cade without hesitation. He leapt gracefully, slicing through the air and disappearing beneath the water with barely a ripple.


    Jer, never one to be left behind, gave a whoop and jumped. Gavin¡¯s jaw dropped as the red-haired boy twisted with expert precision, performing all sorts of rolls and flips right before he collided with the rippling surface of the pond. Rayka exchanged a glance with him before she nodded and dove over the edge.


    Gavin felt his pulse in his ears.


    He could do this. He could do this.


    Someone moved closer to him, and he looked down to see the brown-haired girl. She smiled that knowing smile at him and stood up on the tips of her toes.


    ¡°I¡¯m Evelyn,¡± the girl reminded him. Gods, her cinnamon and lavender scent was perfect.


    She dropped back down and it was only then that he noticed his hand was in hers. Evelyn¡¯s eyes sparkled in the morning sunlight, and mist caked her eyelashes like tiny gems.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, Gavin.¡± The woman¡¯s voice was so calm, it was like the very winds stilled to listen to it.


    The next second the two of them were airborne, and Gavin¡¯s stomach flew up into his throat as he was shoved off the ledge by the brooding paladin.


    Evelyn whooped with joy. He screamed.


    Gavin plunged into the crystalline pool, the icy water enveloping him in an instant. He sank deep, the shock of the cold sending a jolt through his system. The world above seemed to fade, replaced by the tranquil silence of the pond¡¯s depths. For a brief moment, the chaos and terror of the trial melted away, leaving only the cool embrace of the water.


    As he kicked his legs, propelling himself upwards, he felt the water¡¯s magical essence infuse him, revitalizing every fiber of his being. When he broke the surface, gasping for air, he was no longer on the floating platform.


    Instead, he found himself in the center of the grand arena, the roar of the crowd thunderous and overwhelming. The pond¡¯s surface was now flush with the sandstone floor, and he treaded the water in a daze.


    He blinked against the sudden brightness, the sounds of the cheering spectators crashing over him like waves. The stench of sweat, dirt, and excitement filled the air, a heady mix that made his heart race. Gavin looked around, seeing that his teammates had already resurfaced, their faces reflecting a mix of exhaustion and triumph.


    The goddess Life descended from above, her presence a radiant glow that demanded attention. She was breathtakingly beautiful, her features sculpted with divine perfection, but there was an air of arrogance about her, a haughty disdain that made it clear she saw herself far above the mortals she addressed. Her voice boomed through the arena, imperious and commanding. For some reason, he caught the barest hints of oil and mint from her, but her next words interrupted the implications those particular smells offered.


    ¡°YOU HAVE DONE WELL,¡± she proclaimed, her eyes sweeping over the assembled contestants. ¡°YOU HAVE FACED THE TRIAL OF METAMORPHOSIS AND EMERGED VICTORIOUS.¡±


    Her words were met with a roar of approval from the crowd, the noise swelling to a deafening crescendo. Gavin felt a rush of exhilaration, his earlier fears and doubts momentarily forgotten. He wanted to kiss her for the sheer relief and joy of surviving.


    ¡°AS YOUR REWARD,¡± Life continued, her voice cutting through the din, ¡°YOU MAY CHOOSE A SINGLE ITEM FROM THE LIFEKEEPER TREASURY. CHOOSE WISELY, FOR THIS GIFT WILL AID YOU IN THE TRIALS TO COME.¡±


    A beam of light shot from her palm, striking the center of the pond. The water rippled and glowed, and a chest slowly rose from its depths, adorned with intricate carvings and gleaming with otherworldly light. The chest opened with a soft creak, revealing an array of treasures within.


    The arena fell silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone present. Gavin¡¯s heart pounded with anticipation. This was his chance, not just to survive, but to finally get back on his feet. To pay off his debts and secure his future. The aroma of opportunity was intoxicating, mingling with the charged air of the arena. All of the voices, shouting both mentally and physically, dimmed as he imagined it.


    Freedom.


    ¡°YES!¡± Cade hollered and was about to approach the chest when Orro held him back. ¡°What?¡± he asked the shady warrior.


    ¡°Your love for loot blinds you,¡± Orro answered simply.


    ¡°But loot is my love language!¡± Cade answered with a pout.


    ¡°I thought money was your love language,¡± Elena pointed out as she cleaned something from beneath her nails.


    ¡°They¡¯re close cousins!¡± Cade retorted with a slight blush.


    Gavin glanced at Cade and the others, his mind already calculating. They would choose wisely, he was sure of it. If he had to guess, they would all choose something useful or powerful. But for him, he needed something expensive. And possibly made from silk.


    For the first time in weeks, Gavin felt a flicker of genuine hope. This could be the answer to his debt, the way to keep the Stone Britches at bay.


    He glanced at his teammates, his mind already plotting his next move.

 Chapter 38: Shiny Objects and Other Vices

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    ¡°YOU MAY EACH CHOOSE ONE ITEM FROM THE LIFEKEEPER¡¯S TREASURY,¡± Life¡¯s voice boomed, echoing through the colosseum.


    Cade squinted at the goddess, his body wracked with pain thanks to whatever she¡¯d put in that pond. It was like everyone else enjoyed this poison, but he knew that because it was connected to his core, bringing up with the deity might not end well. He leaned back, though knew that to retreat from her presence was not an option. He would not run from her.


    Her radiant presence was a beacon in the center of the arena, her divine light casting a shimmering glow over the bloodstained sand.


    The crowd above them erupted in cheers, their voices blending into a roar of approval. Clearly, they knew just how valuable these items were. That, or they were just as excited about shiny things as he was.


    Probably both.


    Cade took a centering breath, and the cool morning air filled with the scent of damp earth and the metallic tang of blood. His wet hair from the pond bath clung to his forehead and cheeks, and he shook it out as best he could.


    Movement along the edge of the arena caught his attention. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he caught a glimpse of a familiar face among the Lifekeeper attendants swarming the arena floor.


    The girl from the palanquin. The one Bazz had struck.


    His eyes narrowed. He was about to call out, but she disappeared into one of the many gates leading underground before he could call after her.


    Servants, dressed in pristine white and green robes, moved gracefully among the remaining teams. Their gaits were smooth and practiced, ethereal. One of them stood in front of each team, and the individual in front of Cade and his crew smiled lazily. He had slicked-back hair that accentuated his proud elf ears lined with pierced gold bands.


    ¡°Distinguished heroes,¡± he started, and Cade knew immediately that this was yet another Lifekeeper he was going to hate. His voice was deep and held the air of someone used to being listened to.


    ¡°Rewards shall be given based on the rate of completion of the previous trial,¡± the elven servant explained in a bored tone. ¡°Your team was third of the four remaining teams. Every contestant is allowed one item from either the vast collection brought here today, or from the list of total items accessible within our prestigious vaults.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love a tour of those vaults,¡± Elena whispered under her breath.


    Cade noticed how her cheer was immediately dampened when the first team to pass the trial stepped forward. His wasn¡¯t much better.


    Hugh.


    Cade counted and saw that, like them, they still had all eight members.


    ¡°Sorry, you said four teams remained?¡± Cade clarified with the Lifekeeper clerk.


    The elf turned his attention on Cade like he was some interesting vermin who recently learned to talk.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the Lifekeeper admitted. ¡°The dwarven clan and those awful mercenaries were completely wiped out during the previous lesson. Only the elven entourage, the darklings, your team of eight, and McCleary¡¯s team remain.¡±


    At his casual admittance of the dwarven deaths, Cade felt Nora tense behind him. He refused to look back at her, not wanting to discover what he might find in those stormy eyes of hers.


    ¡°Darklings?¡± he asked.


    The clerk sighed in annoyance. ¡°Yes. Darklings. They traveled here just for this. One of the draugr clans is my best guess. Now, please, shut up until it¡¯s your team¡¯s turn to receive your undeserved rewards from our beloved matron.¡±


    Elena gave him a rude gesture behind his back, and Cade fought back a chuckle even as the attendant¡¯s words sank into his mind like anvils at sea.


    Draugrs.


    He¡¯d heard of the allegedly undead clans, but he honestly thought they were just wild legends from a bygone era. Yet, as he peered over at the eclectic mix of darkly cowled figures led by that strange pale girl, he could see the truth of it. That, or the Lifekeeper was pulling his leg.


    Cade¡¯s attention turned outward as Hugh¡¯s team stepped up to the dais, their wretched leader exuding confidence. His lip curled at the sight of the eight unharmed warriors, the worst of which was Fenwick. Cade cursed loudly at the sight of the violet-eyed duelist and the uninspired suit he wore. The elf hushed him for his outburst, but the thief didn¡¯t care.


    The prick deserved it.


    Fenwick wasn¡¯t even wet.


    The nerve...


    In front of that bastard¡¯s team, the chest on the dais was a marvel¡ªcrafted from ancient oak and adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to dance in the light. It glowed faintly, a promise of the treasures within. Cade wished it was a mimic just so that he could watch Hugh¡¯s face get turned into a chew toy. The image warmed his heart, if barely.


    Hugh chose first, pulling out a silver circlet inlaid with emeralds. ¡°This is for commanding elemental spirits,¡± an attendant explained. ¡°While summoning an elemental is a separate ritual, this circlet provides a telepathic link of dominance over the targeted creature. Use it wisely, champion.¡±


    Cade scoffed at the moniker while Hugh placed it on his head, and a faint aura surrounded him.


    The ruthless teammates Hugh had surrounded himself with followed suit. One picked a shimmering cloak that rendered the wearer invisible for short bursts, another selected a pair of gauntlets that crackled with arcane energy, and the last chose a staff that seemed to hum with latent power. He tried to see what Fenwick grabbed, but it was lost beneath the shifting bodies around the chest and the din of the eager crowd.


    ¡°What did that man get?¡± Cade inquired of his team¡¯s attendant.


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± the elf drawled. ¡°You¡¯ll all die soon anyway. How it happens is irrelevant.¡±


    ¡°How we die feels pretty relevant to me,¡± Cade retorted.


    He couldn¡¯t believe this guy.


    Before he could get an answer out of the apathetic Lifekeeper, the draugrs approached the dais. He might¡¯ve imagined it, but it was like the very shadows quivered in anticipation of their presence. The entire team moved in perfect synchronization, with only their leader exposed to the masses. The rest wore cloaks birthed of darkness and moodiness, so far as Cade could tell.


    The young draugr girl with pale skin and long braids stepped forward, her movements almost too fluid. She chose an ebony staff without much hesitancy or ceremony.


    The crowd stilled as she inspected the dark weapon. Its surface was inscribed with runes that pulsed with a malevolent energy that hurt Cade¡¯s eyes to look at. Her team followed, selecting items that matched their eerie demeanor¡ªa pair of blood-red gauntlets, a crystalline orb that pulsed with a nauseating light, and a shadowy cloak that seemed to want to strangle its owner for some reason.


    ¡°What¡¯s with these teams and gauntlets and cloaks?¡± Jer inquired as he stroked his peach-fuzzed chin.


    ¡°Cloaks are cool,¡± Rayka argued with both hands on her hips. She spared a glance at Orro who, Cade noted, blushed profusely at her defense.


    Where did that come from? Cade wondered to himself.


    ¡°Alright, up you go,¡± the elf Lifekeeper said with a tired wave of his billowing sleeve.


    Finally, it was their turn.


    Cade stepped forward with his team, feeling the weight of the moment. The dais loomed large, the chest almost pulsating with an otherworldly energy. His leather boots squeaked awkwardly as he ascended the steps, the bright sun unable to completely dry his soaked clothes.


    ¡°Who goes¡ª¡± the clerk by the chest inquired, gesturing between the eight of them.


    ¡°Nora,¡± Cade answered before any of his team could protest.


    The paladin met his gaze, but the kind gesture was swallowed up by the storm of emotion he saw flare in those gray eyes.


    A surge of grief.


    A lust for violence.


    And something even darker.


    An image flashed in his mind of what he¡¯d barely seen the day he¡¯d met Nora and Evie. It had just been for a moment, but he¡¯d seen the power she¡¯d unleashed.


    It looked like she was inches away from doing so again, and this time, he was the prey.


    He didn¡¯t back down in the slightest beneath that storm of shadows within her eyes.


    The paladin turned and the tension eased. She picked up a strange orb of swirling shadows.


    ¡°Ah, yes! The pommel of Valkalor¡± the attendant pronounced. ¡°Connect it to any unjeweled blade, and it will transform it into a truly devastating weapon. Careful, though. Its last owner went a little¡­violent.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be an issue,¡± Nora promised.


    Cade watched as she unsheathed her current longsword, and gently pressed the dark gem against its pommel. Shadows burst from the crystal, swallowing up the entire sword in seconds. The crowd gasped, everyone transfixed by the unholy magic.


    The shadows dispersed, and in place of the solid, yet simple, longsword, a weapon of nightmares was in its place.


    She lifted the new gargantuan blade like it was made of dry parchment. Even more daunting was that its obsidian blade glimmered with a dark light too similar to that magic she¡¯d demonstrated to be a coincidence.


    Its reborn blade was easily seven feet long, with a width that was nearly two feet. So far as Cade was concerned, the newly refurbished blade looked like it weighed as much as Evie.


    ¡°Are you sure, my lady?¡± The attendant asked with a raised eyebrow. ¡°This accursed piece is attuned to the Darkness Dominion,¡± he explained condescendingly.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Nora swung it experimentally, the air humming with its power. Cade was impressed. She swung the massive blade masterfully.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it,¡± she replied and resheathed the menacing blade with a small smile dancing across her lips.


    ¡°Looks like you got yourself a real beauty there, Nora,¡± Jer teased, earning a playful scowl from her.


    Something in Cade¡¯s chest twisted at that smile.


    Evie, her eyes wide with wonder, picked up a dainty pendant with a blue crystal.


    The attendant¡¯s voice was almost reverent when he addressed her chosen item. ¡°This crystal was found in an ancient crypt believed to be connected to the Queen of Cyan.¡±


    Evie clasped it around her neck, the crystal catching the light and casting a soft blue glow.


    Jer rummaged through the chest and pulled out a pair of extremely worn-out boots.


    ¡°Really, Jer? Old boots?¡± Cade raised an eyebrow.


    Jer grinned, unfazed.


    ¡°These boots provide a single boost to a jump every ten seconds, allowing for greater heights and increased shock absorption,¡± the attendant explained.


    Jer wiggled his eyebrows. ¡°I¡¯ll be jumping over you in no time, Cade.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes gleamed as she drew out a thin stiletto dagger. With a flick of her wrist, it extended into a whip blade.


    ¡°Look at this beauty,¡± she said, admiring the craftsmanship.


    Another attendant standing nearby leaned in and nodded approvingly. ¡°Made by a master dwarf bladesmith, extremely durable and sharp. Plus, it doubles as a belt!¡± The young wood elf stepped up past the aloof Lifekeeper and showed Elena how to properly sheathe the stiletto so that it seamlessly blended into its leather belt scabbard.


    ¡°You always did like your toys, Elena,¡± Orro commented dryly.


    ¡°And you like your brooding, Orro,¡± she shot back with a smirk.


    Orro chose a dark orb that seemed to absorb the light around it.


    ¡°Apprehended from a notorious thief in Elysia,¡± the attendant said.


    The orb pulsed gently in Orro¡¯s hand, and the bright sun above them seemed to dim ever so slightly.


    Someone from the crowd shouted, ¡°Why are these confiscated tools being allowed to leave the Lifekeeper vaults?¡±


    Life¡¯s eyes, glowing with divine power, turned toward the crowd. ¡°MY CHAMPIONS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, AND SO REFLECT THE GREAT DIVERSITY OF THIS BELOVED CONTINENT.¡±


    While she spoke, Cade watched as Gavin hesitated before selecting a strange spindle.


    ¡°Forms thin strands of silk from any thread,¡± the attendant explained.


    Gavin didn¡¯t offer any further details, brushing off questions with a testy wave.


    ¡°Always with the scarves, Gavin?¡± Cade asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Gavin shot him a dark look. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business, Cade.¡±


    Cade narrowed his eyes but shrugged, turning back to the chest. His teammates¡¯ choices were intriguing, but none of the items felt quite right for him. He needed something more, something that might help them find the Remnant. He took a deep breath, ready to make his move.


    The thief stepped forward, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The dais loomed large, the chest a tantalizing fruit he desperately wished to claim.


    ¡°Just one, Cade. You don¡¯t need to steal right now. Just one,¡± Cade repeated under his breath as he leaned over the massive furniture.


    He reached into the chest, his fingers brushing against various items¡ªan enchanted dagger, a glowing amulet, a book bound in dragonhide. But none of them felt right. He rummaged through it again, the pressure mounting as he sensed the impatience of those waiting behind him.


    ¡°Come on, Cade, don¡¯t keep us waiting,¡± Jer called out, his voice laced with impatience and a healthy dose of anticipation.


    Cade understood. He felt the same way.


    Ignoring the jibe, he pulled out an ancient scroll case and a polished silver chalice. He examined them briefly before discarding them back into the chest. Nothing seemed suitable for finding the Remnant or even aiding in its theft. Frustration gnawed at him as he sifted through the items once more, but still, nothing called to him.


    Just as despair began to creep in, a strange premonition washed over him, making his magical core thrum with a disorienting resonance. It was as if his very essence was trying to guide him.


    On a whim, he turned to the attendant. ¡°Can I see the scroll of items?¡±


    A hush fell over the arena, the crowd¡¯s curiosity piqued. The attendant¡¯s eyes widened slightly, but he nodded and unfurled the massive scroll. The parchment was ancient, covered in intricate writing that seemed to shift and dance before Cade¡¯s eyes. He scanned the list, his chest pounding with anticipation.


    One listing caught his eye, a random entry that seemed to leap off the page.


    ¡°I want this item,¡± he declared, pointing to it. ¡°The bracers of Velna?¡±


    The crowd erupted into murmurs and whispers. A woman screamed. The attendant paled, his hands shaking slightly as he looked at Cade.


    ¡°Are you sure, human?¡± he confirmed.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure,¡± Cade replied, though doubt now gnawed at the edges of his mind.


    The attendant hesitated, then raised a green flag to call for a supervisor. A richly dressed Lifekeeper soon glided over the sandstone in their direction. Cade cursed under his breath as the elderly wood elf approached. Recognition flared in his eyes, and his aloof demeanor shifted to a dark scowl that he quickly masked as he bowed to Life.


    ¡°Hi, Bazz,¡± Cade voiced with a dry grin, remembering his unfortunate encounter with this prick all over again.


    At least it put some context into who he saw disappear into the underbelly of the arena just a moment ago.


    ¡°IS THERE A PROBLEM?¡± Life¡¯s voice, impatient and commanding, echoed through the arena.


    Bazz straightened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he addressed Cade. ¡°This item is copper-ranked and was requisitioned from a notorious serial killer in Elysia. Are you certain you wish to claim it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s on the list,¡± Cade replied evenly, meeting Bazz¡¯s gaze. ¡°Unless you made a mistake, Bazz?¡±


    Bazz¡¯s jaw tightened, but he nodded reluctantly.


    ¡°Fetch the item for this... contestant,¡± he instructed an attendant.


    Cade raised his hand. ¡°I believe the word you¡¯re looking for is ¡¯champion,¡¯ or ¡¯hero,¡¯ not contestant.¡± The young thief raised his eyebrows in a silent challenge as the crowd awaited the Lifekeeper¡¯s response.


    With a low growl, Bazz amended his statement. ¡°Please fetch the item for this champion, if you will.¡± The attendant scurried away, and Cade bowed sarcastically at the elderly wood elf.


    Cade could feel the tension in the arena, the weight of a thousand eyes watching his every move. The impatience of the elves waiting behind him was palpable, their whispers a constant hum in the background.


    He tried to ignore the second-guessing gnawing at him, the concern that he might have made a mistake. But that roiling energy inside of him practically screamed for this item.


    ¡°Bold choice,¡± Orro muttered, a hint of admiration in his voice.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s hope it¡¯s worth it,¡± Cade replied, forcing a grin.


    As the first few elves finally took their turns, selecting their rewards with graceful ease, Cade¡¯s mind raced. The attendant finally returned, carrying a dark cloth bag. Inside, two bronze items clinked together. Cade could feel the magic inside him thrum with excitement and hunger as he took the bag, the cold metal of the bracers sending a shiver up his spine.


    ¡°Here we go, our future serial killer!¡± Jer quipped with a vicious grin. Someone from their team threw a shoe at the back of his head. Cade turned to see Rayka hobble over to collect her projectile with a wink in his direction.


    Cade shot him a look. ¡°Thanks, Ray. And thank you for the vote of confidence, Jer.¡±


    Evie stepped closer, her eyes filled with curiosity. ¡°What do they do?¡¯


    ¡°All it said was that it could boost ¡¯destructive powers,¡¯ whatever that means,¡± Cade said, his voice low. ¡°It just felt¡ªright. I¡¯ll figure it out later.¡±


    He tucked the bracers away, the magic within them thrumming against his skin. Around them, the arena continued to buzz with excitement as the elves marveled at their new and shiny items.


    Cade¡¯s thoughts, however, were already turning to the trials ahead, the Remnant, and the uneasy alliance he would need to navigate to ensure their survival. As if pulled from his very thoughts, Life spoke as the last contestant received their item.


    ¡°REST WELL, MY CHILDREN.¡± Life declared in her husky voice that echoed throughout the arena. ¡°TOMORROW, YOU WILL FACE THE GREATEST THREAT YET. BUT FRET NOT. EVEN IF YOU PERISH, I WILL EMBRACE YOUR SOUL AS MY OWN IN YOUR NEXT LIFE, AND IT SHALL BE ONE OF ABUNDANCE AND RICHES BEYOND YOUR WILDEST IMAGININGS!¡±


    The goddess raised her hands and basked in the rapturous cries of approval that arose throughout the colosseum.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Cade muttered darkly. ¡°I can imagine all the riches in the entire world. So, more than that, or just that? I mean, she promised beyond my wildest dreams, right? I can dream about a LOT.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s all they¡¯ll be if you keep opening that yapper of yours,¡± Elena hissed as she elbowed Cade in the side.


    With that bold proclamation from Life, they were all dismissed.


    As they left the arena from one of its many tunnels reserved for champions, the others discussed what they¡¯d chosen with animated smiles and broad gestures, but Cade¡¯s mind was turbulent. He did not speak for several long minutes, considering all that he¡¯d seen. All that he¡¯d done.


    With a quick gesture, Cade led his team through the bustling streets, their footsteps muffled by the crowd¡¯s chatter and the clatter of vendors reopening after the trial¡¯s conclusion.


    The air was filled with the mingling scents of roasted chestnuts, freshly baked bread, and the lingering musk of dew-soaked cobblestones. Cade would never admit it, but he actually enjoyed the terrible ale served at the Twisted Oak, and so the prospect of a drink and some rest was a welcome relief after these intense trials.


    His mind whirled with what they still needed to do. He broke it down to attainable steps, even if they were the definition of far-fetched.


    Find the Remnant.


    Steal the Remnant.


    Win the tournament or figure out how to circumvent these accursed tattoos. Gavin had told them how they worked, and it was even more troubling than he expected.


    As they approached the tavern, Cade¡¯s eyes narrowed at the sight of two figures standing at the entrance. A familiar half-orc woman in the dark raven clothes of Scorn acolytes.


    Helga.


    Helga¡¯s sharp eyes locked onto Cade as they approached.


    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t our favorite treasure hunters,¡± she drawled, her tone laced with mockery. ¡°Have you found it yet, puny mortals?¡±


    Cade¡¯s heart skipped a beat at their presence here. He forced a casual smile. ¡°Found what? The apricot?¡± he asked, his eyes widening at Helga so that she got the message. Behind them, Gavin sighed but said nothing.


    Helga¡¯s gaze narrowed, but she nodded reluctantly, playing along. ¡°Yes, the apricot.¡±


    Nora, Evie, and Gavin exchanged glances.


    Nora leaned in, whispering, ¡°Why do you look so scared of this random Scorn acolyte, Cade? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Before Cade could respond, a winter elf with black locs and strange black tattoos across her alabaster skin dropped straight down into the street between Cade and Scorn¡¯s follower.


    Her steel-rimmed boots cracked the cobblestone, and she barely had to bend her knees under the impact of the three-story fall. She bore no weapons, but somehow Cade got the impression that wouldn¡¯t be a problem for this elf.


    ¡°I need a moment with him.¡± She pointed directly at Cade¡¯s chest, her voice cold and sharp.


    Helga stepped forward, her expression fierce. ¡°Shove it. I got here first, Daughter.¡± The orc spat the last word like it was a curse. ¡°Or would you like a rematch from last time my Mistress¡¯ little sister sent you after me?¡±


    The winter elf¡¯s lips curled into a smile. It reminded Cade of a dragon bearing its teeth.


    ¡°I insist.¡±


    Helga¡¯s eyes blazed with anger, and the air around her began to shimmer with heat. ¡°Back off, ice queen.¡±


    The elf¡¯s smile widened, unfazed by the rising temperature. ¡°Trust me. You don¡¯t want this. You seem rather attached to your limbs.¡±


    Helga raised her hand, the heat intensifying, but the elf didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, the air around her began to frost over, the ground at her feet crackling with ice.


    Around both of the women, thin trails of golden energy intermixed with their fire and ice respectively. The sudden clash of fire and ice was terrifying, the temperature fluctuations sending waves of discomfort through the gathered crowd.


    The elf lunged for Cade, and the young thief could barely even track her movements. She was a blur of ice and fury. Right as her pale hand marked by the intricate designs of a language Cade didn¡¯t know was about to reach his neck, Helga intercepted her.


    An explosion rocketed Cade back several yards, and his shoulder caved in awkwardly as he was skipped across the road. Flames roared and ice cracked, the sheer force of their powers sending shockwaves through the street. People scattered, shouting in fear as the two women battled with terrifying intensity.


    Cade seized the moment.


    ¡°Run!¡± he shouted to his team.


    Orro helped him to his feet, and they bolted, weaving through the panicked crowd. Cade could hear the explosive sounds of the battle fading behind them as they ducked into alleyways and sprinted through narrow streets.


    Finally, they stopped to catch their breath, the distant sounds of chaos echoing in their ears. Cade looked around at his team, their faces flushed with exertion and fear.


    ¡°Does anyone know a place where we can lie low?¡± Cade asked hurriedly.


    Gavin hesitated, his eyes darting around through the crowd nervously. He was looking for someone. Before Cade could question him or move on, their handsome team member nodded.


    ¡°I know a spot. No one will find us there,¡± Gavin assured them.


    Cade studied him for a moment, then returned the nod. ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    As one, they followed the telepath into the cold embrace of the shadows ahead.

 Chapter 39: Outcasts and Underbellies

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade had to admit, he wasn¡¯t expecting so much blood.


    Sure, he hadn¡¯t exactly asked Gavin about the conditions of his ¡®place where no one will find us.¡¯


    But this...


    ...this was a bit much.


    ¡°I felt like it went without saying that a butcher¡¯s cabin out in the woods isn¡¯t really a place that screams ¡¯safety,¡¯ Gavin,¡± Cade remarked as he stepped over a pile of blood-soaked feathers.


    ¡°Trust me,¡± Gavin answered without looking at him. ¡°No one will find us here. Most of the locals think this clifftop is haunted.¡±


    ¡°This is clearly haunted,¡± Elena commented with a wrinkled nose.


    Cade took short breaths, careful not to let the foul stench of sun-dried meat and yellow bones, along with a ridiculous collection of feathers, sneak into his nostrils.


    Gavin had promised a spot where no one would find them.


    Check.


    In his mind, he replayed their frantic journey here to make sure he could remember how to get back if need be.


    Gavin had guided them back into the Twisted Oak, of all places, while the staff and patrons fled from Helga and that crazy winter elf lady. The two of them had duked it out with something that could hardly be called restraint.


    Through chilling mist and black smoke, Gavin had led them into the tavern¡¯s back entrance, through the kitchens, and to a charred black wall adjacent to the neglected ovens. Gavin had pressed a knot in the blackened wood, and in a stomach-churning blur, they¡¯d fallen into complete darkness.


    They¡¯d trudged through the winding shadows for what felt like hours before the tunnel ended at an old iron door. After a steep climb over dirt stairs for another few minutes, they made it to Gavin¡¯s hideout¡ªa cabin set atop a cliff overlooking Elysia, and absolutely doused in aged death for their enjoyment.


    Cade noted the scorched cauldron over a charcoal fire pit, and yet more feathers clumped beneath bushes and weeds. Bunny jumped off his shoulder and wandered around in the grass. The little dragonling¡¯s nose flared as he picked up all the woodland scents, and he made adorable little chuffing noises as he paused to inspect certain smells. He chuckled at the little cloudrift dragonling¡¯s antics.


    ¡°Did it come like this?¡± Nora asked under her breath. ¡°Or is this your doing?¡±


    ¡°Heh,¡± Gavin said with an awkward chuckle. ¡°I¡¯d rather not answer that one.¡±


    ¡°This is your doing, then,¡± Nora said with a huff. ¡°Good to know.¡±


    ¡°Gavin, dear.¡± Elena¡¯s words were honey-tipped venom. ¡°What in Decay¡¯s creepy gaze happened here?¡±


    ¡°I have to agree with Elena on this one, Gavin,¡± Cade said with a barely restrained grimace. ¡°Was there a chicken massacre here? Is that how you got this place on the cheap?¡±


    ¡°Something like that,¡± Gavin admitted. ¡°I did Greta a... favor a while ago, and got this place in return.¡±


    ¡°What was the favor?¡± Evie asked dreamily. ¡°Did you rescue her from villains, or save her daughter from a fire?¡±


    Cade coughed on his laughter when he saw the deep blush spread along the handsome man¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°... Something like that,¡± Gavin repeated as he rubbed the back of his neck.


    ¡°Despite the¡ªdecorations¡ªthis place seems secure.¡± Orro turned to Cade with arms folded over his muscular chest. ¡°No one will find us here. And there¡¯s a nearly impenetrable wall of thorns and ivy around this section of the cliff. The only way in and out is the entrance we came in.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then. We should be safe here for now.¡± Cade tapped his foot on the mushy ground, unwilling to check the source of its squishiness beneath his boot.


    The pair of them stood outside the cabin, reluctantly accepting their new base of operations. Cade¡¯s team spread out. Some kicked errant bones into the underbrush, while others gathered some firewood. The breeze picked up, and some loose feathers swirled about the clearing in a silent dance to the fowl who lost their lives here.


    Chicken massacre indeed.


    ¡°This is great, but we can¡¯t stay here,¡± Cade said, and everyone paused to look at him. He met their gazes evenly. ¡°Whoever that winter elf was, she was after me¡ªus, more likely. Given that she went toe to toe with Helga without breaking a sweat, and because this couldn¡¯t possibly be about the class Orro and I took together without paying for it, I can only assume it¡¯s about the... apricot.¡±


    ¡°This again?¡± Nora demanded.


    Cade might¡¯ve imagined it, but the shadows of the late afternoon seemed to condense slightly around her.


    ¡°You keeping us in the dark is getting really old, really fast,¡± Nora snapped. ¡°You¡¯re being hunted by Scorn¡¯s acolyte and a winter elf who looks like she could cleave a castle in two. The orc evidently knows what this apricot thing is, when you won¡¯t even tell your own team.¡± She gestured wildly between her, Evie, and Gavin. ¡°What else are you hiding from us, Stormhollow?¡±


    ¡°Watch your tone,¡± Orro replied and stepped between them, hand on his hilt.


    She chuckled darkly. ¡°As much as I¡¯d love a workout, Orro, I was talking to Cade.¡±


    At first, no one spoke. No one moved. Hells, barely anyone even breathed in the silence that followed. Even the winds somehow knew not to interfere with the tension that arose around them.


    ¡°I know what your daggers are, Orro,¡± she warned. ¡°I¡¯ve studied everything about you that I can glean. I know where those knives are from, and I know more about you than you realize. So, if you make another damned comment about apricots, I am going to split you open with my shiny new sword, is that clear?¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Cade cut in, standing in front of his seething friend. ¡°But secrets are currency, Nora. Mind explaining why a paladin has no armor or sword to her name? A paladin without a god to serve isn¡¯t exactly common.¡±


    She flinched, as though his words struck her like a blow to the face.


    ¡°What are you?¡± Cade demanded. ¡°I mean, what are you really? You don¡¯t seriously expect us to believe you¡¯re the first paladin in history to desert their god, do you?¡±


    Her grip on the greatsword¡¯s handle tightened dangerously. The leather beneath her strong fingers creaked under the pressure, but he refused to back down. They glared at each other, the tension worse than ever, but it was Nora who looked away first.


    ¡°Fair point,¡± she admitted begrudgingly.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Cade said. ¡°To earn a secret from us, you¡¯ve got to pay with a secret of your own. Now, I¡¯m fine with keeping these things to ourselves for now. You had your reasons for joining us. I didn¡¯t pry into your life, and you didn¡¯t ask anything about us.¡± He gestured to his original crew. ¡°We have a lot to do in this city before the tournament is over, alright? We¡¯re stuck in this bloodbath until the end, but that seems to be it with you. If you want to be friends, you¡¯re going to have to make that first step. We already made ours.¡±


    Nora was silent for a long, painful, moment.


    Evie looked between the paladin and Cade. The singer¡¯s doe eyes were wide and pleading, but she didn¡¯t say anything.


    Then, with a huff, Nora simply walked away.


    ¡°Keep your secrets, Stormhollow,¡± Nora said flatly.


    Cade¡¯s throat tightened at her tone, and he watched as Nora disappeared into the woods. Evie¡¯s rich green eyes watered, and then she rushed off to follow her friend.


    Cade let out a defeated sigh. He looked over those remaining, their dark expressions ranging from dismissive to downright enraged.


    Orro released his grip on his sword and shot Cade a sidelong glance. ¡°Should I go get them?¡±


    Cade shook his head. ¡°Give them space. They¡¯ll be back.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Rayka asked skeptically.


    No. No, he wasn¡¯t.


    Instead of answering, he cleared his throat and refocused their conversation on the task ahead. ¡°Now, I can¡¯t imagine Hugh is here, in the tournament, unless he also knows about the... ¡° Cade trailed off when he looked at Gavin. ¡°Is our contract still in play? You¡¯re willing to help us with the tournament as well as other projects?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Yes! Just tell me what you need and where.¡± Gavin answered a bit too quickly.


    Hmm.


    Time for a test, then. Technically, Gavin had already paid them a secret, since he¡¯d shown them this secluded safehouse, so Cade could take a calculated risk here and return the favor, so to speak.


    ¡°Alright, Gavin,¡± Cade answered, though his gaze lingered on the gentleman for a moment longer than necessary. ¡°We¡¯re here in the tournament to steal a Remnant.¡±


    He waited for the revelation to sink in, and sure enough, Gavin¡¯s face went from eager to shocked, and then outright horrified.


    ¡°You¡­ you mean... ¡° the telepath stammered.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Jer confirmed. ¡°The stuff the gods hoard for their private collections and hells know what else,¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t those things kill mortals on contact, though?¡± Gavin asked while he tugged anxiously on his ascot.


    ¡°The fates seem to be in a bit of a stalemate when it comes to the answer to that particular question,¡± Cade answered with a tight smile. ¡°Suffice it to say, we¡¯re pretty sure we can procure it without instantly dying.¡±


    ¡°Pretty sure?¡± Gavin demanded in an octave higher than just a moment before.


    ¡°We¡¯ve done it before,¡± Elena added as she played with the belt-blade affectionately.


    She met his gaze, her confidence calming the man. Cade raised a quick prayer to the god of deception for giving him a friend like her.


    ¡°We need to get into the arena¡¯s underbelly. Know a way?¡± Cade asked and placed a friendly hand on the gentleman¡¯s shoulder.


    He hesitated again, looking up into the sky.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said at last, but then met Cade¡¯s gaze. ¡°But I can¡¯t come with you.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Elena demanded. ¡°So you can go snitch to whatever thieving guild you came from about our prize? Is that it?¡±


    He raised his hands in a placating motion as Elena stepped forward, hand on the hilt of her whip blade. Jer cracked his knuckles to his right.


    Gavin¡¯s face went pale. ¡°What? Gods no! It¡¯s just... You¡¯ll have to go after dark, and I said I can¡¯t do any night jobs. No exceptions.¡±


    Orro raised one skeptical eyebrow.


    ¡°I really do know a way in there!¡± Gavin promised. ¡°I¡¯ll get you a map of the tunnel system that runs beneath the city. Just be sure to hide any bodies of other thieves you might run into down there. It¡¯s rare, but they do use those tunnels on occasion, and it¡¯s just accepted that you can get away with anything down there as long as you¡¯re not caught in the act.¡±


    Cade grimaced at the thought of killing anyone else, but he ultimately nodded. He ran a hand through his tousled blonde hair, suddenly feeling drained.


    ¡°Fine. Get us a map.¡± Cade turned to his friends. ¡°Crew? Be ready to go as soon as our friend¡¯s done.¡±


    They dispersed, but Cade set one hand on Gavin¡¯s shoulder. He leaned in, doing his best not to spook the clearly rattled man.


    ¡°As it¡¯s beginning to impact the safety of my team, I¡¯ll need to know more about your no-nights policy soon. Otherwise, we might have to renegotiate certain aspects of our contract. Is that understood?¡± Cade met those warm eyes with a flinty gaze of his own.


    Something dark and bitter passed over Gavin¡¯s face, but it was gone in an instant.


    ¡°Fine,¡± the telepath stated hoarsely. ¡°Now, let me get you that map.¡±


    To Cade¡¯s surprise, it didn¡¯t take Gavin very long to draw the map that would lead them through the labyrinth below the arena. Once everyone had been able to take a short break and enjoy the sunshine after their latest brush with death in Life¡¯s arena, Cade signaled for everyone to pack up.


    As they left, he glanced around Gavin¡¯s safehouse one last time. He somehow caught sight of more bloody chicken feathers every time he scanned the man¡¯s homestead, and he shook his head as he wondered what the hell Gavin O¡¯Rourke was up to.


    Time would tell.


    With the map securely tucked into his belt, Cade¡ªwithout Gavin, of course, but with his original team¡ªheaded towards the dark tunnel back to the Twisted Oak. Bunny would hop from shoulder to shoulder on occasion, bringing a tight smile to Cade¡¯s face. The little guy was doing his best to ease the unspoken thread of tension bubbling under the surface for everyone else.


    Gods, he was so lucky to have Bunny with him.


    No one spoke as they moved in a tight formation, eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of trouble. The weight of what they were about to face hung heavy in the air, and their collective anxiety thrummed through each of them.


    A flood of mischief washed through him as they defied detection. This was his element¡ªstealing his way through areas where he shouldn¡¯t be, heading for someplace he shouldn¡¯t go.


    Focused as Cade was on studying Gavin¡¯s map, their stealth mission blurred by. He noted each landmark in the city¡¯s secret passages. Sure, secret passages weren¡¯t one of Cade¡¯s favorite things, but at least this time he had a map to guide them out if something went wrong.


    No, when.


    Based on their luck lately, it was more about when something went wrong, not if.


    ¡°This is it,¡± Cade whispered as he pointed to an iron ladder set into the stony wall to their right.


    Everyone around him looked up.


    Above the slick metal rungs was a dilapidated wooden trapdoor with enough rot across its beams to let the light of a torch spill into the tunnel. Orro lifted his new orb and focused.


    ¡°How does that thing even work?¡± Jer asked as he petted Bunny underneath his chin.


    The dragonling purred softly from the affection, and Cade smiled at the sight. In all the tumult of the past few days, he had hardly been able to give his companion the time he deserved, and he silently promised to make up for it once this was all over.


    ¡°We¡¯re about to find out,¡± Orro replied bluntly.


    He raised the orb at the torchlight above. After several seconds where nothing occurred, a thin stream of orange light began to stream through the cracks of the trapdoor and toward the orb. The sphere ate it up hungrily and after a few moments, the light was completely gone, throwing them into darkness.


    ¡°Please never do that again,¡± Rayka requested with a tiny squeak.


    Orro chuckled somewhere in the darkness, and Cade grinned at their antics. Soon, the soft swish of cloth against stone could be heard and the young thief could barely make out Orro¡¯s form as he ascended the iron ladder.


    He followed right behind the assassin. Jer, Elena, and Rayka trailed in his wake while Bunny simply climbed the stone wall like it was just another road.


    ¡°Show-off,¡± Cade muttered playfully at his draconic friend.


    Orro rummaged with the trapdoor for a moment, and then they were up and out, the assassin hoisting them through the opening with a gloved hand. Cade dusted off his tunic and cloak while he listened for any noise above them. After nearly a full minute of stillness, Orro reactivated his orb, and light spilled back through the cellar.


    True to his word, Gavin¡¯s map had stated that this led into an unused cellar of a shop just one block from one of the arena¡¯s many service tunnels. Cobwebs and a thick plume of dust coated nearly every shelf and jar shoved haphazardly into this place. And set into the side of the cramped room, a short set of stairs and then an angled exit of boarded wood stretched up to the street above.


    Without preamble, Elena went over, pulled several long pins from her hair she kept just for this sort of thing, and had the door unlocked in seconds.


    Cade loved his team.


    Jer patted his sister on the shoulder, and Cade gave her a thumbs-up before he strode through the cellar door and into a shaded alley. The steady rumble of a crowd eager to find dinner echoed through the two buildings towering on either side of them, and Cade motioned for them to blend into the pedestrians. They fanned out into the street, each doing their best to not attract attention.


    Bunny hopped into Cade¡¯s hood and nestled in. He gave the dragonling a playful tap on the nose, then made his way to the service tunnel closest to them.


    Elena and Jer had beaten him there, with Rayka and Orro close behind. The red-haired lockpick easily opened the way for them yet again, grinning as she broke the law twice in as many minutes. Into the arena, they all sauntered in like they owned the place.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Cade whispered as the warm illumination of a nearby glowflake cast his team in its amber light. ¡°We know the Remnant is here. Be quick, and don¡¯t get caught.¡±


    ¡°Okay, mom,¡± Rayka moaned, and Orro choked on his laugh.


    Cade gave them both a dry look, but his sister only smiled wider at him.


    ¡°Just flash your contestant tattoos if any of the guards give you trouble,¡± Cade continued in a nullified tone. ¡°But we really don¡¯t want it known that we¡¯re snooping about after hours, is that understood? My guess is that the Remnant is either in that Lifekeeper vault they mentioned today, or some other well-secured spot.¡±


    He gave them all a no-nonsense glare, and Rayka put a hand over her mouth to stop from laughing at it.


    ¡°This is just for recon. No grabs-and-dashes today, okay?¡± He insisted.


    Cade gave Elena and Jer long looks.


    ¡°What?¡± They both demanded at the same time.


    He raised a single eyebrow, and they both wilted.


    ¡°Fiiiine,¡± they answered again in perfect unison, then gave each other a venomous stare.


    They all dispersed yet again, each taking a different tunnel. As there were over a dozen in their immediate vicinity, it wasn¡¯t hard.


    Cade instinctively chose the ninth from the right, taking the stairs downward two at a time as he flew through the long corridor. His breathing came heavier as he reached the bottom of the long staircase, and he looked back at the way he came with a curse.


    ¡°I am not looking forward to going back up those,¡± he admitted to Bunny before he continued onward.


    The hallway he was now in held richly decorated sconces at regular intervals along the twenty-foot wall. Long drag marks were etched into thick grooves along this stretch of the tunnel. He followed them, his curiosity piqued.


    His gut squirmed.


    For the second time that day, his core seemed to react to his surroundings. It was as if the very air was charged with energy that it yearned for. It was odd, and it unsettled him more than he cared to admit. Still, whatever the strange premonition meant for his sanity, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling he was getting close to¡ªsomething.


    Footsteps that weren¡¯t his own echoed through the long corridor from one of its many intersections. Cade¡¯s mind raced. He looked for any means of escape, and a lone door to his right had a thin crack that spilled light from it. He dashed for it, Bunny squeaking softly inside his cloak from the sudden motion. The footsteps grew louder, and he saw the face of the first person to turn the corner.


    Bazz.


    Cade cursed and reached the door, shoving himself inside right as the Lifekeeper started to look up from the strange scroll he held. The thief leaned against the back of the thick oak door, eyes clenched as he counted the footsteps approaching. There had to be at least four or five guards.


    They got closer.


    Cade held his breath, cold sweat dripping down his spine as he listened to the quiet conversation intermixed with the shuffle of shoes across stone. They stopped by his closed door, and he was certain then and there that he had been caught. Then he heard muffled noises, and the group moved on.


    He waited, unwilling to give up the ruse on the off chance they were baiting him to relax.


    Thus, it was an incredible shock when a tired old woman missing most of her teeth stabbed a wet mop at his face and demanded, ¡°Who in Life¡¯s rotund bosom are you?¡±


    Barely restrained power coiled around the mop¡¯s head, inches away from gouging Cade through his face.


    He¡¯d been caught.

 Chapter 40: Rigging Bets is Just Good Business

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Mop in his face, Cade swallowed hard.


    He raised his hands in surrender while the aged woman in a tattered and worn Lifekeeper uniform jabbed her moist spear in his direction. The cleaning instrument sloshed like a drunk jellyfish in the air in front of him, and it wasn¡¯t until he really digested what was happening that he dropped his arms.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that if I were you, ya lily-livered idjit of a boy!¡± The geriatric janitor warned.


    Cade resisted the urge to laugh at the sight of the short Lifekeeper hoisting her mop about like it was some lethal halberd.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, fair maiden, but I¡¯m not going to¡ª¡± Cade began with his most winning smile.


    He was excellent with the elderly.


    Cade was about to put on the charm when the mop moved. The butt of the wooden pole slammed into his stomach, and he doubled over. The wet tendrils of the mop¡¯s head slammed into his cheeks so quickly there was a faint afterimage of their trek through the air. He flew sideways against the jagged stones of the wall. Bunny, sensing the collision, clambered from his perch in Cade¡¯s hood and clung to the thief¡¯s other side.


    His vision blurred. Cleaning solution mixed with his sweat. He lifted his head just enough to see the short woman wind up and then sprint toward him.


    She moved so fast it was hard to see where she went as two of her shimmered forward in his foggy eyesight. The old woman lunged low and then flipped up and backward, catching her sturdy boot under his chin as she finished her twirl.


    His head cracked against the back of the wall. Bunny leapt out and growled at the janitor through his small, yet razor-sharp teeth.


    Her demeanor shifted immediately.


    ¡°Ah, would ya look at that?¡± She beamed with her toothless smile. ¡°I never thought in all my days that I¡¯d see another cloudrift dragon! How¡¯d ya get down here, ya cute little thing?¡±


    The woman kneeled down and held out her open palm toward Bunny. Cade moaned and slowly got to his feet, the world around him still a blur of revolving motion. It had all happened so fast. The shock was quickly replaced with anger, and his magic finally came to his call, albeit in a chaotic whirl he could barely control.


    A side door creaked open, and the cute face of a shy wood-elf girl peeked inside.


    ¡°Is everything alright, Lora?¡± The girl asked. ¡°I thought I heard a commotion.¡±


    Cade¡¯s vision slowly recentered, and he waved lazily at the newcomer. She blushed profusely and slipped into the room before she closed it again.


    ¡°What in Life¡¯s name are you doing here, champion?¡± she asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re the girl from the palanquin, right? I¡¯m Cade. It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± Cade said with a dazed smile.


    The wood elf sighed and rested her hands against each hip as she looked pointedly at the elderly janitor.


    ¡°Lora? Have you been assaulting guests again?¡± the elf demanded. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what got you booby-duty in the first place?¡±


    To Cade¡¯s absolute shock, the other Lifekeeper was genuinely chastised.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault they¡¯re always such weaklings, Meadow,¡± Lora muttered half-heartedly.


    ¡°Apologize. Now,¡± Meadow demanded, though the blush in her cheeks had barely abated.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry... champion,¡± Lora mumbled, and she studied the floor like it was the most interesting stretch of stone in the world.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite alright,¡± Cade replied as he rubbed the back of his head.


    It was definitely going to bruise. He was already spinning up the epic tale he would tell his crew about how he got these injuries. The truth was too absurd, even for him.


    He could picture it now: ¡°No, a jellyfish on a stick came out of nowhere, and an old lady backflipped and kicked me in the face. I swear! Rayka, stop acting it out!¡±


    Yeah, no.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Can we go back to booby-duty?¡± Cade requested with as much decorum as he could. ¡°What in the hells is that?¡±


    Leaning down, he scooped up Bunny, who went back and forth from glaring at Lora and nuzzling his snout into Cade¡¯s bruised cheeks. Lora¡¯s eyes darkened, and she stood up, the grip on her mop so tight Cade saw the treated wood bend under her might.


    ¡°Did you do that?¡± Lora asked with such blatant hatred Cade took a step backward.


    ¡°Do what?¡± he asked, and he hated how his voice cracked just a bit.


    ¡°The cloudrift¡¯s tail. Did you do... that?¡± She pointed at the uneven scar that abruptly ended halfway up Bunny¡¯s tail.


    The appendage¡¯s stub glimmered slightly in the rich blue light from this room¡¯s glowflakes.


    ¡°No,¡± Cade answered softly.


    His lip curled into a snarl at the memory.


    ¡°We discovered him after some trappers did¡ªthis.¡± Cade met Lora¡¯s steely gaze with one of his own. ¡°Trust me. They got what they deserved. It was slow.¡±


    Lora stood to her full height, which wasn¡¯t much, and nodded once.


    ¡°Alright,¡± the old warrior said with equal animosity to those trappers. ¡°Well, he seems to trust ya, and so I guess that¡¯ll have to do.¡±


    ¡°Plus I¡¯d have to inform the Order if you killed anyone else, Lora,¡± Meadow warned as she leaned forward.


    ¡°Right enough, dearie. Right enough.¡± She gave Cade a cheeky grin, all of the barely restrained bloodlust in her eyes vanished like it had never been there. ¡°And to answer your question, this is booby-duty.¡±


    The squat janitor gestured with her mop, and Cade finally took in the room in full. Row upon row of spikes, pendulum axes, steel pistons etched with dormant runes, and dozens of blowdart mechanisms lined the room for as far as he could see. He could see the faint outlines of even more exotic traps set onto shelves or leaned against thick wooden crates in the distance.


    This was a warehouse for death.


    ¡°Abyss below,¡± Cade whispered under his breath.


    He suddenly felt very, very, vulnerable.


    ¡°Oh, aye!¡± Lora answered cheerily. ¡°Ain¡¯t it a sight to behold?¡±


    She leaned against her mop with an adoring expression at the instruments of destruction.


    Cade¡¯s palms felt clammy. ¡°How¡ªhow do you not die down here?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s simple!¡± Meadow offered with a smile before she looked at Cade and blushed again.


    Eyes averted, she continued, ¡°We get special amulets that protect us within a ten-foot radius of the traps. All of the runes are disarmed while we clean them and dispose of the bodies or limbs. It¡¯s¡ªnot a task for people in good standing. I was in the warehouse on the other side doing the same thing when I heard your¡ªahhh¡ªdisagreement.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s TWO of them?¡± Cade demanded in outrage. ¡°Why in the world would the goddess of Life need so many creative ways to off people in her own damned arena?¡±


    Cade regretted the words the second they spilled out of him. The two Lifekeepers shared a complicated exchange involving shrugs and eyebrows, but it was Meadow who broke the awkward silence between them.


    ¡°Life is¡ªshe¡¯s not just someone who gives life, okay? She stewards the whole cycle of life, and that includes death. It¡¯s a vital part to the ultimate expansion of life in our world. Our souls push forward, but then become another stone in the pavement toward that greater future,¡± Meadow explained meekly. She licked her lips nervously.


    ¡°So, you want Life to just step all over you?¡± Cade couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    Meadow blushed and raised her hands defensively, but Lora cut her off.


    ¡°Lassie, you¡¯re doing a terrible job of this, ya are.¡± Lora stared intently at Cade, her gray eyes unblinking and filled with a dangerous zeal. ¡°Life isn¡¯t easy. It¡¯s brutal, efficient, and always changing. Our Lady embodies that. And so, to celebrate both her benevolence and willingness to cut down fruitless branches from her tree, we fight.¡±


    Lora straightened her spine with pride.


    ¡°We kill. We die. Life means more to us than our lives,¡± Lora finished with conviction.


    Cade was speechless.


    Or, rather, he knew when to quit.


    Shrugging, he gave them a warm smile. ¡°Alright, then. So... ¡°


    He leaned in conspiratorially, and Bunny chuffed on top of his shoulders.


    ¡°I have a bit of a business proposition for you two,¡± Cade whispered. ¡°All that gold that I won in the first challenge? It¡¯s yours. All I want is one of those charms. Deal?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Meadow answered nervously when he was done.


    She glanced over at the door as if expecting Bazz or some other authority to come and bust them. Lora placed a calloused hand on her shoulder and grinned.


    ¡°Oh, I think this¡¯ll make us a pretty penny,¡± Lora crooned wickedly.


    The old janitor looked down at the sandstone floor aglow with blueish light and then raised her hands to the ceiling.


    ¡°Oh, would you look at that!¡± Lora suddenly shouted far too loudly, and in a tone at odds with the devious intelligence he¡¯d witnessed just moments ago. ¡°I¡¯m such a forgetful old woman. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m forgetting such useful equipment everywhere. Now, where did I put that little thing? Huh, it must be gone forever.¡±


    Cade grinned and handed over a sizable bag that clinked metallically as it passed from his grasp to Lora¡¯s. Meadow bit at her lower lip, but said nothing.


    ¡°Pleasure doing business with you,¡± Cade said and made for the door.


    He paused, hand on the ornately carved oaken slab.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said to the two women.


    Meadow smiled shyly and waved at him with a small twist of her wrist. And just like that, he fled the way he came, certain this was going to help him in all sorts of ways.

 Chapter 41: Moonlighting as a Villain

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Back at the safehouse, Cade and his team sat around a crackling campfire. The cool night air was permeated with the scent of pine and the distant chirp of crickets. Exhausted, sore, and defeated, no one spoke for quite a while. Everyone simply stared into the flames, lost in thought.


    None of them, even after hours of searching, had found any trace of the Remnants beneath the arena. While that wasn¡¯t wholly unexpected, it still left a bitter taste in Cade¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll check the food,¡± Nora said.


    Her sudden voice snapped everyone from their dazes, and a few of them simply nodded. Cade tracked her movements as she pushed herself to her feet and headed for the cabin, where thin trails of smoke coiled from the chimney.


    With everyone else distracted, this was as good a time as any to clear the air between the two of them.


    Their telepath was gone before they¡¯d gotten back to the cabin, but it was clear that a certain someone had been busy while they were away.


    Cade stood and pretended to inspect Gavin¡¯s handiwork. Where before this place was a love song to putrid blood and sticky feathers, now it was nearly livable. He pushed the cabin door open and stepped inside, the comforting aroma of roasted meat and herbs doing much to soothe his nerves.


    The wooden floorboards creaked underneath his boots as he crossed the room. Near the fire, Nora was stirring a pot of stew, her back to him. The flickering light of the fire highlighted the tightness in her shoulders and the tension in her posture.


    ¡°Nora,¡± Cade began, his voice tentative. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    She didn¡¯t turn around, but her shoulders stiffened further at the sound of his voice. Outside, he could hear the chatter of conversation bubbling around the campfire as his team settled in for the night.


    ¡°What is there to talk about, Cade?¡± the paladin demanded in a steely voice.


    He took a step closer, the warmth of the fire barely cutting through the chill in the air.


    ¡°I want to apologize for earlier. I didn¡¯t mean for things to go that way,¡± he replied quietly.


    Nora spun around, her eyes blazing with anger. ¡°You ¡®didn¡¯t mean for things to go that way?¡¯ How can you justify it, Stormhollow? How could you possibly make that choice for me like that dwarf¡¯s life meant nothing?¡±


    After a brief spell of confusion, as he had no idea what she was talking about, Cade¡¯s chest tightened at the grief in her expression. He tried to set a comforting hand on her shoulder, but she took a step back, her eyes filled with pain and fury.


    ¡°I¡¯m realizing now that we might be talking about different things,¡± he answered with more caution than before. ¡°I meant keeping you and Evie in the dark about what we¡¯re doing here. Are you referring to the stair trial? Really? I did what I had to do to keep you safe. To keep all of us safe. That¡¯s my job.¡±


    Nora¡¯s fists clenched at her sides, and her knuckles turned white as she gripped the ladle as if it were a knife.


    She closed the distance, soup forgotten. ¡°You already forgot about him, haven¡¯t you? About all of them? I had to ask the Lifekeepers what his name was. Vorgo. The dwarf¡¯s name was Vorgo.¡±


    Cade took another step closer, his hand reaching out but stopping just short of her. ¡°Nora, you need to be honest with yourself. You were never going to make it out of there as long as that dwarf was alive, and you know it. I get that you care about other people, I really do, but this is a fight to the death. Sometimes, we¡¯re going to have to be ruthless.¡±


    She shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes, but she cleared her throat and lifted her chin before a single tear could fall. She sniffed, but the cauldron now had her full attention.


    ¡°Ruthless,¡± she repeated quietly, almost too softly to hear. ¡°That¡¯s how I lived for so long, Stormhollow. Obedient. Brutal. An extension of his will. His executioner. I don¡¯t want to live that way anymore.¡±


    Cade raised one eyebrow in surprise. As much as he wanted to ask who she was referring to, he was just grateful that she was starting to reveal parts of her life that he never thought he¡¯d hear. He remained quiet.


    She clearly needed to get some things off her chest.


    ¡°For so long, I saw every opponent as an enemy to be annihilated,¡± she continued softly, still not looking up at him. ¡°They were assassins, bandits, slavers, kidnappers¡ªthe worst scum the continent has to offer. Killing them was easier, but that dwarf didn¡¯t do anything wrong. He wasn¡¯t the enemy. I know nothing about him, and yet because we were connected, I felt like he and I were in it together, somehow. Both players in a sick and twisted game for a goddess who is clearly fucked up in the head, let¡¯s be honest.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cade admitted quietly. ¡°I¡¯m not going to argue on that one.¡±


    ¡°But for that dwarf to die because of me¡­¡± Her jaw tensed, and she didn¡¯t finish that thought.


    Cade felt his throat tighten with a surge of emotion, and his mind raced for something to say that could possibly make this better.


    ¡°I¡¯m still new to this whole ¡¯leading¡¯ thing,¡± he admitted. ¡°But I didn¡¯t forget about him. I had to make a choice for you, yes, and I didn¡¯t take your desires into account. I¡¯m sorry for that.¡±


    She studied him briefly before returning her attention to the cauldron.


    ¡°I did what I had to.¡± He crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the wall. ¡°In the moment, with the threat of imminent death, I did my best with the information I had. That¡¯s all any of us can do, Nora, even when we screw up. Our best.¡±


    Nora sighed, and her shoulders finally relaxed.


    ¡°I told you that I take care of my own,¡± he reminded her. ¡°I want you to trust me, and I know that¡¯s something I¡¯ll have to earn back. But just know that you¡¯re part of my team, and that means I¡¯m going to do everything in my power to keep you safe.¡±


    It was the greatest promise he could give anyone.


    ¡°I get it,¡± she said gently, though a surge of shadow rolled briefly across her features. ¡°I was a leader, once. I was on the frontlines of so many battles I¡¯ve lost count. I¡¯ve gone back for soldiers who betrayed me in the end.¡±


    Her eyes squeezed briefly shut, as though she were fighting off a painful memory.


    ¡°I had such a stick up my ass,¡± she muttered. ¡°The rules were so clear. So obvious. So comforting. Now, there¡¯s nothing to guide my way, and I¡¯m adrift. I¡¯m lost, Cade. Now, there¡¯s just survival.¡±


    ¡°Welcome to the real world,¡± he said before he could stop himself.


    Her eyes pinned him with a stare so intense that it left him breathless. ¡°That¡¯s what you call it? The real world? Come on, Cade. You didn¡¯t hesitate to kill that dwarf connected to me in the trial, and you certainly didn¡¯t feel any remorse. I could see that much on your face¡ªand I recognized that expression. That determination. It¡¯s how I used to think. It¡¯s who I used to be when I killed, and I don¡¯t want to live that way anymore.¡±


    He let the silence settle between them as her gaze shifted to the floor. Her eyes glossed over, probably lost in memory, and for a while, neither of them spoke.


    ¡°You already have your team, Cade.¡± she said softly. ¡°Your whole ¡¯apricot¡¯ nonsense proves that much. You just brought the rest of us on because you were desperate.¡±


    ¡°And you joined us because the stars told you to, whatever the hells that means,¡± Cade reminded her. ¡°What brought us together doesn¡¯t matter as much as the fact that we¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± she admitted.


    She handed him the ladle and, with one last lingering glance, left him alone in the cabin. The door creaked behind her as she walked out, and he sighed in frustration. He wanted to comfort her, to tell her that everything would be alright, but he knew that would be a lie.


    He could see the weight of guilt and grief bearing down on her, and he felt the same crushing burden settle on his own shoulders.


    Cade had just gotten so used to it¡ªto killing, to stealing, to surviving¡ªthat he¡¯d forgotten how heavy it all could be.


    A defense mechanism, perhaps, that allowed him to push through his own guilt. He didn¡¯t know. It was something he hadn¡¯t revisited in ages.


    Cade stood there for a moment, his mind blank and his heart heavy. He checked the cauldron and took it off the fire to cool before walking out of the cabin. The cold night air hit him like a slap, and he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He caught sight of Nora just as she slipped into the woods, and he opted to give her space.


    ¡°That went well,¡± Elena said sarcastically.


    He jumped, caught off guard, and caught her leaning against the wall just outside the door. With her arms across her chest, she rested the back of her head against the cabin and smirked.


    Usually, he would¡¯ve said something funny. Something disarming. Something to make her laugh as he led her back to the fire.


    But Nora¡¯s words haunted him.


    Without saying anything, he strode past his lifelong friend and stepped into the clearing. The grass was bathed in the silvery light of the full moon, the shadows of the trees stretching long and dark. He could hear the rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl, but the tranquility of the forest did nothing to calm the storm inside him.


    He needed to clear his head.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Without a word, Cade walked calmly into the forest, careful to give Nora¡¯s path a wide berth. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The scent of pine and earth filled his nostrils as he strolled angrily into the treeline.


    He walked until his feet ached and then walked some more. His mind replayed the argument with Nora, the hurt in her eyes, the bitterness in her voice.


    No matter what she said, he stood by what he¡¯d done. He saved her. His team meant more to him than anything, and he¡¯d sacrifice as many lives as it took to protect them.


    He stopped by a large oak tree and leaned against its rough bark. He closed his eyes, trying to shut out the memories, the pain. But it was no use. Nora¡¯s words echoed in his mind, each one a dagger to his heart. He slammed his fist against the rough bark, and the sharp pain that followed cleared his mind a little.


    The full moon loomed above, its pale light a silent witness to his turmoil. He looked up at it, feeling a strange connection to its cold, distant beauty. Cade knew he couldn¡¯t stay here forever, but for now, he needed this.


    He needed just one damned moment of solitude, this brief respite from the chaos and the guilt. He closed his eyes and felt the writhing mass of his core strain against his mental defenses.


    It wanted out.


    Hmm.


    Maybe it was time to see just what this devastating core of his could do.


    Cade stood alone in the moonlit clearing, the silver light casting eerie shadows across the forest floor. The full moon hung high above him, its cold glow offering a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the bracers of Velna, their bronze rings glinting menacingly in the pale light. The runes etched into them seemed to pulse with a life of their own, whispering promises of power and control.


    Taking a deep breath, Cade slipped the bracers onto his forearms. The metal tightened slightly, securing them in place. Instantly, he felt a shift within him. The chaotic, tumultuous magic that had been coursing through his veins began to solidify, transforming into something more malleable and controllable. The sensation was disconcerting, like suddenly becoming aware of a new limb.


    ¡°Alright, Cade, let¡¯s see what these bad boys can do,¡± he muttered to himself while a fresh bead of sweat lanced down his brow. ¡°Just don¡¯t blow yourself up.¡±


    He scoffed.


    Easier said than done.


    ¡°¡®Find an aspect of your dominion that is the easiest, and work from there,¡¯¡± Cade said under his breath, reciting what the physician had told him when he¡¯d woken up in the infirmary.


    He closed his eyes and focused, that awareness of his magic growing with every heartbeat. Like learning to clench one¡¯s fist for the very first time, he exerted his will onto his fluctuating core.


    Unlike the countless times he¡¯d tried this before, it responded.


    The bracers warmed on his skin. His core started to take shape, a glowing, pulsing entity within him. The more he focused on it, the more distinct it became¡ªand the less control he had over it.


    He could feel the magical pressure building inside, a growing intensity that bordered on pain. He clenched his fists, trying to guide the magic out, but nothing happened. The pressure continued to build, searing pain spreading through his body.


    ¡°Okay, this is fine. Totally fine,¡± he said through gritted teeth. ¡°Just a little magical heartburn.¡±


    Bright orange magma seemed to flow through his veins, visible beneath his skin. A surge of dread gripped him as he struggled to control the wild power. He focused, desperate to find a release. With a sudden, fierce determination, he guided the magic towards his hands.


    A wild burst of fire and wind erupted from his palms, coppery tendrils of energy snaking through the air. The explosion of magic illuminated the clearing, and Cade felt the pressure within him dissipate. He gasped, relief flooding through him as the pain subsided. But he could feel the magic already starting to refill his core, the sensation like a well slowly replenishing itself.


    ¡°At least I didn¡¯t explode,¡± he laughed, a little hysterically. ¡°That¡¯s a win, right?¡±


    At first, fear gripped him. Would he have to release this pressure regularly, or risk exploding? He watched as the magic traveled through his arms and shoulders, clogging like a river blocked by debris. Closing his eyes, he focused on shoving the magic throughout his entire body. The pathways began to shift, the magic flowing more freely. It spread through his torso, his legs, and finally, towards his head.


    ¡°Here goes nothing,¡± he muttered, feeling the magic inching closer to his brain. ¡°Please don¡¯t fry my mind.¡±


    A moment of terror seized him as the magic reached his skull. The realization that it might destroy him from within came too late to stop the process. As the magic surged into his mind, Cade¡¯s world exploded into blinding white agony. Molten lava seemed to pour directly into his head, searing every nerve ending and synapse.


    He collapsed to his knees, clutching his temples as waves of excruciating pain radiated outward. His bones vibrated violently, threatening to shatter. Each heartbeat sent fresh spasms of torment coursing through his body.


    Cade¡¯s mouth opened in a silent yell of pain, but his throat was too constricted to make a sound.


    Behind his eyes, kaleidoscopic visions flashed and swirled¡ªfragments of memories, glimpses of possible futures, arcane symbols burning themselves into his mind. His magical core, once a nebulous energy, crystallized inside him. Jagged shards of glass seemed to form in his chest, scraping against his insides with each labored breath.


    The air around him crackled with palpable energy, raising the hairs on his arms. Just when he thought he couldn¡¯t bear another second, the pain reached a crescendo. Cade¡¯s back arched as a final, cataclysmic surge of power rushed through him.


    And, with a flash of light, the pain faded.


    When he came to, he found himself lying on the ground. He sucked in breath after greedy breath, and his hair stuck to the thick lines of sweat along his face.


    In the absence of pain, fresh life flowed into his body, into his veins, into his very soul. It was like reality was reborn. He could hear with greater clarity, see with greater detail. It wasn¡¯t a huge shift, but there was a difference now. He closed his eyes and breathed in, enjoying the tang of pine on his tongue. When he exhaled, he could intrinsically feel a new connection forged between him and his core. Instead of feeling like he was manipulating something external, the magic now felt intrinsic to his very being. Relief and excitement swept through him, and a bright ripple of energy pulsed from his body, dissipating into the distance.


    Cade let out a shaky laugh, the newfound connection filling him with exhilaration. He practiced more, clumsily at first, but with growing confidence. He wasn¡¯t a martial artist, but he began to get a handle on the bursts of wind and fire. The coppery hue of his magic deepened, becoming richer and more potent.


    ¡°This is more like it,¡± he grinned, feeling the energy flow smoothly. ¡°This is going to change everything.¡±


    He lost track of time, the moon high above him as he practiced late into the night. Each burst of magic brought just an iota more control, more understanding. The clearing echoed with the sound of his efforts, the air crackling with energy.


    Then, as he prepared for another blast, he heard a rustle in the bushes behind him. He froze, his senses heightened by the magic still coursing through his veins.


    A low growl rumbled through the grove. It was as dark and low as the deepest shadows, and a cold shiver raced down his spine. The joviality he had been feeling evaporated in a heartbeat. He pulled his fists up close, the bracers gleaming in the night. The shadows seemed to close in, the once comforting moonlight now casting ominous shapes around him.


    Cade turned slowly, his heart pounding. The growl grew louder. He heard the faint scrape of claws against the soft soil of the forest. His breath caught in his throat as he shifted around, doing his utmost to remain silent. There, behind a thick cluster of bushes, a pair of glowing eyes watched him from the darkness.


    ¡°Oh great, just what I needed,¡± he whispered, his voice tinged with sarcasm. ¡°To be a midnight snack for some forest beast. Not the way I wanted to go.¡± He peered down at his fists, a slow grin forming over his lips. ¡°And not the way I will go.¡±


    He raised his hands. The pressure inside him built once more, the coppery tendrils of magic eager to be released. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever was to come.


    The creature stepped into the moonlight, its silhouette a blight against the moonlit sky. Its fur bristled, muscles rippling under its dark coat. Cade could feel the raw power emanating from it.


    ¡°Alright, buddy, let¡¯s dance,¡± he muttered, feeling the magic surge within him.


    He closed his eyes briefly, focusing on the magic within. The connection was there, stronger than ever. He could feel the energy pulsing through him, waiting for his command.


    He met the creature¡¯s gaze, determination burning in his chest.


    This was a test, a trial of his newfound power and control. He would not back down. With a final, steadying breath, he prepared to face the beast, the moonlight casting a resolute glow on his determined face.


    The beast lunged.


    Cade planted his feet, his hands raised, magic thrumming through his veins. The creature before him circled in the shadows, its growl low and menacing. Cade turned, trying to follow its rapid movements, catching glimpses of dark brown and black fur but nothing clearly. Seconds later, it darted back into the forest, but he could hear its low growl circling him in the darkness.


    ¡°Okay, you oversized pup, show yourself,¡± he muttered, his heart pounding. The beast rushed through the underbrush, rustling leaves, and snapping twigs. Cade¡¯s breath came in short, sharp gasps as he tried to anticipate its next move.


    Desperate, he decided to take a chance. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, focusing the magic in his core. Then, with a shout, he unleashed a blast of scalding wind, hoping to catch the creature by surprise. The wind howled through the clearing, whipping up dirt and stones.


    A yelp of pain confirmed his hit, but it only seemed to enrage the beast. It stepped from the shadows, and Cade caught the hint of ivory teeth stained with blood. The thief¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he realized what he was facing.


    A werewolf.


    It was easily approaching eight feet in height, and that scarcely included his hunched back. But there was something else that caught Cade¡¯s attention, something that made him tilt his head in confusion. Around the werewolf¡¯s neck was an ascot, a gaudy bright teal and pink pattern and yet incongruously elegant.


    ¡°Wait a storming second. Gavin?¡± Cade asked, lowering his hands slightly.


    The werewolf¡¯s eyes flashed with a hint of recognition.


    Before either could react further, a distant cluck of a chicken cut through the night. The werewolf¡¯s head snapped around, ears perked. With a final growl, it whirled and shot off into the forest.


    Cade stood there, dumbfounded. The realization that Gavin might be a werewolf was startling enough, but the sight of him rushing off after a chicken was almost too much to process. A slow chuckle rose in his throat, growing louder until it echoed through the empty clearing.


    ¡°Of course,¡± he muttered to himself, still chuckling. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t our team have a werewolf who chases chickens in the middle of the night? We weren¡¯t weird enough, were we?!¡±


    The tension of the encounter slowly ebbed away, replaced by a strange sense of camaraderie. Dysfunctional didn¡¯t even begin to cover it. With a shake of his head, Cade turned and began the slow walk back to the cabin, the events of the night playing over in his mind.


    As he approached the homestead, the warm light spilling from the windows beckoned him. The laughter of his teammates despite the late hour, the smell of stew, and the soft murmur of conversation filled the air. He paused, his gaze descending on the glowing city below their cliff. For a second, he felt a presence focus on him. But then the feeling was gone, and he stepped inside.


    ¡°Hey, there he is! How was your sulk?¡± Jer asked Cade around a mouthful of chicken.


    The handsome redhead held the drumstick like a mace and gestured at Cade with faux mockery. The team turned in their seats beside the hearth to take him in, sweat and leaves coating his clothes. A pang of regret briefly coursed through him when he noticed that the paladin was absent, though her strange companion sipped on a bowl of stew on the sofa. Evie¡¯s sea-green eyes narrowed slightly on him, a glint of understanding dawning on her face before she returned her attention to her bowl and blew on it softly. Cade approached the hearth smoothly, his gait steady while he cracked his knuckles.


    ¡°Punch any trees, or did you just sit on a log and think for a long while?¡± Elena inquired behind a mug of what smelled like cheap ale.


    ¡°Oh, you know, the usual,¡± Cade started, shrugging easily. He stood in front of the fire as if to warm his hands, his back to his friends. ¡°What do you guys think? Does this need a little stoking?¡± He asked, pointing to the hearth.


    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s plenty warm right now. Just give it a second to¡ª¡± Rayka began, but a burst of wind tinged with copper and the orange of fire shut her up. Embers flew everywhere, but most escaped high into the bricked chimney. The room fell silent, while Cade gazed at each of them, his shiteating grin the widest it had ever been.


    ¡°So, I did a thing,¡± he said coolly.


    ¡°Hell freaking yeah!¡± Jer screamed, and the silence was shattered as they all clambered over one another with questions, their dinners forgotten as Cade smiled at his team.


    His family.


    <hr>

 Chapter 42: Come Forth, Dear Bloodshed

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    In the darkness of her prison, Destruction waited¡ªnot for the eons to pass, this time, but for the second surge of Remnant magic she knew would come.


    She still knelt in the heart of the stone chamber, wrapped tightly in chains forged from the darkest magic. Shrouded in near impenetrable shadows, the room resonated with her pent-up fury. The jagged edges of the thorns encircling her thrummed with a malevolent energy, casting eerie, flickering lights upon her bound form. The shackles bit into her flesh, sharp as regret and cold as the loneliness of the passing centuries. And yet, Destruction remained motionless, her eyes closed, conserving her strength for the moment she had so patiently awaited these last five thousand years.


    A chilling silence weighed upon the chamber, broken only by the subtle creaks of her chains as they adjusted to her faint shifts. The air was thick with the scent of burnt sacrifices, lingering like a ghastly memory. Her vivid, fiery red hair cascaded in wild tendrils, mingling with the flames that occasionally erupted from her body, only to be suppressed by the runes of her imprisonment. She was the most terrifying entity within this cold, unforgiving place, an embodiment of pure, unrelenting power.


    And she knew it.


    Time dragged on, each moment a searing eternity, but her resolve did not waver.


    At any moment, the surge would hit her.


    Any second, now, she would snare her prey.


    Thus, she waited.


    And waited.


    And waited, still as ever, for what she knew was rightfully hers.


    When the moment finally came, it hit her like a whisper of freedom. It resonated within her very soul like a tremor in the depths of her being, a current of crackling magic that rippled through time itself. Heat brewed within her, her veins aglow with molten fury, and her breath hitched with the intoxicating rush of her own volatile magic.


    And oh, how it awoke her.


    With a sudden, fierce intensity, Destruction¡¯s eyes snapped open. They burned brighter than the core of a blazing sun, twin orbs of molten gold seething with an ancient, unbridled rage. Her eyes narrowed, adjusting to the dim light, but she saw everything. Every crack in the walls, every shifting shadow. Her power surged in response to the magical influx. The very cave quivered as the heat from her body scorched the air.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    It was too much, and she couldn¡¯t hold still any longer. She tugged against her bindings, and they ripped fresh gashes in her skin with each subtle movement. She stifled a guttural yell as the pain from the chains mingled with the ecstasy of her awakening strength.


    The walls themselves recoiled as she drank in the rush of her own magic, accepting the gift of its power. She could feel the jolts of magic spreading through her body, weaving through her form, reigniting every dormant flame.


    Empowered by the rush of energy, she pushed harder against her restraints. Magic surged through her veins, defying the enchanted vines that held her in place, and each pulse of her wicked heart ignited the long-dead embers of her inner strength. At first, the chains held. They wrapped around her, painfully persistent and holding fast, until¡ªyes, there it was.


    They gave.


    It was only a fraction, barely an inch, but the victory was more symbolic than anything else. Her fingers curled and stretched as she savored her small win, and this time, the restraints did not tighten. Though they held her in place, she could finally breathe easily, and the pain began to subside.


    Her sister¡¯s magic was finally¡ªfinally¡ªfading.


    The distant Remnant pulsed again, buzzing with life, a steady heartbeat in the suffocating gloom. Normally, the energy came in sporadic bursts, but this time was different. This time, the magic sang to her. Somewhere beyond her prison walls, this mortal had succeeded in establishing their core.


    She sneered.


    Excellent.


    Now, to reward this newest Child of Ruin.


    The trapped goddess closed her eyes and focused her full energy on her own core. The magic within her coiled and writhed, humming through her body like a song as she connected with her Remnant.


    Across the expanse, she met its call, and Destruction returned a song of her own.


    She unleashed a steady pulse of energy. Though this constant heartbeat would slowly drain her power, it was a command that beckoned the Remnant toward her. Her champion, whether knowingly or not, would feel the subtle pull, and that compulsion would lead right to her prison. Compelled by her magic and mastery over their core, her champion would come, drawn by the very magic that now thrummed through their blood. They would set her free, and the world would remember the true meaning of fear.


    The shadows around her shrank away from her body, retreating from the sheer force of her will. Destruction¡¯s eyes gleamed in the darkness like burning embers in the void. Each pulse of her servant¡¯s magic brought her closer to breaking free.


    For now, she waited, a frightful figure in the heart of a dying darkness, already salivating over the chaos that would ensue. Her time was near, and nothing¡ªneither shadow nor thorn¡ªcould keep her from her purpose.


    The world that had discarded her would soon remember her name.


    Her newest servant would come to her, beckoned by her irresistible pull, and the mortal who carried her magic would set her free¡ªwhether they wanted to or not.

 Chapter 43: It’s Not Cheating if It Looks Cool

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    ¡°Remember the plan, everyone?¡± Cade asked as he and his team took the ramp up into the arena. The thief absently rubbed his sweaty palms against his tunic, the increasingly familiar weight of his bracers a warm comfort as he took the stairs two at a time. He turned over his shoulder and peered down at this crew, each of them somewhere between excited and beleaguered. He couldn¡¯t blame them. The crowd above was thunder incarnate, but the previous evening could¡¯ve been graciously classified as sleepless.


    The night had long since bled into the morning before all of their questions about his new magic had ceased. It honestly wasn¡¯t until Nora returned, obsidian sword strapped to her back and a stormcloud of her own looming behind her eyes that killed their enthusiasm. He shuddered. The raven-haired paladin still appeared like a vengeful spirit as she walked at the back of their group. Even cheerful Evie was giving her more space than usual as she flitted up the ramp with a skip in her step and a tune on her lips.


    ¡°The plan? That¡¯s what you want to call it? You literally just told us to run interference while you prowl about the underbelly of this accursed place. How is that a plan?¡± Elena grumbled loudly. ¡°And that¡¯s not even to mention the bloody trial we¡¯re about to take. What¡¯s your plan for that? Wait, don¡¯t tell me... ¡°


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Cade and Elena said in unison, though the thief was far more cheery about it. Despite their annoyance at his vague reassurances, he did have a plan. Light coursed through the tunnel as the ramp ended, and they entered the arena proper. The sandstone glimmered like polished marble beneath his leather boots, and he smiled at the gathered tens of thousands.


    ¡°Trust me, my friends. Just stick close to me. Gavin? You gave Greta our money, right?¡± Cade asked lightly. The handsome telepath had barely met his gaze the whole morning, which only confirmed Cade¡¯s suspicions. He knew they would need to discuss what Cade saw the night before, but he also knew that the timing would have to be perfect. He couldn¡¯t afford to scare off their only communications expert.


    ¡°That¡¯s another thing!¡± Elena yelled over the din of the crowd. ¡°You took all our money, and gave it to that old half-eared mutt of a barkeep!¡±


    ¡°Language,¡± Orro and Jer chided at once, and Elena lifted her fingers in a rude gesture.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Cade repeated, and he quickened his pace when Elena started to roll up her sleeves, hot fury plain to see in her gaze. Her temper cooled into something far more menacing when the three other teams took to the field as well, all freshly decked out in new gear of their own.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to gut that traitorous bastard,¡± Elena promised as she took in Hugh¡¯s team farthest from them. The elves glided over the sandstone edged with flowers and ivy, while the dwarves and draugrs shuffled into position to their left and right. ¡°Him and his crew. Especially that big brute, Jug!¡±


    ¡°MY CHILDREN,¡± Life declared in her succulent voice. Cade¡¯s eye twitched, and his pulse quickened at the sound of her. It grated against his mind like a cheap whetstone. There was nothing beautiful about it anymore. It was like the veil was lifted from his eyes, and he saw the goddess for who and what she really was: A tyrant, who smelled of flowers.


    ¡°IT IS TIME FOR YOUR NEXT LESSON. PRESTIGE AWAITS YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS GLORIOUS MOMENT. EACH CONTESTANT TO SUCCEED IN LEARNING WHAT I HAVE TO TEACH WILL BE GRANTED THEIR OWN ACCOUNT AT THE PENNYWEATHER BANKS.¡±


    The goddess lifted her hands and drank in the riotous applause this declaration caused. Cade found it strange for the deity to pronounce the reward before the trial, but he couldn¡¯t say he minded. His mouth watered at the thought. His education, as well as his time under Hugh¡¯s wing, taught him the unspoken truth about the Pennyweather Banks. Gold was the cheapest thing they stored in their legendary vaults. And soon, he would have his own access to those same treasure troves. His mind whirred with a dozen schemes before his breath could catch up to him. When he looked around at his crew, all but Nora and Evie appeared downright ecstatic at this change of pace.


    He smiled at all of them. If everything went as planned today, they would all have a hefty sum to serve as their down payment into those new accounts.


    ¡°LET THE GAMES BEGIN!¡±


    At Life¡¯s proclamation, the world blurred around Cade and his team. Unlike the previous two trials, however, he felt no loss of his senses. Instead, he watched as great walls of ivy and stone rose up all around them, the distinct interlocking pattern of a maze rising up from the floor. His team gasped, but he was ready. It made sense, given what he had deduced from the nature of these challenges. If he was right, they were about to make a ton of money.


    ¡°Stay close to me, okay?¡± Cade requested of his team while the walls locked into place thirty or so feet above them. The glint of blackthorns caught the morning sun near the top of each of the walls, removing Cade¡¯s first and most obvious plan to climb them. The shouts and cries of the crowd dimmed a bit, but was still very much present. He soaked it in, neatly sinking his hands into his pockets. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Cade walked into the maze.


    His team followed tightly on his heels, weapons drawn while he sauntered through the maze. Immediately, vines snapped out to either side of them, but when Cade neared, they settled back down into their nearly invisible cubby holes. Elena cursed at the sight, but they continued onward, Cade at the lead.


    They turned a few more corners, and a series of darts shot out from the sky, only to have their enchantments and momentum fall just short of their leather boots, as if a bubble surrounded them. The disbelief of his crew grew with each passing minute they delved deeper into this labyrinth of walls and traps.


    ¡°Cade, be careful!¡± Rayka hissed to his left.


    He shrugged, strolling through the maze without a care in the world. Ahead of them, a set of axes swung on pendulums, their edges glowing white hot like the center of a forge. Behind them, the floor they had just passed caved away into a pit of spikes. Still, Cade did not bother himself with concern.


    He strode toward the dozens of blades, hands still in his pockets. His best friend blurred in front of him, dark cloak billowing in his wake. Cold eyes greeted his own from under the assassin¡¯s deep cowl.


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Orro demanded as he placed a half-gloved palm on Cade¡¯s chest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to, Cade, but this is insane, even for you,¡± Jer added cautiously, and Cade noticed the tension carved into the acrobat¡¯s jaw. His muscles feathered in his cheeks while he waited for Cade¡¯s response. He saw the same hesitation mirrored in the expressions of his crew. He knew that wariness. It was time for him to prove his worth to his team.


    ¡°My friends,¡± Cade said, and he held his hands out to either side. ¡°Trust me.¡± And before Orro or any of the others could stop him, he jumped straight toward the axes.


    They stopped midair. Cade rolled out of his dive and stood in the center of the sizzling collection of pendulums, untouched and unharmed. His chest warmed slightly, but he paid that no mind. Though it might¡¯ve been his imagination, the crowd seemed to gasp in shock, though a single cackle arose from somewhere near the base of the arena.


    Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°What in Destiny¡¯s name is going on?¡± Nora blanched, her face unusually pale.


    ¡°How in the four blazing rings of hells did you manage that? Does your core stop time or something?¡± Elena demanded, hands on hips while her red hair popped out of its braid. Cade met their confusion with a wide smile. He tapped his chest and then placed a hand in his pocket. Then, using his focal stone, he answered, though his grin never faded.


    ¡°I made a deal with one of the Lifekeeper janitors. I have a null field of exactly ten feet in diameter that immediately stops any and all traps within that sphere. They use them for maintenance. I figured we could use it for something a little more... lucrative.¡± Cade gave himself a few moments to bask in their various reactions. Disbelief, amusement, and a bit of ire seized each of them.


    ¡°You sly worm, you,¡± Rayka sent, poking him in the side.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you held onto this! Well done, boss!¡± Jer added with a cheeky grin and a hearty slap to Cade¡¯s back.


    Boss.


    The term had flowed so effortlessly off Jer¡¯s tongue that he didn¡¯t seem to notice what he¡¯d said. Cade, meanwhile, beamed at the honorary title.


    That was, at least, until he remembered his conversation with Nora the other night.


    The paladin cleared her throat, the dark blade strapped to her back cutting a sinister image. ¡°So. You cheated.¡±


    And just like that, the levity dissolved. Cade rubbed the back of his neck, frustration rising to the surface.


    ¡°No, Nora,¡± he said through the shared connection. ¡°I explored unorthodox options. There are no rules to these trials. I found a way to keep us safe¡ªto help us win¡ªand I took it.¡±


    She huffed indignantly and looked away. ¡°It¡¯s not exactly noble.¡±


    ¡°Noble?¡± Jer said with an air of confusion. He glanced at Elena. ¡°Has she been paying attention to anything we¡¯ve said or done?¡±


    ¡°Evidently not,¡± Elena answered.


    ¡°Cute,¡± Nora replied dryly. ¡°Really cute, but you know what I meant.¡±


    A surge of irritation hit Cade in the chest, and he briefly lost control of his magic. Wind and fire pushed at his palms, aching to be freed, and the air above his skin began to simmer with heat.


    He knew he needed to focus.


    He knew this was literally life and death, but the magic in his bones wouldn¡¯t calm down.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t about playing fair,¡± he said flatly, foregoing the focal stone to actually speak, and his voice carried a hard edge to it that he¡¯d never heard before. ¡°This is about survival. Nobility doesn¡¯t matter when our lives are on the line.¡±


    All eyes focused on him. Though almost everyone else paled and took a few steps away from him in surprise, Nora and Orro didn¡¯t flinch. Nora¡¯s eyes narrowed, and their gazes locked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she said sarcastically, her voice cold as ice.


    But she left so much more unspoken in that glare of hers. The anger. The tension. The grief, and the guilt, and the doubt.


    She was tormented by more than just the dwarf¡¯s murder. He could see it in the way she carried herself, and her confession yesterday only cemented it.


    But she needed to focus.


    ¡°We will talk about this later,¡± he said firmly. He paused to look each of his teammates in the eye to drive the point home, and no one argued. ¡°Right now, staying close to me is your best bet at survival. If you want to chance the traps the noble way, feel free to do so.¡±


    At his final words, his intense glare shifted back to Nora.


    After a brief spell of silence, she sighed in surrender, evidently not wanting to waste any more time.


    His point was made.


    Good.


    As Cade¡¯s words hung in the air, a sudden chill ran down his spine. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and an inexplicable sense of foreboding washed over him. He glanced at Nora, noticing her body tense, and her hand instinctively move towards her weapon. Their eyes met, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.


    Cade¡¯s gaze darted around the trap-laden corridor, searching for the source of this unseen threat. The axes continued their suspended dance, casting eerie shadows on the walls. For a moment, all seemed still.


    Then, a long, dark shadow stretched across the ground from around a nearby corner. The team collectively held their breath as footsteps echoed off the walls.


    Hugh.


    Their former boss sauntered into view, his face twisted in a mocking smirk. He began to clap slowly, the sound reverberating through the maze.


    ¡°Well, well, well,¡± Hugh drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Isn¡¯t this just adorable? Little Cade, playing at being a leader.¡±


    Cade¡¯s jaw clenched, his earlier frustration with Nora instantly redirected toward the one man he hated more than anyone else on the continent.


    ¡°Hugh,¡± he spat. ¡°Come to inspect the competition?¡±


    Hugh chuckled, a mirthless sound. ¡°Competition? Is that what you call this ragtag bunch of misfits?¡± His eyes roved over Cade¡¯s companions, lingering on Nora with a hint of recognition. ¡°You¡¯re in over your head, boy. Always have been.¡±


    ¡°Better to be in over my head than to have no heart at all,¡± Cade retorted, his hands curling into fists at his sides.


    ¡°You¡¯re still the same arrogant brat, aren¡¯t you, Cade?¡± Hugh sneered, taking a step closer. ¡°Thinking you can outsmart the system with your little tricks.¡±


    Cade¡¯s eyes narrowed, his voice low and controlled. ¡°And you¡¯re still a pompous blowhard who mistakes cruelty for strength. Some things never change.¡±


    ¡°At least I know how to command respect,¡± Hugh shot back, his lips curling into a cruel smile. ¡°Your ¡¯team¡¯ looks ready to bolt at the first sign of real danger.¡±


    ¡°Respect?¡± Cade scoffed, his hands clenching at his sides. ¡°Fear isn¡¯t respect, Hugh. It¡¯s just a poor substitute for actual leadership.¡±


    Hugh¡¯s eyes flashed dangerously. ¡°Bold words from someone who can¡¯t even keep his own crew in line. I saw your little spat earlier. Trouble in paradise?¡±


    Cade felt his team tensing behind him. He could almost feel Nora¡¯s glare burning into his back. ¡°My team trusts me enough to voice their opinions. Can you say the same about your sycophants?¡±


    ¡°Trust?¡± Hugh laughed, the sound echoing off the maze walls. ¡°Trust gets you killed in this game, boy. Obedience is what keeps you alive.¡±


    Elena leaned towards Jer and lowered her voice to a whisper. ¡°This isn¡¯t going to end well, is it?¡±


    Jer shook his head slightly, his eyes never leaving their former boss. ¡°Not a chance. Be ready for anything.¡±


    Orro¡¯s hand drifted to a hidden blade, his voice barely audible. ¡°On your signal, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, the fearless Orro,¡± Hugh said with a mocking smile. ¡°Obedient as ever.¡±


    The assassin¡¯s grip tightened on his hilt, and the creak of skin on leather filled tense air.


    ¡°You always called me your mentor,¡± Hugh said with a mock bow. ¡°So, I think it¡¯s time for a little lesson.¡±


    With a snap of his fingers, the atmosphere in the maze shifted dramatically. From various offshoots in the labyrinth, seven figures converged on Cade¡¯s team. They moved with fluid grace, taking up positions around Cade¡¯s team with practiced precision.


    Including that asshat, Fenwick.


    Ugh.


    Cade¡¯s heart sank as he realized they were completely surrounded. These weren¡¯t just fighters Hugh had found on the street¡ªthey were seasoned killers, their eyes glinting with the promise of violence.


    Hugh¡¯s smile widened. He stepped forward, his presence somehow filling the narrow corridor.


    ¡°Now then,¡± Hugh said, his voice carrying a weight of authority that Cade couldn¡¯t help but envy. ¡°Let me show you what a real leader looks like.¡±

 Chapter 44: The First Rule

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    At any moment, Hugh would attack. Cade could feel it in his bones¡ªand he was ready for it.


    Hugh¡¯s eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger as he took a step closer.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve always admired your resourcefulness, kid,¡± he said, his voice dripping with false praise. ¡°That little trick of yours with the traps? Impressive. Hand that little charm over, and maybe I¡¯ll let your friends walk away in one piece. I¡¯m going to kill you, of course, but at least they¡¯ll live.¡±


    Despite the dire situation, Cade couldn¡¯t help but flash a cocky smirk at Nora. Her earlier objections to his methods now seemed particularly ill-timed.


    Nora caught his glance and let out an exasperated groan, rolling her eyes skyward as if asking for divine patience.


    ¡°Sorry, Hugh,¡± Cade replied, his tone light but his body tense. ¡°Finders keepers. You¡¯ll have to get creative for once in your life.¡±


    Hugh¡¯s face darkened, all pretense of civility vanishing. ¡°Have it your way, boy. You always did prefer to learn things the hard way.¡± He raised his hand, poised to give the signal. ¡°Last chance, Cade. The charm, or your team¡¯s blood on your hands.¡±


    Cade¡¯s mind raced, acutely aware of the deadly fighters surrounding them and the maze of lethal traps just beyond his protective field.


    He met Hugh¡¯s gaze unflinchingly. ¡°You never should¡¯ve betrayed us, Hugh. I¡¯m going to prove that to you myself.¡±


    ¡°Idiot.¡± His former mentor smirked coldly and snapped his fingers at Fenwick. ¡°Kill them all.¡±


    ¡°Gladly,¡± Fenwick said with a vile sneer.


    Chaos erupted in the narrow corridor. Cade¡¯s team exploded into action, scattering in different directions as Hugh¡¯s killers lunged forward. The sound of clashing steel and grunts of exertion filled the air.


    ¡°Stay close!¡± Cade shouted, his heart pounding as he tried to keep track of his teammates. He ducked under a swinging blade, acutely aware that stepping too far in any direction could activate the suspended traps around them.


    Orro engaged two of Hugh¡¯s men, his daggers a blur as he parried and struck with lethal precision. Elena punched someone hard in the face, and the man went down like a sack of bricks. She chuckled darkly to herself and ducked a blow from someone else. Jer¡¯s acrobatic skills came in handy as he flipped and twisted, avoiding blows while delivering his own. Nora shielded Evie behind her, sword raised as she evidently tried to choose between protecting the siren and joining the fray.


    Cade¡¯s stress mounted as he realized the precariousness of their situation. His null field was their only defense against the maze¡¯s traps, but it was useless if his team scattered too far. He weaved through the melee, trying to position himself where he could cover the most ground.


    Hugh watched from the edge of the fray, a cruel smile playing on his lips. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Cade? Finding it hard to be everywhere at once? That¡¯s leadership for you¡ªalways pulled in too many directions.¡±


    Gritting his teeth, Cade knew he had to find a way to turn the tables, and fast. The charm that had seemed like such an advantage mere moments ago now felt like a double-edged sword, limiting their mobility in the face of overwhelming odds.


    As sweat beaded on his brow, Cade¡¯s mind raced for a solution. They couldn¡¯t keep this up forever, and Hugh knew it. Something had to give, and soon.


    Jer and Elena shifted farther away, backed into a corner by a few of the burliest thugs. As Cade shifted his position, the farthest of the axes resumed their vicious swings. Above them, the blackthorns and ivy danced in the wind that swept through the long corridors of the maze. The shouts of the crowd were still present, yet they felt a world away now.


    Cade locked eyes with his foes, and he channeled his distress into his rage.


    Into his magic.


    With a yell of fury, he jumped toward the closest warrior, a stocky half-elf with tightly cropped hair and a wild beard. At the same time, his foe¡¯s doppelganger of a sibling raked his glowing gauntlets against Orro¡¯s orange sword, and the two items burst with magical sparks. Cade¡¯s target turned, brass knuckles raised and a wicked grin twisting his face. Cade pumped his fist forward, shooting a blast of scalding wind directly into the man¡¯s skull.


    To his shock, the warrior ducked the blow and executed a fierce uppercut in the same motion, a pillar of sandstone rocketing up to shield the man from Cade¡¯s magic. That was fine. Cade had practiced for quite some time in the forest the previous night. Amongst other things, he quickly figured out one neat trick about his arcane projectiles.


    They could curve.


    He punched forward again, this time with his left fist. A condensed ball of air-distorting wind burst out of his hand and twisted around the conjured rock. He heard a sharp scream of pain and moved on to another target.


    The dark elf he knew as Selena traded watery blows with Jer, who dodged and ducked with incredible grace. Wanting to return the same favor she had shown him last time they met, Cade sent a blast of magic at her without warning. This time, he focused on his flames, using the winds to guide and propel the fire toward his target. His aim was a little off, but that turned out to be divine providence, as his projectile struck the ivy behind Selena, which immediately caught fire.


    She whirled towards the sudden burst of heat at her back, allowing Jer to sneak through her wall of glittering daggers and kick her directly in the jaw.


    Cade couldn¡¯t rest as a rapier sliced into his forearm. He jumped back, clutching at his right arm.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve picked up some new tricks, rat.¡± Fenwick¡¯s caramelly voice was as grating on Cade¡¯s nerves as ever.


    To his right, Cade briefly saw Nora enter the fray, black sword a blur as she took on the massive orc with ease. Elena yelled something about dibs, but he wouldn¡¯t let himself get distracted for a second time. ¡°What? Too stunned by our might? I don¡¯t mind waiting while you watch your pitiful team get torn to shreds. Go on. Enjoy the show.¡±


    Fenwick¡¯s weapon slashed again, but Cade was ready. He ducked and rolled, careful not to stand up in the path of one of the frozen axes.


    ¡°Come back here, you scurrying little coward!¡± Fenwick screamed.


    Cade dodged and ducked through the next few blows, trying in vain to focus on his magic long enough to send off another projectile.


    ¡°Looks like this is all you¡¯re good for when it counts, Stormhollow! You run while others fight for you! No wonder Hugh didn¡¯t want you watching his back.¡±


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Shut. Up!¡± Cade seethed, and finally got off a pair of fiery projectiles. They flew past Fenwick with room to spare, and the aristocrat smiled devilishly.


    ¡°You really are such a disappointment. Maybe I¡¯ll let you live, just so that I can see that gorgeous look of despair in your eyes whenever I please. Your tongue will have to go, as well as your manhood, though.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you feeling threatened?¡± Cade shot back as he pushed both open palms forward and let loose another quick barrage of fiery arcs. Fenwick slashed through one and let the others pass him by, his fencing stance immaculate and uninterrupted.


    Behind them, the other members of their teams shook the floor with their skirmish. Even through whatever magic dampened the noise, the crowd was nearing a deafening level now. It was as if they could smell the blood about to enter the water.


    Good.


    They were right.


    Cade took in the smoke gathering from the opposite side of the long hallway, the wall of ivy a scorched ruin as more and more of the vines burst into flames. Strangely, they did not wither but only lanced forward while blazing. Whatever spell that animated them was more than enough to compensate for Cade¡¯s copper-level flames. That didn¡¯t matter though. They were doing exactly what they were supposed to.


    The idea solidified in his mind, and he really hoped this was going to work. Otherwise, he was in for a world of pain.


    ¡°Here goes nothing,¡± he muttered under his breath, too quietly for his opponent to hear.


    Fenwick danced in, his lunge rewarded by a sharp sting to the thief¡¯s left shoulder. Blood soaked into Cade¡¯s tunic, and he fell backward, his hand shooting into his pocket to clutch the focal stone.


    ¡°Everyone, sprint to my position when I give the signal!¡± Cade sent quickly.


    When he caught their various verbal and nonverbal replies, it was time to do what he did best.


    Con the conman.


    Cade winced, playing up his wound as best he could. He grimaced and crawled backward, cradling the barely bleeding injury as if it had nearly cleaved him in two.


    All he needed to do was prey on Fenwick¡¯s arrogance, which was about the easiest thing he¡¯d have to do all day.


    ¡°Please,¡± he said, feigning an air of desperation. ¡°Please. Just let me go. I¡ªI¡¯ll give you anything! Please!¡±


    ¡°At last,¡± the finely dressed fencer remarked with more smugness than a freshly ascended god. ¡°The real Cade Stormhollow makes himself known. A coward to the end.¡±


    ¡°Fine, you¡¯ve got me,¡± Cade lied, eyeing his position as he continued his slow backward scooch.


    Any¡­


    ¡­second¡­


    ¡­now¡­


    There!


    Cade stopped his slow backward motion and touched the focal stone. ¡°NOW!¡±


    As one, his entire team¡ªincluding Nora, Evie, and Gavin¡ªbroke suddenly from their fights and sprinted toward Cade. Hugh¡¯s team rushed forward, screaming obscenities as they gave pursuit. Fenwick turned to see the seven members of Cade¡¯s team dash in his direction, and he briefly hesitated before he adjusted his stance and readied his blade to face the new threats.


    Cade leapt as silently as he could to his feet and rushed the arrogant prick. He kicked the small of the man¡¯s back and, in the same heartbeat, ripped off the amulet around his neck that kept the labyrinth¡¯s defenses at bay.


    With the cord removed, the amulet¡¯s enchantments were turned off. The axes descended right as Nora dove to slide under the last pendulum. An arrow and a few water-daggers were slashed apart by the trap.


    One of the twin half-elfs was bisected as he ran, while the human with tribal tattoos and warpaint lost both of her legs as she tried in vain to reach one of the narrow safe spots in the corridor. Fenwick screamed and raised his rapier to defend himself, but the sizzling heat, in addition to the overwhelming momentum of the axe nearest him shattered his defenses. His left hand was neatly removed, and he fell to the ground.


    Cade stood up, taking in the carnage with a stony expression. A thought struck him, one so profoundly simple that he hated himself for not considering it sooner.


    Hugh wasn¡¯t where Cade had left him.


    The man had repositioned himself at the corridor leading deeper into the labyrinth. He stretched his arms wide, evidently unfazed by the losses to his new crew. Orro stepped forward, ready to cut the traitor¡¯s throat open, but Hugh raised a hand, a shiny orb stuck between his index and middle finger. The light it cast was pale and blue, and it reminded Cade all at once of a full moon condensed into a small gem. Cade¡¯s heart fell as realization dawned on him.


    ¡°You know, boy?¡± Hugh said softly, even as the screams of his team echoed behind them. He looked directly into Cade¡¯s eyes. ¡°You always seem to forget the basics. Rule number one: always do your research.¡±


    He tossed the orb toward Gavin.


    ¡°No!¡± Cade¡¯s boots scraped across the sandstone as he lunged for the gem, but it was too late.


    A deep growl arose from the telepath, his eyes wide with disbelief and betrayal. The corners of his mouth filled with froth, and he backed away from the glowing sphere as if it was cursed. Gavin¡¯s back slammed against the wall of the maze, his nails digging into the sturdy material with such force that several of them cracked and bled down the dry surface. Gavin panted heavily, each rise and fall of his chest growing louder and louder until it was all Cade could hear.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve taken the hint after I blacklisted you and your disgusting crew from all the guilds in town. Anyone else who¡¯s blacklisted got that status for a reason, boy. And Gavin here is the worst of them all. Did he ever tell you why he couldn¡¯t get any jobs?¡± Hugh¡¯s back was to Cade and his team as he strolled deeper into the labyrinth. ¡°Bernard told me everything. It makes what I did to you seem damned gentlemanly. Enjoy the bloodbath.¡±


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Cade shouted.


    Hugh spared a glance over his shoulder, his thick accent as cold as the abyss. ¡°This is what you get for crossing me, lad.¡±


    Then he was gone.


    When Cade reached the gem, he tried to stuff it into his pocket. It wouldn¡¯t budge, rooted as it was to the ground.


    It wouldn¡¯t have mattered anyway. The damage was done.


    Where Gavin O¡¯Rourke once stood, a werewolf nearly eight feet tall loomed over them. His clothes were ripped and stretched beyond recovery, exposed canines dripping with saliva. His eyes had turned a piercing yellow, and they scanned each of them with a wild fury. His bloodied fingers were now tipped with serrated claws that gouged deep tremors into the sandstone, while his bowed legs were taut and ready to pounce.


    ¡°Oh, darling,¡± Evie said with a playful chiding to her voice. ¡°Would you stop being a werewolf, please?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how this works,¡± Nora said to her friend.


    ¡°Ga¡ªGavin?¡± Jer squeaked, his bright red hair matted with sweat and dust as he combed a quivering hand through it.


    The werewolf turned to the redhead and growled deep in his throat. Eerie light from the lunar gemstone reflected across the werewolf¡¯s teeth.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, buddy,¡± Cade cooed softly, his hands outstretched defensively while his mind fought desperately to think of a way out of this hellhole.


    To his right, he saw the remnants of Hugh¡¯s team slowly retreat out of the deathtrap. At least they wouldn¡¯t have to deal with them too.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t harm me last night, and you won¡¯t harm us now,¡± Cade spoke calmly.


    His words didn¡¯t have the intended effect. Orro whirled on him, anger and frustration forming dark lines across his brow. Jer gasped in shock while Rayka yelped in surprise.


    ¡°You knew he was a shifter? And you didn¡¯t think to report him, or at least tell us of that danger? What other lethal secrets are you keeping from us?¡± Nora demanded, her obsidian sword held in front of her.


    But Cade didn¡¯t address any of them. His eyes remained locked on Gavin, who snarled and sniffed the air, overextended arms splayed out in front of him like the gnarled branches of an ashroot tree.


    ¡°Gavin. This isn¡¯t you. Fight through this.¡± At Cade¡¯s words, Gavin howled.


    Claws whistled through the air before he knew what was happening. He shot a blast of wind laced with coppery tendrils at the lycanthrope, but he swerved easily out of their path, dark patterned fur bristling in the wake of the conjured gale. He flew through the center of their group, arms outstretched.


    The world slowed as Cade watched, unable to move fast enough to prevent his own teammates¡¯ rampage. The monstrous creature¡¯s claws slashed through the air, striking Rayka and Elena with brutal efficiency. His padded feet slid to a halt as his hind claws struggled to find purchase on the smooth stone. They ripped long gouges through the ground with a horrendous screeching sound.


    ¡°NO!¡± The thief roared in fury as he saw them get hit, helpless to prevent the attack even as he rushed forward in their defense.


    Rayka and Elena fell to the floor, thick rivulets of blood seeping into the thin cracks of the sandstone beneath them.


    Cade had failed.

 Chapter 45: The Cost of Winning

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Rayka¡¯s scream pierced the air, raw with agony.


    She collapsed as blood poured from a deep cut in her left thigh. Elena stumbled back, clutching her right forearm, a deep gouge marring her flesh. The magic that thrummed through Cade burst forward from his core, a wave of destruction shooting forth with impossible speed. A wall of flame slammed down in front of the women before the werewolf could finish what he started.


    ¡°Gavin, stop!¡± Cade shouted, but the werewolf¡¯s eyes were filled with primal rage, unrecognizable.


    Nora stepped forward, her obsidian blade gleaming menacingly. ¡°Whose fault is this now?¡± She asked as she passed Cade.


    With a yell, she jumped through the diminishing wall of flames, unconcerned by the heat. She fended Gavin off with swift, precise strikes. It was a sight to behold, as raw force met with honed technique. The pair of them dodged and rolled and weaved, exchanging blow after blow with vicious speed. Nora used her greatsword in ways Cade didn¡¯t know was possible. If it was any other situation, he might¡¯ve taken a second to appreciate her skill, but he didn¡¯t have that luxury.


    Nora¡¯s dark blade rippled with darkness for a brief moment, but it was hard to see through the undulating heat. Gavin howled in pain as the large blade pierced his tendons.


    But they regrew almost instantly, his body regenerating at a visible rate. Orro cursed and then leapt through the flames as well, Jer close on his heels. The acrobat¡¯s boots pulsed with a blue light and then he was well over the height of the fiery wall. He yelled a fierce warcry and attacked with abandon on his sister¡¯s behalf. Cade¡¯s boots scraped against the sandstone floor as he rushed to the fallen.


    ¡°Are you alright? Gods, I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m so sorry. I should¡¯ve seen this coming. I should¡¯ve¡ª¡± Cade was cut off by a shout from Elena.


    ¡°You blubbering wobblewump, shut up! We¡¯re injured, not dead, you big idiot!¡± Elena bellowed even as red liquid seeped from where she clenched at her forearm. Rayka¡¯s face was pale, but her determination was set.


    ¡°What she said. We¡¯ve had worse, Cade. Go stop the bastard before he accidentally kills one of us,¡± Rayka added between her ragged breaths.


    Cade looked up at the fight. Gavin¡¯s speed was almost impossible to counter. He ducked and lunged with fluid motion, his claws gleaming in the dim light. Evie slid to a halt by the wounded women and started to apply strips of cotton to their injuries. To his surprise, the material for the bandages came from the girl¡¯s finely sewn dress.


    She hadn¡¯t hesitated to rip it apart to help. Cade¡¯s chest pulsed with gratitude, and he nodded once to the brown-haired companion. He stood and approached the remaining embers of his brief wall of flame. Cade conjured scalding wind blasts and shot them forward, the heat hissing through the air as it crashed against Gavin¡¯s thick hide. The werewolf barely flinched, his fur absorbing the impact with ease. Cade cursed.


    ¡°Orro, flank him!¡± Cade ordered, his voice steady despite the chaos.


    Orro moved like a shadow, his dark cloak billowing as he struck at Gavin¡¯s exposed side. The werewolf snarled, dodging the attack with a swift leap. His claws slashed through the air, narrowly missing Orro¡¯s shoulder. Jer danced into the opening left by Orro¡¯s movements, and he kicked up into Gavin¡¯s armpit with a nasty crunch. Jer flipped out of the way as the lycanthrope shrieked in pain, his left arm hung loosely by his side.


    Nora¡¯s blade cut through the air with deadly precision, piercing Gavin¡¯s hide again and again. Each time, the wounds closed almost instantly, the regeneration relentless.


    ¡°He¡¯s too fast,¡± she gritted out, her frustration evident.


    Cade felt his anger rising, the sight of Rayka¡¯s bloodied form pushing him over the edge.


    ¡°Keep him busy!¡± he shouted, his magic flaring.


    He conjured another blast of wind, this time directing it at Gavin¡¯s legs. The force knocked the werewolf off balance, but only for a moment.


    Gavin recovered quickly, his eyes locking onto Cade with a predatory glint. He lunged, claws extended. Cade barely had time to react, ducking just in time to avoid the lethal strike. The werewolf¡¯s claws scraped against the sandstone, sparks flying from the impact.


    ¡°Rayka, stay with me!¡± Evie¡¯s voice was desperate as she finished tying off Rayka¡¯s thigh.


    Cade¡¯s sister cursed and moaned, and the thief saw that blood was already soaking through the bandages. Vote of confidence or not, he needed to end this now.


    Gavin turned his attention back to Nora, his growl reverberating through the maze. He lunged at her with blinding speed. Nora barely managed to parry his attack, her blade cutting through his fur and flesh. The werewolf howled in pain, but the wound quickly stitched itself together. Seeing Nora¡¯s greatsword glimmer in the combined lights of the overhead sun and the pale illumination of the gem, Cade finally knew what he needed to do.


    ¡°Orro!¡± Cade called out. ¡°Get your orb of nonlight ready. We¡¯re going to use it on the lunar gem Hugh left behind. Wait for my signal.¡±


    Orro nodded, his dark orb at the ready. Gavin managed to slip past Nora, his claws aimed at Cade. The thief waited for the last possible second, then dove to the side. As he landed, Cade reached into his pocket and used his focal stone.


    Without hesitation, he screamed through the telepathic link, ¡°Ascots are for virgins!¡±


    The ridiculous claim stunned Gavin, his thick snout shaking as if to dispel the mental accusation. Cade could see the pale light that spread through the hallway start to diminish. Orro¡¯s orb was working. Gavin staggered on his feet as the moonlight was drawn away from him. Cade sent a burst of wind into the werewolf¡¯s knees and this time it connected. He fell to all fours, his head slamming into the sandstone with a nasty crack. The pale lunar light faded entirely, and Cade waited, arms raised, as he watched something shiver beneath Gavin¡¯s skin.


    His claws were the first to shift back, returning to chipped and broken nails that strained against the floor. His charred fur was replaced by unblemished skin that rippled with muscles not of beast but of man. His breathing transitioned from the heavy grunts of a monster into the ragged breathing of an exhausted warrior.


    Cade sagged with relief, his arms heavy and his core strained from the repeated use. Though his magic might¡¯ve been limitless, the amount he could pour out at a time felt like a trickle sourced from the ocean. Yet, even as he recovered, he felt that intrinsic store of power inside of him replenish. It would take another hour before he was fully restored, but even that was marginally faster than even just last night.


    He needed to get stronger. And fast.


    This couldn¡¯t happen again. It wouldn¡¯t have occurred in the first place if he had been powerful enough to detain Gavin in the first place. Or, at least, distract him long enough so that Orro could remove that horrid gem¡¯s effects.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Cade turned his attention away from the struggling man in his tattered clothes to his sister and friend. Both women were leaning against the wall now, Evie at their side. With cautious movements, the telepath stood up.


    ¡°Halt, shifter,¡± Nora sneered, greatsword pointed at his throat.


    She said the racial classification like it was the worst insult she could think of. Cade felt goosebumps rise over his arms as the paladin¡¯s blade darkened. Thin streams of shadows stretched from the large weapon, and it was like the color drained from all around them. The sun grew cold on his skin.


    The darkness converged on the raven-haired warrior as Gavin¡¯s eyes dilated with terror. ¡°Take one more step, and you die.¡±


    ¡°Nora, enough,¡± Cade cut in. He strode toward the warrior, shoving down this strange pulse of fear that ripped through his mind as he got close to her.


    Without looking at him, Nora replied, ¡°He¡¯s been lying to us. He¡¯s also been breaking the law for Destiny knows how long, not wearing the mandatory sigil as a shifter. I don¡¯t care who he is or what he¡¯s done. I¡¯m not going anywhere with him until I get the truth.¡±


    ¡°Please, I¡ªI can explain,¡± Gavin said, stepping forward. Nora¡¯s blade didn¡¯t budge, and she pressed its tip into the soft flesh of his neck. He backed up against the wall, looking very, very, small.


    ¡°Start talking, shifter,¡± Nora spat out.


    ¡°Enough.¡± At Cade¡¯s words, the maze stilled.


    His boots padded against the sandstone, and he pushed Nora¡¯s blade away with his free hand. With his other, he grabbed Gavin¡¯s shoulder. His team watched on in awe and concern as he held the telepath in his gentle yet firm grasp.


    ¡°You¡¯re a werewolf.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question, and yet Gavin nodded at Cade¡¯s statement. A loose lock of the man¡¯s thick brown curls got in his face, and he tucked it quickly behind his ear. ¡°You¡¯re a telepath.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Gavin replied in barely more than a whisper.


    ¡°You¡¯ve had to hide not one but two parts of yourself most, if not all, of your life, haven¡¯t you?¡± Cade asked, his tone as reassuring as his grip.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Cade took in the slumped posture, the misty eyes, and the soul-crushing guilt inside this broken man. He recalled what his traitorous mentor had said, and his compassion swelled.


    Gavin mistook his pause as hesitation, and he began to ramble quickly. ¡°Please, I can explain everything! I didn¡¯t mean to deceive you all. I¡ªI¡¯ve been managing it for quite some time now. I swear this is under control. Please¡ª¡±


    Without a word, Cade closed the distance and gave the tall man a hug. The telepath¡¯s entire body froze, each muscle tense and quaking at the sudden contact.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Gavin. You don¡¯t have to hide from us anymore,¡± Cade said just loud enough for him and his team to hear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I still think we should gut him,¡± Elena chimed in morosely, her head resting against the pale off-white wall of the maze. ¡°He ruined a perfectly good forearm. The scar is gonna look legendary, though.¡±


    ¡°Maybe just a little castration?¡± Rayka offered with her eyes closed and head on Elena¡¯s good shoulder.


    ¡°NO,¡± Cade and Evie said at once, though for remarkably different reasons.


    The petite girl blushed furiously while Cade let go of Gavin to raise an eyebrow at her. He gave her a knowing look.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t harming him, guys,¡± Cade declared. ¡°He had no control over that. It was Hugh that caused it, and it¡¯s our fault for not asking the right questions when hiring teammates.¡±


    He looked then at Rayka and Elena.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, both of you. I should¡¯ve picked up on this sooner, and I should¡¯ve told you all what I suspected.¡± He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head slowly. ¡°No, that¡¯s not right either.¡±


    Cade peered up at Gavin, who was doing his best to tie his shredded clothes over his nether region.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve just asked you and had you tell us your side of the story. I¡¯m sorry, Gav.¡± Cade gave him a sad smile.


    ¡°Nothing to forgive, mate.¡± Gavin smiled sadly at them. ¡°I apologize for keeping you all in the dark. It¡¯s not something I can just bring up lightly in conversation, you know?¡± His eyes darted to Nora for a heartbeat, but quickly moved away. ¡°Most people hear ¡¯shifter¡¯ and immediately assume we¡¯re as duplicitous as they come.¡±


    ¡°You were being duplicitous by pretending you were being something you weren¡¯t,¡± Nora retorted with a huff as she lowered her greatsword.


    ¡°Oh, like you¡¯re not hiding aspects of your identity?¡± Elena snorted.


    Nora flushed with anger as a muscle feathered in her jaw. She turned away, her sword¡¯s blade glinting ominously in the sunlight. The image of those dark tendrils rippling off her blade flashed through Cade¡¯s mind.


    That woman was hiding so much more than any of them realized, and he hoped beyond hope that it didn¡¯t get them all killed.


    ¡°We should keep moving,¡± Orro grunted softly.


    Cade nodded, his best friend¡¯s words a reflection of his own thoughts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk more once we get out of this thing,¡± Cade promised.


    He replaced the amulet around his neck, tucked it into the collar of his light brown tunic, and then gestured for his team to follow. Evie and Jer helped the wounded to their feet. While Nora approached Gavin. Her sword was again sheathed, but that hardly alleviated Cade¡¯s concern.


    Given her showing today, he knew that she didn¡¯t need a blade to kill with ease. Though he didn¡¯t stop her, his recovering magic flowed toward his hands, ready to be unleashed at a moment¡¯s notice.


    She walked toward the scantily clad man, steel boots pounding resolutely on the ground like a war-drum. She shoved a finger into his chest, the force of the small blow enough to stagger him.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t over, shifter,¡± she hissed.


    Then, before he could reply or defend himself, she walked past the entire team, eyes set in front of her.


    ¡°I¡¯d hate to see her if she ever caught her man cheating,¡± Jer whispered conspiratorially.


    Evie shivered. ¡°Trust me. You don¡¯t.¡±


    And from the haunted look in her eyes, Cade believed her.


    Cade held Rayka¡¯s arm over his shoulders and helped her walk deeper into the maze, taking over for the curly-haired woman. They all followed behind Nora, though the brooding paladin remained within Cade¡¯s sphere of safety. He was still hoping that the crowd hadn¡¯t noticed how exactly he had pulled that particular trick off, though he had no doubt the Lifekeepers present were beginning to suspect. He¡¯d have to throw them off the scent.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to deactivate the amulet soon so that the stalled traps look like a fluke. Once we have a better heading for the center of this place, I¡¯ll turn it back on,¡± Cade sent through their shared mental connection.


    A few grumbles later, they were moving steadily, if slowly, through the labyrinth.


    Their path bent and twisted in odd directions, and it was more than once that they had to double back. After another two hours of meandering rather aimlessly, Cade gave the signal, and the amulet was turned off. He could still hear the constant thrum of the crowd above them, and he knew they were all waiting for the bloodbath to resume.


    Cade was once again convinced Destiny himself hated his guts, for as soon as they turned the corner to what was certainly the center of the maze, a booming and melodic voice declared: ¡°THE TRIAL IS FINISHED.¡±


    And there, standing atop a large dais inlaid with gold, with stairs carved out of pale marble, was Hugh. He held aloft a bright crystalline shape Cade could¡¯ve sworn was an egg, and he met Cade¡¯s gaze with a cold glint. The walls of the maze descended back into the ground right as a small group of darkly cloaked individuals arrived from the opposite side of the massive circular epicenter.


    Their leader scanned the dais but then stared directly at Cade. Her pale skin glinted with sweat, and Cade couldn¡¯t help but recall what the Lifekeeper had said about this group. Viewing them together, he had to put some credence to the speculation. Draugrs.


    A cold shiver that had nothing to do with the gentle breeze ran along his spine as the young girl raised an eyebrow at him. She blinked, then turned on her heels and made for the nearest iron gate out of the arena.


    ¡°FOR FINDING THE ORB OF RESILIENCE, I GRANT UNTO THEE A BOON TO ADD TO YOUR NEW ACCOUNTS!¡± Life declared, her white smile like starlight.


    Her sumptuous curves bobbed in a mesmerizing dance as she descended to the arena floor and placed a dainty hand on Hugh¡¯s chest. The crowd went wild. From another corner, the survivors of Hugh¡¯s team stumbled toward the dais. Each and every one of them were weighed down with a veritable mountain of jewels and gold and scantily clad Lifekeepers.


    Cade cursed. Destiny sucked.

 Chapter 46: I Thought You Liked Learning

    <hr>


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


    <hr>


    Cade had studied under the best and brightest minds in the world. His hometown, Eldrin, was famous for its scholars, the best of which taught and researched in the legendary Skyreach Academy, named so for the magically engineered island it sat atop. He had read, listened, annotated, and applied all sorts of knowledge during those wondrous times.


    But none of them¡ªnot a single instructor in all his time there¡ªcould prepare him for Nora¡¯s ¡®lessons.¡¯


    This girl was brutal.


    ¡°Ooft!¡± Cade groaned as a steel boot collided with his stomach.


    Again.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure Orro taught you self defense?¡± Nora asked lightly, and even had the indecency to look unwinded.


    ¡°I know he wears softer shoes, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Cade retorted while he blinked out the stars that flecked his vision.


    ¡°Next time, try to use your winds to redirect my blow, rather than block it. Steel is heavier than air.¡± Nora rolled her shoulders as she spoke, unhurried and calm as she prepared to add another bruise to Cade¡¯s body.


    Damn this all to the four hells, Cade thought bitterly as he called upon his core to aid in this one-sided fight.


    He still couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯d agreed to some lessons with this closet-sadist. He¡¯d said yes just so that the team could get some much needed space from one another, but now he was the sacrificial lamb on the altar of the crew¡¯s emotional health. Back at camp, the others recovered and tended to their wounds. When he made sure they were all taken care of and stable, one look at Nora told him that she needed to blow off some steam.


    Hells, so did he.


    So here they were, in a clearing far into the forest, and it was all Cade could do not to die.


    The power rose through his magical pathways, heat and storm searing their way past his bones and exhausted muscles. It might¡¯ve been his imagination, but the speed at which this viscous energy moved felt more sluggish. More forced.


    Good.


    ¡°Now, back to our lesson,¡± Nora said evenly.


    She dashed forward, her body a silver blur as she ran.


    Cade moved on instinct, raising a tunnel of wind in front of him and using it to shift her wicked jab away from his face. He ducked, careful to stay out of striking range. The paladin¡¯s gauntlet slammed into the empty space where his head had just vacated.


    Cade yanked on the wind, trying to shift Nora¡¯s footing just enough to where he could unbalance her. It almost worked. The warrior in front of him dug in her heels, taking the shift in momentum like a boulder in a stream.


    ¡°What are the stages of core evolution?¡± Nora drilled him.


    The thief cursed under his breath. ¡°Early, Middle, Late, and Peak.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Nora answered like some bored drill sergeant. ¡°And how can you tell which one you¡¯re in, regardless of your core¡¯s current rank?¡±


    The paladin got into another fighting stance. Cade didn¡¯t want to know what would happen if she decided to draw that massive blade of hers. He wasn¡¯t insecure about anything, but gods above and below did that monstrosity make him feel small.


    Cade readied his magic for her next attack. It would be a kick, if he had to guess, one to cleave his neck in half.


    ¡°Everyone experiences the shift between stages differently,¡± Cade recited from memory. ¡°Some describe it as taking another step up a staircase, while others say it feels like a perfectly sized crate sliding into place within their core, filling a crack they didn¡¯t know existed. Still other core users mention it¡¯s like growing a new branch on the tree of their core¡¯s magical pathways.¡±


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    It had only taken one time for her to explain it for him to memorize the whole thing, but if this kept Nora from exploding on the rest of the team, he would play along. Besides, who didn¡¯t want to sweat alone in the woods with a warrior goddess from hell? Even if she was more beautiful than one.


    ¡°And for you?¡± Nora inquired a bit too softly. ¡°What did it feel like to go from Early to Middle stage with your copper core?¡±


    Interesting.


    This was getting into more personal territory. If he played his cards right, he might even get her to open up this time.


    Cade considered for a long moment, dropping his hands slightly.


    ¡°It feels like inserting a new page into an unbound book. It¡¯s fuller¡ªmakes more sense now,¡± he admitted.


    The words felt oddly intimate, and there was a tension between them that hadn¡¯t been there before even with the fighting. Cade watched, unwilling to let his guard fall. He noticed the tight braid Nora kept hidden beneath the lip of her armor, how her left hand shook with adrenaline.


    Nora shot forward, foot flying through the air at his neck. Cade tried to dodge, but the speed of the blow was too much for him even after he shifted his weight. His magic went wide, blasting into the canopy above. Leaves and dried sticks clattered down around them while a fresh bruise formed on Cade¡¯s body. He fell like an old oak, and  his body hit the ground hard.


    He groaned, arms shaky as he peeled himself off of the ground.


    ¡°Hells, Nora. Ever tried not killing someone you¡¯re teaching?¡± Cade asked while he spat out clumps of dirt.


    She gave him a flat stare.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Cade sighed. ¡°Again?¡±


    ¡°Again,¡± Nora agreed with a nod.


    Good, Cade thought. Because despite their massive difference in power and skill, he was getting better. Faster.


    And his core was keeping pace, almost as if it were eager to grow.


    ¡°What are the outward signs of each stage?¡± Nora asked, clearing Cade¡¯s mind of all distractions.


    Cade lifted his arms, swirling winds aglow around his fist.


    ¡°It all comes down to the hue of magic,¡± the thief explained as Nora stalked around him in a slow circle. The wind of his magic brushed against her face, and a loose strand of her dark hair danced within its embrace.


    ¡°Early stage has the purest color of that rank. Middle stage evolution for a core is achieved when the first hue of the next rank is observed.¡± Cade paused his explanation as Nora swept in with a vicious combo.


    Cade rolled, punching behind him with a burst of his magic. A tight cyclone of air slammed into Nora¡¯s awaiting forearms, though he took a bit of pleasure on how she slid back a few inches.


    ¡°Middle stage is the bottleneck for all ranks, as it requires the most diligence!¡± Cade yelled as he fought off another flurry of strikes as best he could.


    One connected with his ankle, and he was sent sprawling across the leafy forest floor.


    ¡°Late stage,¡± Cade hissed through the pain. ¡°Is when the next rank¡¯s energy begins to faintly accent every spell you cast. And Peak stage is when it¡¯s a deep blend of the two.¡±


    ¡°Example?¡± Nora inquired as she backhanded Cade with her gauntlet.


    Cade leaned out of the way and sent an open palm into her gut. Like the neck of a dragon, her other hand snapped forward onto Cade¡¯s exposed wrist. A triumphant grin spread across her face.


    ¡°Please, fair maiden. Not again!¡± Cade bemoaned, mostly for the dramatics.


    Mostly.


    She threw him over her shoulder.


    Cade shot through the air like an arrow, this time he managed to deploy his wind magic enough to slow his descent. It barely helped. With a crash and a curse, the thief became quickly acquainted with a large bush.


    ¡°Shut up, tree,¡± Nora spat with a flat look at a nearby oak.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Cade found himself asking. ¡°You just said tree. I¡¯m Cade. Cade Stormhollow.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Nora said a bit too quickly. ¡°Here.¡±


    She held out a hand for him. After a heartbeat, he took it.


    ¡°Example?¡± Nora repeated.


    ¡°You¡¯re the worst,¡± Cade sighed, though there wasn¡¯t any real bite to it. ¡°Yesterday, when I was practicing, the copper hue to my wind magic shifted briefly into silver. It was just a moment, but the second it did, I felt the shift. My core evolved to Middle stage.¡±


    ¡°Good job,¡± Nora offered.


    It was such a shock from the brutal efficiency she¡¯d displayed so far that he briefly didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°You can pick up your jaw, Stormhollow,¡± Nora said with just the faintest twinkle in her eyes.


    ¡°Yes. Yes, I¡¯ll do that,¡± Cade answered, but then gave her a wide grin. ¡°Wait¡­ You complimented me.¡±


    ¡°It was an observation of your retention,¡± Nora replied with a cocked eyebrow. ¡°Don¡¯t read into it.¡±


    ¡°Reading into it is kind of my thing,¡± Cade offered with an even wider grin, this one tinged with a victory of his own.


    For Nora, paladin of shadows and big swords, was blushing.


    ¡°From the top!¡± Nora ordered with a shout, and Cade got ready for another bruise.

 Chapter 47: DIVINE INTERIOR DECORATING (NOW WITH EXTRA SPIKES!)

    <h2>Chapter 47</h2>


    <h4>DIVINE INTERIOR DECORATING (NOW WITH EXTRA SPIKES!)</h4>


    Cade


    Cade rolled out his neck, discovering yet more spots that had taken the brunt of his ¡®lessons¡¯ with Nora. He winced, yet a satisfied grin ghosted across his lips. Now back beneath the arena, he felt strangely centered. Ready.


    The young thief flipped over the golden rectangle in his hand, the respectable weight of the Pennyweather membership card a welcome distraction to the mixed victories they¡¯d achieved today. He went over both of his wins as he toyed with the hefty rectangle etched with his full name on it. There was their survival in the arena to consider, and then his personal triumph this evening with Nora¡¯s reluctant compliment..


    The golden card glinted in the warm illumination of the glowflakes as he delved ever deeper. Lifekeepers had distributed the gilded cards to all of the surviving contestants in velvet-lined boxes. Absently, he wondered if they had any extra lying around down here. It might prove useful to forge a new identity for some con down the road. Though even just having the one was a royal gift indeed.


    His leather boots echoed softly in the long staircase he was descending, the dim glow overhead barely sufficient to expose the cracked sandstone steps he descended. The air this far beneath the arena was humid and smelled of mildew.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be okay with Nora, right?¡± he asked his rough-hewn surroundings.


    The landscape, of course, didn¡¯t reply.


    He had sent Bunny, Rayka, and Elena back to the cabin with Gavin, but Nora had rejoined them shortly after her lecture on aloof sadism she¡¯d orated with her boots and fists. His neck twinged.


    That had lasted for a grand total of two minutes before Nora started criticizing Rayka¡¯s knifework by the kitchen fire. The paladin had still been too much of a naked blade to be trusted to lounge about camp, so he had sent her and Evie off to check out the Pennyweather banks to see if that winter elf was waiting for them.


    It was a precaution, to be sure, and one he hoped didn¡¯t pay off.


    Orro and Jer, meanwhile, had run interference for him so that he could slip past the arena guards and into the underbelly once more. They would keep watch while he explored down here.


    This time, he needed to find the Remnant.


    If he was honest, the quiet was the best part of this trek. His breath came quick and steady as his left fingers traced the surface of the smooth, if dusty, wall that spiraled deeper and deeper into the arena¡¯s true labyrinth.


    He had already retraced his steps to where he had met with Lora and Meadow, and he now followed the path Bazz had taken.


    It was just a hunch, really, but he figured anyone that high up in the pecking order probably knew where the valuable stuff was hidden¡ªand likely spent a lot of time checking in on it.


    Just a hunch, of course, but his hunches were rarely wrong.


    As Cade descended deeper into the arena¡¯s underbelly, the stairwell eventually opened up into a wider corridor. The glowflakes cast long, dancing shadows on the walls, creating an eerie atmosphere that seemed to pulse with ancient secrets.


    Suddenly, his eyes caught a glint in the dim light. Before him stood a door that seemed out of place in this dank, subterranean passageway. It was a massive, ornate thing, its surface adorned with a dazzling array of precious gems. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds were set into intricate patterns, creating a mosaic of wealth and power that seemed to glow with an inner light.


    Cade¡¯s breath caught in his throat as he approached the bejeweled door. His hand, almost of its own accord, reached out to touch the cool, smooth surface of the gems. With a deep breath, he pushed against the door. It was locked, of course, but he tried the handle all the same.


    No luck.


    He peered through a small window inlaid at the top of the door, and Cade¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. Beyond lay a treasure trove that would make even the wealthiest merchant weep with envy. Mountains of gold coins glittered in the dim light, precious artifacts and jewel-encrusted weapons lined the walls, and chests overflowing with gems were scattered throughout the room.


    For a moment, Cade stood transfixed by the sight. His fingers itched to touch the wealth before him, to feel the weight of gold and jewels in his hands.


    But something else caught his attention.


    It wasn¡¯t a sight or a sound, but a feeling. A pull. A pulse of energy, like a siren beckoning him to follow. It hummed through his bones and spoke to his core.


    This sensation, powerful and ancient, tugged at him with an irresistible force. It called to him, not with words, but with a primal urge that bypassed all rational thought.


    Without fully understanding why, Cade found himself turning away from the treasure room and back towards the stairwell.


    As he continued his descent, a strange haze settled over his mind. Though he had no idea where he was going, his feet moved with the certainty of someone returning home after a long journey. His hand trailed along the rough stone wall, fingers tracing patterns and grooves as if reading some ancient, forgotten script.


    The pull grew stronger with each step, guiding him deeper into the earth. The air grew thicker, heavy with the weight of countless years and untold secrets. Cade¡¯s breath came in short, quick gasps, not from exertion but from the anticipation building in his chest.


    He lost all sense of time and direction as he spiraled downward, following the inexorable call of whatever power lay hidden in the depths. Though part of him wondered at the wisdom of his actions, the larger part was caught in the thrall of this ancient force, powerless to resist its siren song.


    He felt empty space in the place of sturdy stone and jolted out of his thoughts. The staircase had ended, leading him to the entrance of a dark tunnel. No glowflakes illuminated this path, though a timid brightness flickered softly at the opposite end of the corridor.


    Cade¡¯s nerves prickled with warning as he observed this new section beneath the arena.


    It felt¡­ older.


    More sinister.


    It wasn¡¯t just the subtle shift in grout colors he noticed between the stone blocks that composed the staircase and this new area. Nor was it the distinct absence of the filigree so ubiquitous to the rest of the sections of the arena and Elysia as a whole.


    No, it was the weathered nature of the stones that finally clued him into his initial impression. The patterning on the rocks could only be explained if they had been scorched.


    Something had burned its way through this place a long time ago.


    Cade slipped the cord from his neck, checking the amulet to ensure it still hummed with energy. Its soft light flickered in the darkness, just enough to reveal the outline of a torch resting in a dusty sconce to his right. He reached for it, noting the dull shimmer of a glowflake embedded in the ironbound handle.


    After tucking his Pennyweather card back into one of the hidden pockets of his tunic¡ªa handy little addition he¡¯d sewn himself¡ªhe raised the torch to the amulet¡¯s glow. His fingers traced along the handle until they found the activation rune. A sharp flick, and the torch flared to life, casting a deep amber light that flickered lazily down the length of the tunnel.


    His breath quickened.


    Now under the greater illumination, his earlier inference was confirmed. This was no mere hallway. Cooled lava, black as tar, coated every surface from the floor to the ceiling. Several pairs of boot prints and at least one set of bare feet had disrupted the thick layer of dust that coated this place.


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    That was either a great cover for his own tracks, or someone had beaten him to the treasure he needed for himself.


    Cautiously, he mimicked each placement of his predecessor¡¯s feet so as to prevent any trace of his passage. He made his way deeper into the tunnel, his progress slow and steady.


    After several excruciating minutes, he made it to the other side. The footprints he noted earlier continued onward, but all of the boots had ended here at the edge of the new space.


    He could see why.


    Ahead of him, the lava corridor gave way to a truly enormous cavern. He knew it had taken him nearly ten minutes to descend to the bottom of that staircase, but to imagine such a massive cave beneath the arena was staggering.


    Cade whistled softly, his glowflake torch barely able to cast its light deeper within the enormous space. The only other light in the entire area was a dull red glow near what he assumed to be the center of the area far below.


    He held the torch out to get a better look, leaning forward as far as he could toward the great expanse before him. There was a quiet click, and then a dozen spikes from each edge of the doorway slid from their hidden crevices. He pulled backward in the nick of time, but the spikes snapped his torch into a thousand splinters. He yelped as the glowflake crystal shattered, its magic flickering briefly before it died.


    Cade retreated several steps before he checked the amulet Lora had sold him. Sure enough, it was still aglow, its protection apparently insufficient to defend him against these new traps.


    That meant no one was supposed to be down here¡ªeven those who otherwise had free rein.


    ¡°What in the hells?¡± Cade said under his breath.


    As his eyes adjusted to the newfound darkness, the cavern blazed to life. In place of the glowflakes, a field of glowing algae and moss began to illuminate the cavern with a ghostly blue and green light. They covered the grove of stalagmites, and a good portion of them extended high into the ceiling, sparkling like constellations onto their own.


    The dead space had transformed before his eyes, and in the absence of any outside light, it only continued to bloom.


    As the shadows receded, a breathtaking spectacle unfolded before Cade¡¯s eyes. Flowers burst forth from the darkness, their vines clinging to nearly every surface. Their petals were a mesmerizing shade of cerulean that seemed to capture the very essence of a cloudless sky. Each blossom was a masterpiece of nature¡¯s deadly artistry, their edges glinting like finely honed blades in the ethereal light. The beauty was as alluring as it was dangerous.


    His gaze flicked again to where the spikes lay hidden, and he resisted the urge to lean over the edge for a better view.


    Hundreds of vines, thick as a man¡¯s arm and pulsing with a deep crimson light, snaked their way up the towering stalagmites. These stone sentinels, weathered by the eons, stood like the fossilized remains of some primordial forest. The vines wriggled and pulsed, and in the glowing world beneath the arena, they looked almost like the ancient arteries of a slumbering titan that carried whispers of long-forgotten magic through the cavern.


    A path of rich, dark soil wound its way from a nearby ledge, tracing a sinuous route along the cavern wall. The soil was a deep, lustrous black, flecked with iridescent minerals that caught the dim light, creating a subtle dance of colors. Small, luminescent fungi dotted its edges, their caps glowing with a soft, blue-green light that pulsed slowly, outlining the trail.


    At the end of this mystical path, Cade¡¯s gaze was drawn to the source of the pulsing crimson glow. There, nestled within the sprawling roots of an impossibly massive oak tree, lay a glowing red crystal.


    The tree itself defied logic, its trunk so wide that it took up a vast majority of this obscenely large cavern. Its roots, gnarled and ancient, plunged deep into the cavern floor and climbed high up the walls, as if this single tree was the anchor holding the entire underground realm in place.


    The oak¡¯s branches stretched towards the cavern ceiling, their leaves a tapestry of greens that shouldn¡¯t exist in a lightless domain. Yet they thrived, each leaf seemingly illuminated from within by the same mysterious force that powered the glowing object at its base.


    Cade¡¯s head tilted to the side, his mind struggling to reconcile the impossibility before him. This was no mere cave, no simple hiding place. He stood at the threshold of a sacred grove, a place where the boundaries between the mortal world and something far more primordial blurred to almost nothing.


    The red glow pulsed again, like a heartbeat, sending ripples of energy through the air that Cade could almost taste. It was an invitation and a challenge, a power that sang to something deep within his core.


    As he stood there, awestruck and humbled, Cade knew that he had stumbled upon something that would change not just his life, but perhaps the very fabric of the world itself.


    The trunk had contorted itself into the vague shape of a seat, as if the tree had suddenly remembered it was supposed to be furniture halfway through growing. Gnarled roots sprawled out like the legs of a drunken octopus, while branches twisted themselves into what might generously be called armrests¡ªprovided the one describing it that way was feeling particularly charitable and possibly concussed.


    But the true pi¨¨ce de r¨¦sistance was the bark, which was covered in so many thorns that it made a porcupine look like a teddy bear. Clearly, this was a throne designed for a ruler who believed that true power came from the ability to sit still while being stabbed from all directions.


    ¡°Who the hell would commission a spiky throne like this? And how long did it take to grow it?¡± Cade asked under his breath.


    Despite the organic construction that had clearly gone into this monstrosity of a chair, this was undoubtedly a throne for a deity. The high back of the royal seat reached upwards in a valiant attempt to look regal, but mostly succeeded in resembling a very confused coat rack. Intricate carvings adorned every surface, telling stories that were equal parts mystical and ¡®did the artist sneeze while holding the chisel?¡¯


    ¡°That can¡¯t be it,¡± he said under his breath. The thorny spikes weren¡¯t just here to protect a pretty tree or the flowered vines that climbed the walls. This was a treasure room if he¡¯d ever seen one, just disguised in a divinely clever way.


    Now, he simply needed to find the loot.


    Taking a risk, he called on his magic.


    The moment he did, a pulse resonated from his core through to that cave. The lava behind him glimmered softly as if the destruction that created it was reawakened for a heartbeat. The walls glowed like breath resurrecting the neglected coals of a campfire.


    As Cade stood there, slack-jawed, his chest ached at the sight of this ethereal structure. He had been to many temples in his life, for pleasure as much as for performing recon for Hugh.


    But never had he felt like this.


    Unlike all of those places, this cavern felt like it was holy ground. Sacred, special, and brimming with raw power.


    And it was not benevolent.


    His eyes darted to the dark corners of the cave, expecting at any moment for soldiers or whatever guardian lorded over this place to arrive and smite him for his insolence or bad odor or whatever excuse they desired.


    No one came.


    ¡°Huh,¡± he said under his breath as he scanned the massive space once again. ¡°This place has been completely forgotten.¡±


    Except for those who had walked through the dust before him.


    Cade peered over one shoulder at the footprints he¡¯d used to mask his trail through the cooled and uneven lava floor, and he hoped Hugh hadn¡¯t been the one to leave any of those tracks.


    One thing was clear to Cade, though¡ªthat dull red glow set into the base of that oak tree thrummed with divine magic. He couldn¡¯t tell if it was the source for the imposing aura of this place, or perhaps it was merely there for safekeeping, but this felt all too familiar.


    It felt like the amulet, back in Scorn¡¯s temple.


    Exactly like it.


    Not only had he found what they were here to steal, but he¡¯d uncovered a little tidbit Scorn hadn¡¯t mentioned¡ªnamely, that this was the exact same Remnant as the one that had fused to him.


    And by the gods how he wanted to steal it¡ªright here, right now.


    With another glance at the oaken thorns, however, he had to be honest with himself. He didn¡¯t have the necessary equipment to rob Life blind, nor did he understand the depths of the traps that probably lined this cavern from top to bottom. The spikes had triggered even with Cade¡¯s pendant active, so there was no telling what else down there could kill him.


    Something clicked in the back of his mind. He glanced again at the footprints in the dust on the floor of lava behind him and noticed that none of them led away from the cavern¡­ only to it.


    ¡°Yikes,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    It looked like he would be the first person to make it back from the cavern alive¡ªprovided he didn¡¯t set off any new traps on his way back.


    He backed up and held the amulet aloft, using its mediocre light to help retrace his steps. He had no illusions of mirroring the steps of whoever had shown up here before him, and so prioritized speed this time around. He tripped a few times on the uneven lava tube, but recovered quickly. Then, when he reached the opposite side, he paused. There was no indication the Lifekeepers frequented this tunnel. In fact, by the abundance of dust and natural growth, it was a miracle he¡¯d found it at all.


    He looked down at his fingertips, suddenly very eager to get back to his training. His eyes returned to the soft glow at the other end of this forgotten corridor, and he sent a wide burst of scalding wind through it. The gale howled and echoed loudly, and he cursed at his own brashness. But the intended effect remained. No damning footprints remained, with the dust of the confined space largely returning back to the rippled surface of the floor. He sighed, nodded, and then began the long trek up those hellish stairs.


    With each step, the burn in his thighs increased, but so too did the slow smile that spread across his face.


    He¡¯d done it.


    He had found the Remnant.

 Chapter 48: A NASTY SURPRISE

    <h2 style="text-align: center">Chapter 48</h2>


    <h4 style="text-align: center">A NASTY SURPRISE</h4>


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


    Cade reemerged from the arena equal parts miserable and ecstatic. Jer and Orro flanked him, doing their best to ensure no one noticed their trio as they blended back into the crowd after vacating one of the unused service tunnels leading out of the arena proper. When he told them the good news, it was all Cade could do to rein in their excitement. Well, to be fair, Jer¡¯s excitement was the only one in need of reining in. Orro just grunted once, but it was a happy grunt this time.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to tell me more about that cave, man!¡± Jer whispered way too loudly. ¡°You say you saw it? What did it look like? Was it stuck inside a gem or amulet like the last one, or did whoever made it carve it into another shape? Personally, I think it would be cool if it was a gauntlet or something. That way, you could punch people with god magic, y¡¯know?¡± Jer performed a train of cartwheels as he thought out loud.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Elena when you need her?¡± Cade complained in mock desperation. ¡°Her aim with those shoes is truly impeccable. She should hold a class for us on the crew. That way, everyone can throw them at Jer when he gets like this.¡±


    Jer offered him a cheeky grin, but his expression hardened a bit at the mention of his sister.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re heading that way now. I¡¯m sure Gavin is cooking them up something nice,¡± Cade consoled his acrobatic friend. They swerved around a cart selling tiny flags of the various nations neighboring Elysia.


    ¡°He¡¯d better. It¡¯s got to be the best damned food of all time to get Elena back on her good side,¡± Jer admitted as he shook his head. He raced a greasy hand through his red locks and looked back at Cade, head upside down. ¡°Do you think it was a good idea to send Rayka and Elena back with the guy who gave them their injuries?¡±


    Cade¡¯s smile turned brittle, but it was Orro who answered. ¡°It was a good idea. This way, they¡¯ll work through some of their tension in relative safety. Bunny is there to comfort Rayka. Plus, Elena will keep a careful watch over Gavin, and Gavin knows this is his best chance to make things right before the rest of us enter the mix. The girls watch him, he protects them. It was a good move, Cade.¡±


    The thief nodded his head, grateful his friend had caught on to his logic. ¡°I just hope we don¡¯t return to Gavin¡¯s head on a pike because Elena decided she didn¡¯t like the smell of dog.¡±


    They made it back to the shop that held the entrance to the catacombs and discreetly retraced their steps from the day before. The iron rungs bit into Cade¡¯s tired hands as he descended the narrow ladder that led into the dark expanse, and he took a second to appreciate how much of his life was getting spent underground these days. He looked up and made a silent vow that when this was all over, he and Bunny would lounge in the sun together for days on end, preferably with an abundance of pastries at their beck and call.


    Their boots passed silently through the damp tunnels, a thin and murky creek of some ungodly liquid snaking its way down the curved center of the long way back to their hideout.


    Orro led the way, already having memorized the route Gavin had given them. They took the thin switchbacks after an hour of trudging through the catacombs, careful to ensure no one followed.


    As they emerged from the cave near their cabin, the low-hanging sun momentarily blinded Cade. As his eyes adjusted, a scene of chaos came into focus.


    ¡°What happened here?¡± Jer¡¯s alarmed voice cut through the air.


    Before Cade or Orro could stop him, the redhead sprinted towards the clearing in front of their cabin.


    Cade and Orro exchanged worried glances, their eyes conveying a shared sense of dread. Without a word, they broke into a run, their boots pounding the soft earth as they raced after Jer.


    As they burst through the treeline into the clearing, the scene before them unfolded like a nightmare. The normally peaceful area in front of their cabin had been transformed into a battlefield. The grass was trampled and torn, patches of earth upturned as if a struggle had taken place.


    Their eyes were immediately drawn to two motionless figures lying on the ground. Bunny hovered near them, nudging them gently and whimpering.


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    The sight hit Cade like a physical blow, stealing the breath from his lungs. Jer had already reached one of the prone figures and was kneeling beside it, his body language radiating panic and despair.


    Orro, ever observant, quickly scanned the perimeter, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his blade. His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, searching for any sign of lingering threat or clue to what had transpired.


    Cade, for his part, felt rooted to the spot for a moment, his mind racing to process the scene before him. The setting sun cast long, ominous shadows across the clearing, adding to the surreal and horrifying nature of the moment. The air felt thick with tension and the metallic tang of blood.


    As the initial shock began to wear off, Cade¡¯s protective instincts kicked in. He ran forward, his heart pounding in his ears, dreading what he might discover as he approached the fallen forms of his companions.


    Each step felt like an eternity, the weight of leadership and responsibility pressing down on him with crushing force.


    ¡°No, no, no, no!¡± Jer¡¯s anguished cry pierced the air, shattering the eerie silence that had settled over the clearing. His hands, trembling and dirt-smeared, gently turned over the first prone form. As the figure rolled onto their back, Cade¡¯s breath caught in his throat.


    It was Elena. Her normally vibrant face had angry purple bruises across her cheekbones, and her left eye was swollen shut. A thin line of dried blood trailed from her split lip, stark against her pale skin. Her fiery red hair was a tangled mess, matted with blood and dirt. The rise and fall of her chest was shallow and irregular, each breath seeming to cause her pain.


    Cade¡¯s heart hammered against his ribcage as he approached the second figure, dreading what he might find. As he drew closer, he recognized Gavin¡¯s familiar form, and his stomach lurched.


    If Elena¡¯s condition was bad, Gavin¡¯s was catastrophic.


    The telepathic lycanthrope lay in a crumpled heap, his limbs bent at unnatural angles. His clothes were torn and soaked with blood, revealing glimpses of mottled skin underneath. A deep gash ran across his forehead, still oozing blood that mixed with the dirt beneath him. His usually serene face was contorted in pain, even in unconsciousness.


    Cade dropped to his knees beside Gavin, ignoring the jolt of pain that shot through him as he hit the ground. His hands hovered over Gavin¡¯s body, unsure where to touch without causing more harm.


    ¡°Wake up, Gavin! Wake up!¡± Cade¡¯s voice grew louder and more frantic with each repetition, escalating from an urgent plea to a desperate roar.


    He gripped Gavin¡¯s shoulders, giving him a gentle shake that gradually became more forceful as the dread set in. Gavin¡¯s only response was a weak, pain-filled moan that seemed to come from deep within his chest. The sound was barely audible, a feeble indicator of life that did little to assuage Cade¡¯s mounting fear.


    As Cade continued his futile attempts to rouse Gavin, the weight of the situation pressed down on him. The peaceful refuge they had carved out for themselves had been violently shattered, and when he figured out who did this, he would slaughter them himself.


    Rayka, however, was still unaccounted for.


    With his frustration and fear mounting, Cade stormed into the cabin. The interior was a mess¡ªclothes and packs strewn about, a kettle whistling over the hearth, blood smears on the walls.


    But Rayka was gone.


    In a fit of rage, Cade blasted the kettle with a gust of wind, sending it crashing into the embers. He fired again, and again, and again as the rage consumed him.


    In losing Rayka, he also lost his self-control.


    ¡°Cade, get ahold of yourself!¡± Orro warned.


    The assassin had come out of nowhere. He stood in front of Cade with his hands out and his eyes wide with concern. Cade tried to shove past him, but the man didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°You¡¯re not yourself. Please, Cade, just calm down.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way,¡± Cade snapped.


    His head felt foggy. His thoughts skittered like lizards over a rock. His skin felt like it was on fire. He needed to move. He needed to wake up Gavin or Elena and ask them what had happened here.


    It was all he could think about.


    Orro placed a hand on his chest, and Cade retaliated without hesitation. He shoved his own hand forward and blasted his friend back. The assassin flew off his feet and skidded to a halt over a dozen feet away.


    Something in the back of his mind warned him that what he had just done was wrong. He tried to shake the fog, to make sense of the world again, but his anger was all-consuming.


    Cade¡¯s boots pounded into the ground as he strode toward Elena. Jer, seeming to sense the danger looming toward him, jerked his head up.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your eyes?¡± Jer asked incredulously.


    Cade ignored him. He knelt low, and Elena¡¯s puffy face greeted him. She shrank back at the sight of him, but Cade didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Cade demanded.


    Steam escaped his lips, though he felt no chill of the wind atop that cliff. Elena hesitated, her breath wet and ragged.


    Cade¡¯s patience was at an end. ¡°Where¡¯s my sister?!¡±


    Jer tensed, but Elena answered first. And with her words, Cade¡¯s world came crashing down around him.


    ¡°Hugh,¡± Elena said breathlessly. ¡°And if we don¡¯t give him the Remnant, he¡¯s going to kill her.¡±

 Chapter 49: DON’T WORRY, WE’RE PROFESSIONALS

    <h2 style="text-align: center">Chapter 49</h2>


    <h4 style="text-align: center">DON¡¯T WORRY, WE¡¯RE PROFESSIONALS</h4>


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


    Rayka was pissed.


    Granted, she wasn¡¯t nearly as pissed as Hugh¡¯s latest two hires who held her by each arm. Each of the two men sported bruises and slashes across their faces¡ªlittle welcoming gifts from when they tried to gag her. That didn¡¯t stop them from attaching shackles to her every limb, all of which were routed through the heavy iron collar she now wore.


    A small part of her was proud that it took this many chains to make them feel safe. She would have to thank Orro for those private combat lessons later.


    The two goons yanked her down another narrow alley. She could tell that they didn¡¯t want to be seen with her, which made sense given they were blatantly parading her around like a prisoner. They no doubt wanted to avoid what few patrols wandered into this district so late into the night.


    Rayka looked up. One of Elysia¡¯s taller tree-buildings stretched high above her toward the night sky. Below the wall of bark and iron, an unremarkable steel-framed door reflected a single lantern¡¯s glow. The cold surface of the door filled her with foreboding, but she did her best to put a damper on such thoughts.


    Clear minds conquer, Rayka reminded herself.


    It was immediately obvious to Rayka that this was not the main entrance. Or, if it was, it was truly mediocre.


    ¡°Ooh, fancy!¡± Rayka drawled sarcastically as she raised a petite eyebrow at the sturdy door they marched toward.


    ¡°Shut it!¡± the man she was pretty sure was named Bree demanded.


    ¡°Good one, brother!¡± the other man congratulated.


    ¡°Thank you. I was quite proud of that one. Felt very sinister when I said it,¡± Bree commented with a nod of his head.


    ¡°It was very sinister,¡± Rayka added with a bright smile and ice in her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you¡ª¡± Bree began but the other man shook his head.


    ¡°She¡¯s making fun of us, Bree. Don¡¯t fall for it again,¡± Bree¡¯s brother whispered far too loudly to be effective.


    Rayka sighed.


    ¡°Idiots,¡± she breathed.


    Adjusting her shoulders so that the collar dug into a different section of her skin, she forced herself to remember the tricks Cade had taught her. He¡¯d explained for far too many hours how it was possible to memorize the layout of a building just by studying its exterior. But through the pain and distant glowflake light, it was nearly impossible to gauge the exact size of this place.


    Yes, she convinced herself. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t figure it out. The lighting, and not that boring lecture he made me endure¡­ twice.


    Rayka¡¯s gut writhed as a pit formed there. She would get out of this. She would escape whatever foul prison they put her in.


    The unmistakable blend of sweat and perfume wafted from some unseen window far above, settling down on them like morning dew on grass. It left her feeling oddly soggy¡ªa feeling she immediately despised.


    But only one business was open this late and smelled like that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡± Rayka hissed through gritted teeth. She lifted her chin, unwilling to let despair settle in.


    Steel hinges cried in protest as the door was yanked open. Rayka spotted two more guards within the warm glow of the building. They wore sleeveless leather jerkins embossed with reds and pinks.


    ¡°Is this someone¡¯s house?¡± Rayka asked Bree¡¯s brother on her left.


    ¡°Shut your mouth before I bleed it dry, girl,¡± he retorted.


    ¡°Sorry, I couldn¡¯t hear you over your black eye. Could you speak up?¡± Rayka requested with enough false earnestness that both of her captors hesitated.


    ¡°Did she really not hear you?¡± Bree whispered.


    ¡°I thought I enunciated properly. Did you hear me okay?¡± Bree¡¯s brother inquired in what Rayka could only describe as an insecure whine.


    ¡°I did. I don¡¯t know how she misheard you, Bron,¡± Bree replied.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Bron said, and Rayka¡¯s chains were yanked back yet again.


    She let out a low curse at the jarring halt, made worse by the ungodly stench of Bron¡¯s mouth as he leaned in and pointed a finger at her face.


    ¡°Were you making fun of us again?!¡± Bron shouted loudly enough to echo across the alleyway.


    A cool wind kicked through the tight space, sending a chill up Rayka¡¯s spine. She merely smiled tantalizingly, raising a single eyebrow at the bearded man.


    Rage flickered to life behind her captor¡¯s eyes, and he raised a fist.


    It started to glow.


    ¡°Why, you¡ª¡± Bron started, but a heavy hand gripped his shoulder tightly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take it from here,¡± A low and melodic voice declared, halting Bron¡¯s outburst. ¡°This prisoner is under George¡¯s protection now. You can leave.¡±


    Bree, Bron, and Rayka all turned as one to peer up at the mountain of muscle that now blocked their way. The leather jerkin he wore contoured over his chiseled chest, and a strong jaw cut across his smooth face.


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    Bron shoved the hand off, but it was clearly a struggle for the rugged warrior.


    ¡°And who the hell are you?¡± he asked the man blocking their way.


    ¡°I am Jedidiah,¡± the man said. ¡°Now, leave before I am forced to make you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, brother,¡± Bree whispered loudly. ¡°Hugh said to bring her to this entrance, and then George¡¯s people would pick her up. Let¡¯s just go.¡±


    Bron hesitated, fury still evident in his gaze.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t over!¡± Bron shouted, his finger pointed directly at Jedidiah. ¡°I didn¡¯t lose, okay?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you say,¡± Rayka sneered at the cold-hearted bastard. She might not be able to get back at him for what he did to her teammates, but pettiness was a pretty good place to start.


    Bron cursed loudly at her, but his brother pulled him by the arm back up the alley.


    Rayka turned to the small giant. ¡°Thanks for getting rid of them. Do you take bribes?¡±


    Jedidiah laughed. It was a low, rumbling, sound that washed over Rayka¡¯s frayed nerves. He smiled warmly down at her. With surprisingly gentle movements, he grabbed her by the hand and led her into the large tree building. When the steel door shut behind her, the soft crackle of powerful enchantments buzzed to life across it.


    Shit, Rayka thought bitterly. There goes my first exit strategy.


    Iron crashed to the floor, and relief swept over Rayka as her chains were removed. She rubbed at her wrists, already annoyed at the blisters forming there.


    ¡°Thanks again. So, about that bribe?¡± Rayka asked Jedidiah.


    The female guard standing in front of her laughed in much the same way Jedidiah had.


    ¡°Oh, honey!¡± the guard said as she wiped a tear from her eye. ¡°You couldn¡¯t afford our bribes if you worked here for a couple of years! Trust me, bribing us would be harder than escaping The Night Ladies¡¯ Court, and escaping is impossible.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Jedidiah added as he picked up Rayka¡¯s chains like they weighed nothing. ¡°Every year, the nobles we kidnap for ransom always get it in their heads to try and escape. So annoying.¡±


    The massive man shook his head sadly.


    ¡°You guys do this a lot?¡± Rayka inquired as the female guard gently pushed her forward.


    Rayka memorized the red velvet carpet and intricately carved walls. Bark-like patterns blended seamlessly with murals of all sorts of lecherous activities.


    ¡°Why would a brothel need to ransom off nobility?¡± Rayka asked, hoping her guess at what this place was¡ªand who they thought she was¡ªwere right.


    ¡°Money,¡± the two guards said in unison, then shared a knowing look.


    ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll follow me this way,¡± the woman inquired politely.


    Rayka took in the stocky guard. She had shoulder length brown hair, a jerkin, and what appeared to be an enchanted baton of some kind. Her stance spoke of battle while her smile proclaimed a quiet dignity.


    None of this was what she was expecting.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Rayka answered, trying to see if there were any valuables or weapons she might slip into her hand along the way.


    They moved through the long carpeted hallway, taking what she guessed were staff corridors up through the floors of the impressive facility. Stairs twisted around tight pillars, and soon Rayka¡¯s mind ached with the mental map she was attempting to keep straight.


    This place was a labyrinth.


    The only thing she was sure of was that each floor was themed. There was a gambling den, a pleasure hall, and what might¡¯ve been a series of pools on another. She caught glimpses of gorgeous mortals of all races lounging with equally undressed guests, chatting and drinking despite the late hour. Or, perhaps, because of it.


    ¡°Here we are!¡± Jedidiah exclaimed.


    He led the way down a line of suites, each with their door frame enchanted much like the steel door far below them. Locked. Guarded.


    Trapped.


    The muscular warrior opened the door, and the guardswoman prodded Rayka into the massive room. Rayka gasped. It was an opulent bedroom, filled with cushions and silken drapery. A separate door off to the left belied a washbasin and possibly even a plumbed bathroom. Expensive indeed.


    ¡°Do you treat all kidnapped noblewomen like this?¡± Rayka inquired with her best high-society accent.


    ¡°Some of them get adjoining rooms if they¡¯re related,¡± Jedidiah explained with a lazy shrug.


    ¡°Or if they¡¯re bored,¡± the guardswoman added with a dry laugh.


    ¡°Ring that bell if you need anything!¡± Jedidiah proclaimed far too happily. ¡°We¡¯re kidnappers, not savages. Don¡¯t worry. George will make sure whoever you belong to gets notified with the bill of your safe recovery by first light! We do this all the time, so just sit back and relax!¡±


    ¡°...thanks,¡± Rayka answered with narrowed eyes.


    They shut the door behind them, and the wards over the door hummed into existence.


    Rayka studied her new room. It really was extremely nice, all soft edges and sensuous textures. If this was how she was to suffer until she figured a way out of this place, she could live with that.


    Her throat started to itch. Scratching at her neck, she began to walk along the edge of this expansive suite, locked windows on the opposite wall letting in the evening glow of this forested metropolis. She looked for hidden lockboxes, items she could use as weapons, or anything else of use.


    Despite the shiny first impression she¡¯d had of her new prison cell, it was still that.


    A cell.


    Rayka tried to imagine how she might strangle someone with the silk drapes, the itch in her throat worsening. Her breath quickened.


    ¡°What the¡ª¡± Rayka rasped, suddenly unable to inhale fully. It was like a massive boulder was laying atop her lungs.


    ¡°Done pretending to be some doe-eyed noblewoman?¡± a sinister voice inquired from somewhere behind Rayka.


    She whirled, though the motion sent stars flying across her vision. Her throat burned.


    The man stepped out of the shadows so thick she hadn¡¯t noticed them before. His scarred face, gray beard, and wicked smile told her all she needed to know in a single heartbeat.


    Hugh.


    His hand was outstretched with the palm opened to the ceiling. Green magic swirled across it, vibrant in the dim light of the room.


    ¡°You¡­ bastard!¡± Rayka tried to bellow, but her voice came out in ragged gasps.


    Hugh¡¯s wind magic whirled more quickly across his hand, and Rayka realized he was the one suffocating her.


    He was stealing her life away¡ªand he was smiling.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s have a chat, you and I,¡± Hugh growled, low and mocking.


    His thick accent grated on her nerves like a long-forgotten nightmare, dredging up old memories of his malice¡ªruthlessness he¡¯d hidden so well under pragmatism and results.


    Hugh leaned in, and Rayka fought the bile that rose in her throat, even as she struggled to catch her breath.


    ¡°What is Cade searching for beneath the arena?¡± Hugh inquired as if they were discussing the weather.


    Rayka lashed out at him, but her blow went wide. Hugh dodged easily, but she counted on that. Telegraphed it for him. She kicked out, faster than before, catching his head with her own. Warm blood trickled down the traitor¡¯s forehead, and Rayka smiled.


    Hugh squeezed his hand into a fist, and pain erupted through Rayka¡¯s body. Blackness encroached on the edges of her vision.


    ¡°Tell me what you know, bitch, and I¡¯ll make it stop,¡± Hugh spat. ¡°Where is the Remnant? I know he searches for it. Tell me where it is, and this can all end.¡±


    ¡°Fuck¡­ you,¡± Rayka croaked.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Hugh said with a sigh. ¡°The hard way it is.¡±


    But Rayka spotted the glimmer there.


    The gleam of manic satisfaction.


    He was enjoying this.


    Hugh twisted his fist in the air, and Rayka¡¯s body shuddered with pain. She collapsed to the floor, the rug beneath her unable to soften the agony that swept through every inch of her body.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try this again, girl,¡± Hugh sneered.


    And so Rayka¡¯s nightmare truly began.

 Chapter 50: A SPIDER’S WEB

    <h2 style="text-align: center">Chapter 50</h2>


    <h4 style="text-align: center">A SPIDER¡¯S WEB</h4>


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


    ¡°Three,¡± Nora commented to Evie, who sat across from her in the small cafe they¡¯d found a few hours earlier.


    ¡°Really?!¡± Evie squealed.


    The siren lifted onto the tips of her toes as she leaned over the garden box anchored to the balcony next to them. Other cafe patrons tilted their heads at her outburst, but Evie paid them no mind. Nora scanned them for threats or anything that might give this mission some excitement, but all of the locals quickly lost interest.


    Damn, Nora thought as she pinched the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°Wait, I only count two guards napping. Where¡¯s the third?¡± Evie inquired, and Nora lifted her head from where it was perched on her hand.


    ¡°Look, over there,¡± Nora said as she gestured to the sprawling Pennyweather bank that sat like a massive spider across the bustling intersection. Its many halls and enchanted barriers lanced through the otherwise organic style of architecture that surrounded it.


    Dozens of guards patrolled its many grooves and crevices, some above on the roof while others marched along its patterned edges.


    It was secure, of that she had no doubt. But there were too many guards, and too little for them to do. It was the most common misconception she¡¯d encountered as sect leader.


    Without purpose, without a clearly defined function, guards grow bored. Lazy.


    Nora privately reprimanded her sleep-deprived mind for nearly succumbing to the same temptation that inspired this little game.


    ¡°Nor! The stars said a fourth guard is asleep behind that large pillar!¡± Evie exclaimed.


    Nora leveled a flat look on her copper ranked friend.


    ¡°What? It¡¯s not like I asked them for help. They just speak, and I listen.¡±


    Nora raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be like that. See, look, I can brood too,¡± Evie retorted defensively.


    The petite woman sat down with a loud huff and scowled fiercely at Nora.


    Nora couldn¡¯t help but grin at the earnest attempt. Evie¡¯s scowl deepened. A pitiful growl¡ªone Nora was sure Evie believed to be intimidating¡ªescaped from the young siren¡¯s throat.


    The paladin¡¯s grin widened, and the sharp edges of her thoughts dulled.


    Nora sighed heavily and returned her attention to the bank, though her mouth watered for the second time in as many hours from the crisp aroma of tart jellies and sea salt baked into the pastries this cafe offered.


    Evie wiped her chin of the powdered sugar left there from the fluffy doughnut she¡¯d devoured just moments before.


    ¡°You going to finish that, Nor?¡± Evie asked while she gestured a dainty finger at the final slices of buttered sourdough left on their marked wood platter.


    ¡°Go right ahead, Birdie,¡± Nora replied.


    She surreptitiously touched the edges of her red lips, ensuring that her face was indeed clean of the rich jelly she¡¯d requested from the baker. She lifted her tea so dark and steeped it could¡¯ve been confused for ale to her lips and took a long pull as she watched the guards across the street.


    Five, Nora counted now. Gods, whoever runs this place seriously needs to check on the discipline of their warriors. Now, if they created a merit system where each guard could earn better patrols or gear by keeping others accountable, that level of competitiveness might be able to compensate for¡ª


    ¡°Nora!¡± Evie hissed, shocking the paladin from her thoughts. ¡°There!¡±


    Nora turned her head, blinking out the boredom from her eyes as best she could. She followed Evelyn¡¯s trembling finger, expecting to find yet another lax guard.


    She was wrong.


    Nora¡¯s wicker chair groaned its protest as she leaned forward, unable to believe what she was seeing.


    ¡°Lyla,¡± Nora breathed.


    As they watched, the Fateweaver paladin strode purposefully toward the bank, her golden armor shining. Nora cursed under her breath and leaned even farther forward to get a better view.


    Lyla approached the first checkpoint of six guards, with an additional two checkpoints with all sorts of impressive wards coating each one. Nora was sure through their hours waiting for that winter elf to show that no one¡ªno one¡ªgot into the bank without being reviewed, assessed, and notated on some shared system. Despite the laziness they had observed along the periphery of this complex security, it was still airtight.


    No one got in without a card.


    ¡°What are you up to?¡± Nora asked the air between herself and her venomous colleague.


    They watched as Lyla haughtily approached the entrance, only to be stopped by one of the guards.


    ¡°What¡¯s she doing here?¡± Evie wondered aloud.


    Nora¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Whatever it is, it can¡¯t be good.¡±


    Lyla¡¯s conversation with the guard quickly escalated into a heated argument. Her gestures were sharp and aggressive, while the guard¡¯s patience visibly wore thin. Nora and Evie watched as Lyla¡¯s frustration boiled over, her voice rising in anger. Even across the busy crossroads of this Elysian district, Nora could hear the shrill edge of Lyla¡¯s indignation.


    Gods, how she hated that sound. It had been used during her entire stay with the Fateweavers, often opening doors otherwise shut to those deemed unworthy. Where Nora fought and bled to be recognized, Lyla had always wormed her way in, whining and persuading her way up the ranks.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°She¡¯s not getting in,¡± Evie observed, noting the guard¡¯s firm stance.


    Nora¡¯s loose black hair was tousled by the wind, and she tucked it behind an ear as she strained to hear the exchange.


    All to fit into the crowd, she realized a warrior¡¯s braid might draw the wrong attention from those with discerning gazes.


    Two more guards stepped forward, redirecting the irate Fateweaver paladin away from the main entrance. Lyla placed a threatening hand on the pommel of her sword, and the guards went from barely tolerant to hostile in a single heartbeat. Three more guards slipped from the shadows, encircling Lyla before she could react.


    Nora had to admit: it was oddly satisfying to see the true coordination of this bank security put to work. All of the laziness she¡¯d observed earlier was nothing more than a ruse, Nora decided. The guards who treated their job nonchalantly were plants for people like them who observed the exterior of this massive facility.


    Clever, Nora thought as she watched.


    Lyla cursed and¡ªto both Nora and Evie¡¯s shock and delight¡ªraised a rather un-paladin gesture to the gathered warriors before she shoved them aside and retreated down the stairs of the birchwood fortress. Nora grazed a finger down the side of her greatsword¡¯s sizable sheath, considering. Her expression became stony while her eyes followed Lyla¡¯s sulking form reenter the lively streets of Elysia.


    ¡°This is our chance,¡± Nora said, a plan forming in her mind. ¡°We need to follow her.¡±


    Evie glanced at her, sensing the urgency.


    She swallowed hard and bit at her lower lip. Her green eyes reflected the afternoon¡¯s sun, two emeralds filled with concern in the middle of that bakery.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Evie said slowly. ¡°But we retreat if the stars warn me, okay?¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Nora replied. And she meant it.


    Nora dropped a few extra coppers on their table, because damn had those jelly doughnuts been a shred of heaven. Together they slipped out of the bakery.


    Holding to the shadows as best they could, Nora and Evie blended into the crowd as they began to trail Lyla. The streets of Elysia were bustling with activity, the sounds and smells of the city enveloping them as they moved.


    Nora turned sideways and passed between two carriages drawn by horses coated with the rainbow scales of the merpeople. Instead of neighing, the prismatically colored hydrohorse blew out steam from its nostrils.


    She forced herself to focus and resisted the urge to brush a finger down the majestic creature¡¯s long neck and sturdy chest. Behind her, Evie held no such reservations and openly petted the large pack animal. The beast shifted its long snout and blew a pleasant burst of steam into her friend¡¯s face, who giggled like a child at the attention.


    ¡°Oy, ladies!¡± the carriage driver yelled as he leaned off of his seat to address them. ¡°If you love hydrohorses so much, go get yer own!¡±


    His massive woven hat reminded Nora of an umbrella, and it nearly toppled off to the side as he fought to keep his charges from ramming into the other carriage. Nora waved her apologies, and the two of them quickened their pace to find Lyla.


    ¡°There,¡± Evie said, pointing.


    Nora turned in that direction, catching a flicker of a blond ponytail and the warm glow of gold. When she looked at Evie, though, her head was tilted to the side even as she hummed something under her breath.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Nora inquired while her right hand brushed the pommel of her obsidian greatsword.


    ¡°The spider brewed elixirs of life and glory,¡± Evie sang suddenly though her eyes brimmed with tears.


    Nora rushed for her tome and began to notate the verses. People walked around them, a few grumbling about the rudeness of tourists.


    Nora drowned them all out, eyes shifting between her book and the retreating form of Lyla. Unwilling to lose the latter for the former, she pulled Evie by the hand even while she continued to sing.


    ¡°Her friends came from far and wide


    to drink and learn the roads to stay alive.


    But the spider grew tired of brewing


    And so she started brooding


    Life extended sought, but poison bought.


    She drank while they all died.¡±


    Nora¡¯s skin tingled, and she fought to keep herself from trembling. Evie shook her head, and the glazed expression she bore dissipated like dew in the desert. Nora recorded the short verse quickly and then lifted her eyes just in time to see their target disappear down an alley to their left.


    As they hurried through the crowded streets of Elysia, Nora''s mind raced, trying to process the haunting melody that had just spilled from Evie''s lips. The siren''s voice, though choked with tears, had carried a power that sent shivers down Nora''s spine. She''d heard many of Evie''s prophetic songs before, but this one felt different¡ªdarker, more ominous.


    Of all her options, Nora figured this had to be about the tournament. About Life, making her little mortals dance for her.


    The image of a spider brewing elixirs stuck in Nora''s mind, a grotesque metaphor that she couldn''t shake. She pondered the identity of the spider¡ªperhaps a person, or even a deity. And those who came to drink, she speculated, could be participants in the tournament. The final lines echoed in her thoughts:


    ¡°Life extended sought, but poison bought. She drank while they all died.¡±


    The words carried a weight of foreboding that settled in the pit of her stomach. Whatever trials lay ahead in the tournament, Nora sensed that they would be facing dangers far beyond what they had anticipated. As she guided Evie through the bustling crowd, Nora silently vowed to decipher the song''s meaning. Their lives might very well depend on it.


    ¡°Good job, Birdie. You can rest.¡± Nora squeezed her siren¡¯s shoulder lightly, then replaced her tome in its protective case at her hip.


    The lyrics chilled her to the bone, made worse by the haunted eyes that they left in her best friend. Rage replaced her unnerved spirit, and a slow smile grew on her lips. It was a vicious, ruthless visage to behold, and a few pedestrians going in the opposite direction veered to the other side of the street.


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s time to catch a backstabbing bitch,¡± Nora muttered under her breath as she unsheathed her greatsword.


    She stepped into the alley first, expecting that behind every weathered barrel and chipping crate Lyla and her Fateweavers would jump out and seize them. But with each step, the only thing that greeted her suspicions was silence save for the soft pattering of rats as they raced toward a sewer grate. The leather of her boots scraped softly against the slick alley floor, her greatsword held close to her chest in a defensive form.


    ¡°Nor,¡± Evie whispered hurriedly, her face growing pale as she tugged on the hem of Nora¡¯s jerkin. ¡°The stars. They are crying. Someone is making them scared. I think it¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough of that, Evelyn dear,¡± A low and husky voice called out from the alley¡¯s entrance. ¡°You always ruin my fun just as it¡¯s getting interesting.¡±


    Nora and Evie whirled to see the silhouette of a seductively dressed woman as she played with a curved ring shaped like a raven¡¯s beak. More raven beaks clacked together as pendants on a long and dainty chain across her sizable chest. The woman sauntered forward, the sway of her hips honed to tantalize mortal and god alike.


    ¡°Morana,¡± Nora and Evie whispered at the same time, the name more a curse than a greeting.


    ¡°Me,¡± Morana stated with a cruel smile.


    With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the two of them like school children caught sneaking away from class.


    ¡°It¡¯s time we talked about your insolence, little Evie,¡± Morana droned.


    Ropes shot out from every direction in the alley, each aglow with blue flames as they wrapped around the pair of them. Nora¡¯s greatsword swung in quick cuts, but the narrow alley made her usual grace and momentum impossible.


    Dozens of the wiry cords dug into their arms and chests, tightening relentlessly. Nora bellowed as Morana whipped the butt of a wicked dagger against Evie¡¯s temple.


    Morana smiled lazily.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been very naughty, sister,¡± Morana said right as Lyla appeared behind them, arms crossed as a triumphant grin spread across her face.


    ¡°It¡¯s time we brought this heretic to justice, don¡¯t you think?¡± Lyla spoke, all of her earlier frustration and rage gone like the mask it had probably been.


    This was a trap¡ªone Nora didn¡¯t even see coming. She had underestimated Lyla, and it was a mistake that could cost her and Evie¡¯s lives.


    The last thing Nora saw as a steely wire choked her into oblivion was that smile¡ªthe smile of a spider who had just caught her prey.

 Chapter 51: WHAT YOU REALLY ARE

    <h2 style="text-align: center">Chapter 51</h2>


    <h4 style="text-align: center">WHAT YOU REALLY ARE</h4>


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


    ¡°Strike her, paladin.¡±


    The word clanged through the frozen air, tensing every muscle in Nora¡¯s body.


    Something cold and metallic slammed into her jaw. Stars sparked across her vision, and she saw double for several long seconds. A rope of blue flames kept her from falling out of the wood chair she was tied to.


    Azureflame rope.


    Just dandy.


    This was a Fateweavers staple, an expensive and precious detaining item that bound her not just physically, but magically.


    Consciousness ebbed and flowed as she blinked out the stars that filled her vision. She immediately regretted it. A figure stood in front of her, though she was a mirage of silk and clacking bones.


    Where¡ª, Nora tried to think, but the omen of pain returned.


    ¡°The chest this time.¡±


    The steely instrument smashed into her exposed chest, her flesh bruising against the wet impact. Her ribs strained against the punishment, but she gritted her teeth through the pain. Through the confusion.


    Through the dread.


    ¡°Missed a spot,¡± Nora hissed through bloodied teeth at her tormentor.


    Another strike, this one to her kneecap.


    There was a soft splatter of liquid against the stony ground underfoot, and Nora felt bile rise up her throat when she noticed small pieces attached to the captor¡¯s gauntleted fist.


    She could barely breathe, much less focus on what was going on. Nora caught brief glimpses of her surroundings. Clay pots. Glass roof. The smell of rich soil and blossoming herbs and flowers. Blue flames licking at her skin from the ropes that bound her. The iron tang of blood in her mouth and nose.


    Pain.


    She knew it well. She considered it one of her oldest friends and recognized it in its many, many, forms.


    This pain was twofold. The first was the sizzling pain of that infamous blue-flame rope. It dug into her body as well as her magical pathways, blocking them and causing pressure to grow inside of her. Fortunately, she only had a silver core, otherwise the draining of her magic and strength would¡¯ve been much worse.


    The other pain was what she saw in her periphery. It nagged at her mind for attention, but a part of her knew that the second she turned that faint awareness to conscious thought, her world would fall apart. But like the first pain, she knew that facing it was far preferable to ignoring it outright.


    She would not be afraid. She would never let fear control her again.


    She looked.


    Evie hung suspended by thick iron manacles inside a cage made of gold. Its bars extended upward where they bent and curved into a cylindrical center. She knew the shape, recognizing it immediately. Nora wanted to scream obscenities at her captors for this petty insult. For this injustice.


    Evie¡ªher Evie¡ªwas locked inside a bird cage.


    ¡°You like that?¡± Morana inquired as she sauntered forward from the shadows.


    The raised garden bed where she leaned possessed a dozen different species of flowers and herbs. A greenhouse, Nora realized. They were in some abandoned greenhouse. And given the obsession this city had with all things that grow, she doubted anyone would find them here¡­


    ¡­Wherever here was.


    Morana¡¯s revealing dress remained unmarked and unblemished, which contrasted her tormentor¡¯s bloodied garbs in every conceivable way. The clouds above the greenhouse shifted, and the moon¡¯s light illuminated Lyla, covered in Nora¡¯s blood.


    ¡°I thought it fitting.¡± Morana¡¯s husky voice was like a dagger¡¯s tip sliding across her exposed neck. ¡°Justice for the deserving, isn¡¯t it? This is what you do to bad Birdies, after all.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve made quite a name for yourself, traitor.¡± Lyla flicked her wrist, and the gauntlet she wore relinquished some of the gore it possessed. ¡°I¡¯ve got to admit it feels good seeing you like this, Lancaster.¡±


    It was only then that Nora noticed the full absence of her clothes, blade, or any covering at all. It was just her, the enchanted ropes, and the wooden chair that dug into her back.


    She tried to curse, but her split lip made it difficult. Still, she decided it was worth the effort. Her dark brown eyes glared at Lyla with enough ferocity to shatter mountains.


    ¡°Damn you, Lyla. Damn you!¡± The words felt good, even if the pain they caused in her mouth didn¡¯t.


    Morana laughed at her defiance like it was cute to watch. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be like that, Nora! You knew this would come, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    The dark siren prowled around the cage, her raven ring clinking against the gold bars in a haunting rhythm. Evie didn¡¯t stir. Nora had known this foul oracle had always been cruel, but prolonged exposure to Scorn¡¯s influence couldn¡¯t have improved that malicious streak. Now, without the oversight of the Fateweavers, Morana was unhinged. Untethered.


    And that made her all the more dangerous.


    ¡°What did you expect? To remain anonymous while you fought in front of tens of thousands of eager and interested people?¡± Morana drawled and clicked her tongue. ¡°Did you think that your descriptions weren¡¯t relayed to every Fateweaver branch on the continent the same day you decided to disrupt fate?¡±


    Scorn¡¯s oracle strode forward and leaned over Nora¡¯s bruised form. She used a perfectly manicured finger to tuck some of Nora¡¯s hair behind her ear. The paladin tried to bite off the invading limb, but her restraints were too tight.


    With every breath she took, the blue flames ate away at her core¡¯s reserves. She was fading, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.


    ¡°How arrogant do you have to be to think that fighting in the thrice-cursed Tournament of Life was the best way to gain enough clout to either evade or overcome us? Did you even look into how few have survived these bloody trials?¡± Morana asked, and she laughed at Nora¡¯s fiery glare.


    ¡°Mind if I get back to my fun?¡± Lyla asked impatiently.


    The blue and white Fateweaver emblem on her chest plate was stained with red. Morana stood to her full height and traced a raven-beak ring across Nora¡¯s torn cheeks.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush,¡± Morana requested sweetly. ¡°I want her to be alive just long enough for her to see me remove Evie¡¯s will.¡±


    As she said this, Morana pulled a vial from a thin leather pouch set onto a nearby workbench. Other vials glowed softly as the moon arced its path across the sky overhead.


    ¡°Trust me. I won¡¯t,¡± Lyla promised, and she raised her fist. ¡°Now, tell me. Where is Wavebreaker?¡±


    For some reason, the threatening question was hilarious to Nora. She laughed, knowing the truth would just sound like defiance, but she gave it anyway.


    ¡°A lake ate it. Good luck getting it back.¡± Nora smiled, her teeth dyed with her own blood.


    Lyla cursed and punched so hard that Nora nearly fell unconscious all over again. She clung onto her senses just long enough to see Morana drip a vial into Evie¡¯s blurry form.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Her best friend gagged and tried to spit it out, swinging wildly as she dangled from her chains, but Morana gripped her chin with shocking strength. Evie struggled for a few more moments before she couldn¡¯t hold back anymore.


    ¡°What did you give her?!¡± Nora screamed, though her voice sounded distant to her own ears.


    Lyla punched again.


    Her vision swam with red. It was all that she could see. Morana playfully tilted the golden cage, slowly swinging Evie¡¯s limp form.


    ¡°What did you give her?!¡± Nora roared.


    ¡°Oh, just a little something made for sirens who disobey.¡± Morana¡¯s smile was bone-chilling. ¡°It takes a little while to work, but it¡¯s worth the wait. Destiny commanded me to make it some time ago so that he could eke out the truth from his naughty children like Evie here.¡±


    Nora threw herself forward, but the chair and ropes kept her from doing more than moving an inch closer to her companion. Lyla¡¯s fist slammed into her sternum, metal biting into bone and skin with ease.


    ¡°Where is Wavebreaker?!¡± Lyla demanded hotly.


    Morana met her gaze while she ignored Lyla¡¯s silent demand to shut up. ¡°Your little Birdie is coming back with us, Nora Lancaster. And by the time I¡¯m done, she¡¯ll be an obedient little thing, unable to do anything but what we tell her. Sit here, prophecy there. You know the drill. Then Prosperity can finally get his new pet.¡±


    Nora could see it now¡ªEvie forced to become a shade of who she once was. Subservient. Docile. No more racing through flower beds after midnight. No more songs about rivers or bears, or ridiculous metaphors, or giggles beneath her pillow forts.


    No more laughter.


    Color drained from Nora¡¯s vision, and a cold chill crawled up her spine that had nothing to do with her nakedness.


    Her eyes went blank. Lyla punched her in the face with a wicked haymaker, but she hardly noticed. The blue flames that licked across her bare skin flickered slightly. More color drained from the environment.


    It started on the edges of this abandoned greenhouse. Flowers lost their various shades of pinks and yellow and purples. Their green stalks turned gray, but they didn¡¯t wither.


    No.


    The color wasn¡¯t fading.


    It was fleeing.


    Nora finally relinquished her decade-long hold on her core entirely. Even when Evie had been kidnapped, she had only let out a small portion of its power. She had kept it subdued. Hidden.


    No more.


    Nora had refused to assist its growth for so long, terrified of both where it came from as much as what it meant that she had it. Still, the traitorous core had grown. It was like an endless ocean of power, though her core could only use a tiny morsel at a time. The vastness of what it could grow to be was almost as daunting as the power itself.


    As well as what answered her call each time it slipped out of her.


    But the time for half measures was long gone. Nora¡¯s eyes fixated on Morana. The dark siren giggled while she spun Evie¡¯s loose form in circles. The power in her continued to spread, copper tendrils interlaced with a few flashes of silver the only indicator that she was casting her magic.


    Nora didn¡¯t look away this time. She didn¡¯t clench her eyes to the horror she knew she was about to unleash. She wouldn¡¯t repeat her mistakes that day nearly a decade ago. She would face it. She would meet that abyssal gaze again if it meant she could save Evie from this fate.


    The blue flames flickered again, this time enough for Lyla to halt in her vengeful barrage on Nora¡¯s body.


    ¡°What are you doing, Lancaster? Stop it!¡± Lyla twisted her hips and landed a vicious uppercut into Nora¡¯s jaw.


    Her teeth rattled in her mouth, and her head whipped backward. Still, she clung onto her consciousness like a drowning woman clutching a shard of lumber. She would not fail now.


    Morana finally noticed Nora¡¯s attention and turned slowly on her heels. In the darkness, the wind that blew through this encapsulated environment felt unnatural. Forced.


    Stars above began to blink furiously as power started to escape Evie¡¯s form, only to be absorbed by Morana. The dark siren moaned in ecstasy as Evelyn¡¯s magic was drained. It exited Evie¡¯s gaping mouth in slow droves, bits of gold and copper wisps fleeing with it. Though it was hard to tell in the poor light, Nora thought Evie looked more gaunt than she ever had.


    That was the final straw.


    Nora''s gaze finally locked onto Lyla, the world around them bleeding into monochromatic shades of gray. The vibrant life of the greenhouse faded, leaving only stark shadows and ghostly silhouettes. Lyla''s chest plate rose and fell in rapid succession, sweat caking her sharp features. The blood staining her jerkin appeared black as pitch in this colorless realm.


    ¡°What... what are you?¡± Lyla whispered, her face a mask of abject terror.


    The blue flames that had bound Nora flickered and died, plunging the greenhouse into an unnatural darkness. But for Nora, the darkness held no secrets. Her awakened core granted her sight beyond sight, revealing a world writhing with shadowy tendrils and whispers from beyond the veil.


    She inhaled slowly, the air thick with the acrid scent of fear and decay. The ropes, now devoid of their magical essence, went loose. Her blood-soaked body became far more exposed, but she didn¡¯t care. Modesty was a distant concern, overshadowed by the all-consuming need to reach the golden cage where her purpose hung suspended.


    Nora rose, her movements fluid and unnatural. The dozens of wounds that marred her flesh screamed in protest, but pain was a mere whisper compared to the roaring tempest of power surging through her veins. Each step she took left ghostly afterimages, as if reality itself struggled to contain her presence.


    She glided towards the frozen Lyla, who stood transfixed like prey before a predator. The golden paladin''s eyes darted wildly across Nora''s form, taking in the ripped flesh, the bruises that seemed to pulse with an inner darkness, and the ethereal quality that clung to her like a shroud.


    ¡°You''re a¡ª¡± Lyla sputtered, her feet scrabbling backwards on the stone floor. ¡°You¡¯re a Dreadcaller.¡±


    The word hung in the air, a name Nora had buried deep within the recesses of her soul. It clawed its way out of Lyla''s throat, a curse that seemed to darken the very air around them, her eyes wide with recognition as she stared into the bottomless void of Nora''s gaze.


    In a movement too swift for mortal eyes to follow, Nora''s hand shot forward. Her thumb pressed against Lyla''s forehead, fingers splayed across the paladin''s skull like the legs of a spider.


    Nora was the Dreadcaller awakened, a force of nature unleashed upon the world, and she was far from finished.


    ¡°Scream.¡±


    Nora''s voice was a symphony of terror, a cacophony of otherworldly whispers and screams layered beneath her own. The command reverberated through the air, shaking the very foundations of reality.


    Power surged from Nora''s core, a tidal wave of shadow and malice that crashed into Lyla''s mind. It was more than magic; it was the essence of nightmares given form, the embodiment of every primal fear that lurked in the darkest corners of the soul.


    Inky tendrils of darkness lanced from Nora''s palm, seeping into every orifice of Lyla''s face. They slithered into her eyes, turning the whites to pools of midnight. They wormed their way into her ears, filling her head with the maddening whispers of ancient, forgotten entities. They forced their way past her lips and nostrils, a violating intrusion that tainted her very breath with the essence of dread.


    The air around them grew heavy, reality itself seeming to warp and twist under the onslaught of Nora''s unleashed power. Shadows danced and writhed on the walls, taking on monstrous forms that leered at the edges of perception. The temperature plummeted, frost forming on the nearby plants as they withered and died, their life force sucked away by the vacuum of Nora''s magic.


    A small part of Nora recoiled at the sheer vileness of what she was doing, at the violation of natural law and human will. But that voice was drowned out by the roaring tide of power and purpose that consumed her.


    In this moment, she was more than human, more than a mere magic user. She was a conduit for forces beyond mortal comprehension, an avatar of terror itself.


    Lyla''s scream was a thing of pure, unadulterated horror. It started as a high-pitched wail of fear and quickly devolved into something inhuman, a sound that no mortal should be capable of producing. It echoed through the greenhouse, shattering glass and causing the very stones to tremble.


    As the scream faded, replaced by the pitiful whimpers of a mind pushed beyond its breaking point, Nora stood unmoved. Her black eyes, bottomless pools of night, reflected no emotion.


    ¡°Run,¡± Nora ordered. ¡°Run away, little coward.¡±


    Nora could instinctively feel her voice take hold of her enemy¡¯s mind. While she couldn¡¯t see the nightmares that were emerging in Lyla¡¯s vision, she could easily sense the fear they caused. She let go of the paladin¡¯s head and flicked a clawed hand to the side. Lyla wailed until her voice cracked, and she scrambled in the direction Nora waved.


    The paladin ran like the coward she was, and Nora couldn¡¯t have cared less where the broken woman went.


    Silvery tendrils smoked off her body as Nora turned her attention to the gold cage. Morana was nowhere to be seen, nor was the leather pouch filled with those cursed vials. She stumbled toward her limp friend, the fight exiting her bones as rapidly as it had arrived.


    She hated herself for delaying, but she did a small circuit around the greenhouse just to guarantee the dark siren was truly gone. She saw her clothes and sword propped against one of the doors leading out of this place, but she only grabbed her sword. Finally armed, she walked over to the birdcage and threw the golden gate open, the metal creaking ominously as she entered.


    With what remained of her strength, she swung at the iron chains. A mighty crash echoed throughout the glass greenhouse, followed by a heavy clang as Nora dropped her sword. She caught Evie with her, and the two of them collapsed to the ground.


    Smoke continued to pour from Evie¡¯s mouth, and she was paler than ever under the moonlight. Nora brushed her friend¡¯s hair behind her ears and cooed softly. The siren¡¯s pulse was slow and erratic, but at least it was still there.


    Moreover, the mist that had once flowed out of her mouth now flowed back in, and it was clear that Morana¡¯s magic couldn¡¯t work without her close by. Evie would get to keep not just her life, but her laughter.


    Thank the gods.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Birdie. I¡¯ve got you,¡± Nora repeated over and over again as she stroked Evelyn¡¯s hair. The ropes that still clung to the worn edges of her body did little to prevent the cold bite of wind that swept through the greenhouse


    The siren stirred a little but did not wake. Nora leaned back against the gold bars and closed her eyes. With her final breaths before darkness overtook her, she prayed that it wasn¡¯t too late to save Evie¡¯s will.


    As long as the siren was able to live her life¡ªher joy, her laughter, her songs¡ªevery ounce of pain Nora endured was worth it.


    Nora¡¯s eyes closed and color returned to this forgotten corner of the world. At long last, the nightmare was over, even if ending it had cost Nora her life.

 Chapter 52: THE SWAMPS

    <h2 style="text-align: center">Chapter 52</h2>


    <h4 style="text-align: center">THE SWAMPS</h4>


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


    Cold water stung Nora¡¯s open wounds, waking her from her dark slumber.


    The bone-chilling liquid sank into her flesh, flushing out the welcome relief of the dreamless sleep she¡¯d been enjoying just a moment before.


    And she had no idea where the hells she was.


    She gasped and scrambled for purchase, but the mud beneath her clutched onto her limbs like the dark embrace of some seabound monstrosity.


    Nora spluttered in the shallow waters for several breathless moments before her feet found a smooth stone beneath the surface of the murky liquid, and she managed to swing her exhausted limbs into a low crouch.


    The large ropes that had bound her the previous evening still clung to her naked body, and she noticed that a soaked cloak swam by her feet. Her vision cleared in stride with her mind, and she picked it up quickly.


    Her pulse quickened.


    The cloak was undoubtedly Evie¡¯s though it was now soiled by what she could see was swamp water. Nora cursed, pulling the heavy material over her shivering form.


    She wiped her face and eyes of the wild strands of her black hair and scanned the surroundings for Evie. Around her, dozens of squat trees billowed in a humid breeze that stank of mildew and rotting fish.


    Her nose crinkled in disgust, but she quickly tempered her senses. This was far from the first time she¡¯d been thrust into harsh environments, though in fairness she was often far better equipped and dressed for such situations.


    Cursing, she unearthed her feet from the muddy floor of the swamp she¡¯d awoken in and stomped toward a nearby patch of mossy ground. Wildgrass bit into the soft underside of her feet as she clambered onto the packed dirt, her rope and cloak dragging dangerously across the barbed flora.


    Nora shoved down her exhaustion and disorientation, compartmentalizing what needed to be done. With deft strokes, she ripped a portion of the cloak¡¯s hem and used the soggy material to tie her hair back. Nearby voices caught her attention, and she listened carefully to pinpoint where they were coming from.


    A hundred or so yards away, a familiar woman sloshed through swamp water. Nora¡¯s heart caught in her throat.


    Evie.


    The siren¡¯s movements were sluggish, made worse by the large greatsword she dragged behind her. Clumps of clothes were tucked awkwardly beneath Evie¡¯s petite arms.


    A lump formed in Nora¡¯s throat. Her best friend in the world was alive. She had made it. They had both made it. To hells with wherever they now were.


    They had made it out alive.


    Nora was about to call out to her friend when dark silhouettes emerged from behind Evie. They were some distance off, but by the way they stalked toward the siren, Nora could immediately tell they weren¡¯t here for a friendly chat.


    The paladin gritted her teeth and yanked the winding length of rope off her form right before she tied the cloak around her bruised body. She then wrapped the opposite edge of the rope around her fist and arm. With a jolt of surprise, she noticed the runes etched into the ends of the rope were still functional.


    Evie caught sight of her and waved urgently. Nora¡¯s lips tightened into a thin line, and she jumped back into the swamp water, uncaring of the energy the muddy environment stole from her limbs. Errant twigs bit into her legs and arms as she ran, and the stagnant swamp rippled chaotically in her wake.


    ¡°Nora!¡± Evie yelled as the paladin reached her best friend. ¡°I have your sword!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Birdie,¡± Nora responded but rushed past the siren without pausing. ¡°I¡¯ll be with you shortly!¡±


    Weak as she was, she didn¡¯t trust her body to handle her greatsword in this state. Rope, however, would work just fine.


    The three figures came into focus through the thick haze that encompassed this strange place. Nora wanted to scream and curse Destiny for their terrible luck. Before her were three shambling undead, each likely once human, though any distinguishing factors had long since rotted off of them.


    Their presence was a terrible omen, and Nora knew that if they were here, whoever animated them wasn¡¯t far behind. She climbed onto a semi-dry patch of earth and unfurled the enchanted rope.


    The heavy cords thudded against the ground, and she neatly tied a large knot at the far end. The figures drew closer, and she pressed the activation rune. Water sizzled against the ethereal flames. Powerful as azureflame was, the rope would likely disrupt whatever powered these corpses.


    Or, in this case, an azurelash whip.


    A Fateweaver¡¯s deadliest weapon against magic.


    ¡°Ready to die again, you foul creatures?¡± Nora whispered to her three foes.


    The zombies growled softly and lunged with erratic and wild swings. Her back foot dug into the tallgrass around her as she whipped the heavy knot forward. It slammed into the decaying teeth of the nearest undead with a wet gurgle.


    She used the momentum to retract the cord and then swing it over her head. With a yell, she flicked the rope and wrapped it around the neck of the second zombie. The blue flames burst across its crumbling form, the black rags it wore falling off in dripping fragments.


    The flames ate their way into the monster¡¯s chest, where an eerie green light sizzled and smoked under its skin. The final zombie reached her, and it screeched as it bit toward her exposed neck.


    She swerved around the lunge and then extended her arms behind her. With two swift jerks of the rope, she tied the final undead within the grasp of the blue flames. Nora stepped back, watching in dark satisfaction as the trio of abominations burned away into dust.


    ¡°Remind me to never let you fight with the azurelash again,¡± Evie said as she waded through the swamp water. ¡°That was terrifying, Nor.¡±


    Nora chuckled humorlessly and offered her hand to the siren. She took it, and together the two of them stood over the dissipating corpses. Without breaking her careful observation, Evie handed Nora the clothes and greatsword she¡¯d been carrying.


    ¡°I meant to get you in these before the trial started, but I might¡¯ve gotten a bit distracted tending to your wounds,¡± Evie explained with a light blush on her cheeks.


    ¡°You tended to my wounds?¡± Nora asked, and she scanned her body quickly.


    Sure enough, there were faint traces of herbs stuck to the worst of her cuts and bruises, though most of it had washed away.


    ¡°Thank you, Birdie.¡± She meant it with every fiber of her being.


    Every time she forgot about the siren¡¯s extensive training, Evie came and did something like this. Her best friend seemed to catch on that her gratitude extended far beyond their current circumstances, and her eyes softened further. Evie nodded, and that lump in Nora¡¯s throat threatened to bring on a flood of tears.


    Fingers shaking, Nora pulled on her damp clothes and re-laced her boots.


    ¡°So,¡± Nora said slowly from where she crouched on one knee. ¡°The trial has started? What are the odds no one saw the state I arrived in?¡±


    ¡°None whatsoever!¡± Evie giggled.


    Nora¡¯s gaze darted to the horizon, where movement drew her attention.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± Nora spat.


    ¡°What? What is it?¡± Evie asked, squinting her eyes in the vague direction Nora stared.


    Evie¡¯s mouth drew apart in a gasp when she saw what had Nora in such a foul mood. Near where they had landed at the beginning of the trial, a wall of dark green miasma rolled forward like a vengeful tide, its eerie glow illuminating the swamp in an otherworldly hue.


    The air buzzed with an ominous hum, and Nora could feel the hairs on her arms prickling like a thousand tiny needles. Though it had been years since she¡¯d encountered the death-attuned mist, it was unmistakable. The miasma¡¯s sickly, sweet scent, like overripe fruit left to rot, filled her nostrils, making every breath a challenge.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°We need to move,¡± Nora muttered, eyes narrowing at the shrouded center of the swamp in the opposite direction. ¡°Now.¡±


    Evie nodded and took a comforting step closer to her paladin. The urgency in Nora¡¯s voice galvanized her, and together, they pressed on, each step a struggle against the swamp¡¯s grip.


    Every few feet, more undead lurched from the shadows, their groans melding into a cacophony of decay. The smell of rotting flesh clung to the humid air, turning each inhale into a battle against nausea.


    Nora¡¯s azurelash snapped out, wrapping around a zombie¡¯s neck with a hiss of ethereal flame, the scent of burning putrescence mingling with the swamp¡¯s foul aroma, while her greatsword cleaved through another with brutal efficiency, the blade whistling through the air like a deadly symphony.


    Though she would never admit it aloud, this was cathartic as hell.


    The terrain fought against them as much as the undead. Thick, sucking mud clung to their boots, pulling at their feet like the grasping hands of the drowned. Twisted roots seemed to rise from the earth just to trip them, and the occasional splash of cold, stagnant water sent shivers up Nora¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Evie screamed mere moments before seemingly inert plants a few yards away burst into motion.


    Sentient bushes with tentacled branches¡ªwhich Nora mentally dubbed ¡°Drowner¡¯s Grasp¡±¡ªwhipped out, trying to ensnare them.


    One particularly aggressive vine caught Evie around the ankle, pulling her toward the murky depths. With a fierce yell, Nora swung her sword, severing the fibrous appendage with a spray of green ichor that smelled of sour bile and damp earth.


    Evie scrambled to the surface and clung to Nora. The paladin slew the plants with vicious efficiency, ichor splattering across her borrowed cloak. When they had passed the murderous greenery, Evie cleared her throat.


    ¡°Nora,¡± Evie said, her voice strained as she kicked free of a clump of gooey algae. ¡°We need to talk about last night. I just need to know¡ª¡±


    ¡°Birdie, please. Not now,¡± Nora hissed as she slashed at another zombie that popped out of the murky water. ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on staying alive!¡±


    ¡°But we must!¡± Evie insisted, ducking under a flailing branch.


    Nora beheaded the undead and used the azurelash to burn a second while they recovered their breath. Nora absently noted that the enchanted rope was nearly out of juice again, and would need to recharge for a few hours before its magic-eating fire would be viable.


    ¡°You¡¯re a Dreadcaller, aren¡¯t you?¡± Evie¡¯s words were a dagger to her gut.


    Nora¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she almost missed a step. A zombie collided with her shoulder, but she twisted her hips and threw the monster away. She whipped the azurelash forward, and it snapped against the undead¡¯s skull with a sickening crunch. The animated corpse collapsed into the swamp.


    ¡°Evie, this really isn¡¯t the time!¡± Nora wiped at her brow, but only managed to smear the ichor that stuck there.


    ¡°When else, Nora?¡± Evie retorted, her eyes fierce despite the chaos around them. ¡°We¡¯re running for our lives, yes, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can ignore the truth!¡±


    Nora gritted her teeth, her movements sharp with frustration. ¡°Fine. You want to know about the Dreadcallers?¡±


    She slashed through a zombie¡¯s torso, the undead falling in pieces at her feet, the scent of decay almost overpowering. She sighed and lowered her chin in resignation. Sword held limply at her side, she finally answered Evie¡¯s demands.


    ¡°Birdie¡­ The Fateweavers found me because they were sent to destroy a cult who worshiped the fallen god, Dread,¡± Nora started, worried more about this truth than the undead.


    Evie¡¯s eyes widened, but she kept moving, dodging through the oncoming puppets of Death.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t those warriors impossible to kill¡­¡± Evie whirled on the paladin. ¡°Wavebreaker?¡±


    ¡°Was wielded by Angela, the sect leader before me,¡± Nora nodded and continued, her voice clipped. ¡°She banished the abyssal creature they had summoned but it had already massacred the cult¡­¡±


    Nora¡¯s eyes grew distant, and several long seconds passed before she mustered the courage to speak again.


    ¡°...my sister included.¡± Nora could hardly breathe at the memory.


    They moved through the swamp, their progress slow and arduous. Neither spoke. Instead, they simmered on what was just revealed after so many years hidden away in Nora¡¯s heart.


    Despite her weapons, she felt weak and defenseless under the weight of those memories. So much was left unsaid about what really happened that day.


    The miasma inched closer, a dark, looming presence at their backs. More zombies lurched forward, their decaying bodies breaking through the undergrowth. Nora welcomed the distraction, and she attacked with abandon.


    The azurelash cracked and hissed, wrapping around a zombie¡¯s torso and igniting it with blue flames. Evie remained beside her, their movements a deadly dance of survival. The young siren dodged and ducked and kicked with a ferocity Nora had rarely seen exhibited by the fledgling oracle, and it was a sight to see.


    The swamp seemed to conspire against them. Thick, slimy algae coated the surface of the water, making it difficult to see where it was safe to step. Nora¡¯s feet slipped on hidden stones, and once, she plunged into a deeper section of the swamp, her head going under before she could right herself. She emerged, sputtering and soaked, but with grim determination, she pressed on.


    ¡°Nora,¡± Evie persisted, her voice softer now but no less insistent. ¡°That doesn¡¯t explain last night. It doesn¡¯t explain what you are. If we die here, I don¡¯t want any secrets left between us.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think like that,¡± Nora chided.


    ¡°Our odds don¡¯t look great,¡± Evie said with a wild gesture toward the endless array of the dead.


    Fair point.


    Nora wanted to yell at her to let this go, to focus on the fight, but she knew Evie was right. The truth couldn¡¯t be ignored forever. But here, in this swamp of death, with the miasma closing in and zombies at every turn, it felt like madness.


    She took a deep breath, swinging her sword to behead a nearby zombie, its head rolling through the murky water like a grotesque bobber.


    ¡°Alright, Evie,¡± Nora sighed. ¡°But you¡¯d better keep your focus while I talk. One slip and we¡¯re both dead.¡±


    Nora¡¯s words hung in the air as they fought their way through another wave of zombies. The Drowner¡¯s Grasp bushes seemed more aggressive now, their tentacles whipping with renewed fervor.


    The gnarled branches twisted and coiled like serpents, each strike laden with a hissing malice. Nora¡¯s azurelash snapped through the air, cutting down the relentless foliage. It was devoid of magic, but worked just fine as a whip against these tenacious enemies.


    She panted, her voice strained but steady. ¡°The Fateweavers were sent by Destiny to put an end to the cult because he claimed they were summoning foul creatures from the abyss.¡±


    Evie¡¯s eyes widened, but she didn¡¯t let her surprise slow her down. ¡°And you were part of this cult?¡±


    Nora swung her greatsword with practiced precision, cleaving through a zombie¡¯s chest. The paladin shook her head, sweat mingling with the swamp¡¯s grime on her face.


    ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t,¡± Nora answered without looking at her best friend. ¡°But my sister was, and she tricked me. She brought me in as a sacrifice. She¡ª¡± Nora cleared her throat roughly and sliced at a zombie with a bit too much fervor as she forced herself to relive these horrible memories.


    She had tried so hard to forget all of it.


    To just move on.


    But for Evie¡¯s sake, she continued. ¡°They found me among the fallen, the only survivor. But that idiot leader of the cult wasn¡¯t summoning a creature. She was trying to create a direct connection between them and their god.¡±


    The two of them pressed forward, the swamp growing darker as the miasma loomed ever closer. The air was thick with the stench of decay and the electric charge of impending doom. Nora¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as she fought off another wave of undead.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Evie finally answered.


    ¡°Yeah. They weren¡¯t just summoning some underling beast from the void. They were trying to summon him.¡± Nora¡¯s response felt as hollow as her chest at that moment. But she forced herself to say his name, to not let it control her like it had all those years before. ¡°They summoned Dread.¡±


    A cold wind kicked through the sweltering heat of the swamp.


    She couldn¡¯t look at Evie, using the excuse of navigating the murky waters to avoid her friend¡¯s questioning gaze.


    ¡°My sister was supposed to be the anchor. I got free and tried to stop her, but it took me instead. I¡ªI¡¯ve felt his eyes on me ever since, waiting for me to finish what they started. Every time I use my powers, it¡¯s like he can sense it. He comes rushing over as if I¡¯m some sort of beacon in that endless darkness.¡± Nora ducked under a low-hanging branch of some calcified tree and waited as Evie passed under it as well.


    Evie¡¯s face softened with sympathy, but she kept her focus on the battle and sidestepped another vine that shot out of the putrid water.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Nora. I had no idea.¡±


    The swamp seemed to close in around them, the air growing thicker with each passing moment.


    ¡°Nora!¡± a voice called out through the gloom.


    Jer, Elena, and Gavin emerged from the mist, their faces etched with worry. Nora took in their various wounds, but the look in their eyes was even more concerning than the purpled bruises and cuts.


    Jer took a step forward, his voice cracking with barely restrained panic. ¡°Have you seen Cade?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Nora answered quickly.


    A devastating, doom-sensing chill ran down her spine. She halted, her eyes scanning the shadows.


    ¡°Do you feel that?¡± she whispered.


    Nora bent her legs and raised her greatsword into a defensive stance.


    Before anyone could respond, darkly cloaked figures emerged from the fog, their movements eerily synchronized. The zombies that had been hounding them constantly simply walked past these newcomers, as if recognizing their masters. Nora¡¯s hand tightened around the hilt of her greatsword, her pulse a war drum in her ears.


    At the forefront of the cloaked individuals stood a girl with twin white braids cascading down her chest. Her skin, normally pale and translucent, appeared unnaturally radiant this time. Her eyes, piercing and cold, met Nora¡¯s with a chilling intensity. A slow, malevolent smile spread across her face.


    ¡°Welcome, thieves,¡± she said, her voice hauntingly melodic. ¡°I¡¯ve been expecting you.¡±


    Nora¡¯s heart pounded in her chest as she took a step forward, positioning herself between the girl and her companions.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Nora demanded, her voice steady despite the sense of dread gnawing at her insides.


    The girl¡¯s smile widened.


    ¡°I am Astrid, and I am the harbinger of your doom.¡± She raised a slender hand, and the air crackled with dark energy. ¡°This swamp will be your grave.¡±


    Nora¡¯s breath caught as she felt the ground beneath her tremble. The miasma closed in, its toxic fingers reaching for them.


    ¡°Prepare yourselves,¡± the paladin murmured to her friends, her eyes never leaving Astrid¡¯s.


    Astrid¡¯s laughter echoed through the swamp, a sound that sent shivers down Nora¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Let the hunt begin,¡± she declared.


    In that moment, the swamp erupted into chaos. Dark energy surged around them, the air thick with malevolence. Nora¡¯s grip tightened on her sword as she faced the oncoming storm, knowing that the battle for their lives had only just begun.

 Chapter 53: STEPHEN THE LICH

    <h2 style="text-align: center">Chapter 53</h2>


    <h4 style="text-align: center">STEPHEN THE LICH</h4>


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


    Rayka was gone, and there was nothing Cade could do about it.


    The thought was like a death chant in Cade¡¯s mind, repeating its horrific truth over and over again.


    Cade was now in the latest trial, having been teleported there without warning earlier this morning. He hadn¡¯t prepared. He¡¯d barely spoken since the revelation of Rayka¡¯s kidnapping had been dropped on him like some anvil from the heavens.


    All he knew from the clues he¡¯d picked up on was that they were in a swamp brimming with death magic. Green miasma that smelled of rotten fruit and corpses clung to the surface of the murky waters.


    Worse, a wall of the toxic gas had formed along the perimeter of this place, forcing him and the other contestants to make their way to the center lest they get swallowed up by the lethal mist.


    And so he trudged onward through the muck of the swamp. He did not care as the foul liquid seeped into his boots, his pants, and slowed his progress toward the center of this gods-forsaken swamp.


    Each step was a battle against the thick, sucking mud that clung to his boots. A numb part of his mind compared the disgusting sensation to the desperate hands of the drowning. The air was a choking mix of mildew and decay, the stench embedding itself in his very skin, refusing to be shaken off.


    His only companion, Bunny, jumped from branch to withered branch above him, his soft chirrups of comfort doing little to penetrate the black storm of his thoughts. Grief and rage at the blood stains he¡¯d found outside that cabin whirled through his body. Hugh and his goons had beaten Gavin and Elena senseless. They had knocked Rayka unconscious and dragged her out by the hair, according to Elena.


    What he would do to his old mentor when next they met, it would end with one of them dead.


    That, Cade vowed, was a promise.


    ¡°This day couldn¡¯t get any better, could it?¡± he sardonically asked his draconic friend.


    Cade¡¯s eyes darted to the horizon, where the wall of green miasma rolled closer like a vengeful tide, its eerie glow casting an otherworldly light over the swamp. The air buzzed with an ominous hum, making his skin crawl. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s get out of this death swamp before something decides that we look tasty,¡± he muttered, his voice raw.


    Bunny leapt from the last sturdy branch and landed lightly on his shoulder, his tiny claws pricking Cade¡¯s skin through the fabric of his tunic. He nuzzled his neck with a wet snout, and Cade smiled despite himself. The dragonling¡¯s scales were a warm presence in the midst of the swamp¡¯s oppressive cold.


    Cade flexed and unflexed his hands to distract himself as he trudged through the mire. The betrayal of his mentor, the threat to his sister, the impossible choices before him¡ªall of it pressed down on him at once. He could barely take in a full breath. He wanted to scream, but the hollowness he felt inside his chest made the fires of his rage remain aggravatingly out of reach. So he walked. And walked.


    The fetid water around him exploded with movement, and rotting hands burst from the surface, grasping at his legs.


    So much for melodramatic metaphors.


    Zombies, their flesh hanging in putrid ribbons, lunged at him with a hunger that matched his own rage. A feral grin twisted Cade¡¯s lips as he saw an outlet for his rage. He raised his arms, feeling the heat building in the bronze bracers that encased his forearms.


    Finally.


    The air around him shimmered with rising heat and, with a guttural roar, he unleashed a torrent of scalding winds and fire.


    Flames roared to life, engulfing the undead in a whirlwind of flame and steam. The swamp echoed with the hissing and popping of burning flesh, the scent of charred rot mixing with the already foul air.


    Cade¡¯s magic flared wildly, the bracers heating up until they glowed red-hot. He poured every ounce of his fury into the onslaught, incinerating the zombies until nothing remained but ash and the acrid smell of smoke.


    His breath came in ragged gasps, his current magic reserves nearly depleted. He sank to his knees in the mud.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± he whispered, his voice breaking.


    He repeated the words over and over again, hating how bitter they tasted. It was all too much. If he didn¡¯t give Hugh the Remnant, Rayka would die. But if he didn¡¯t deliver it to Scorn, the soul curse on his left arm would kill him, and Scorn¡¯s followers would hunt his friends until they were all dead.


    Grief and hatred swirled within him, a toxic mix that threatened to consume him. Bunny nuzzled his neck in a futile attempt to offer comfort. Cade reached up and patted the dragonling absently, his thoughts a chaotic jumble of desperation and rage.


    His mind flashed again with the images of Gavin and Elena, all broken and strewn across that clearing. He hadn¡¯t been there to help.


    He hadn¡¯t been there when they needed him.


    A pang of regret sank deep into his gut as he remembered how he acted, and he vowed to make amends the second he saw them again. They didn¡¯t deserve his anger. No. Only one man deserved the fullness of hell that screamed to be unleashed from his hands.


    Hugh.


    Out of breath and nearly spent from his magical exertions, Cade stumbled forward. The swamp around him was eerily quiet as the uncaring miasmic wall drew ever closer. His steps grew heavier, each one an effort against the sucking mud that seemed intent on pulling him down, down into the dark, watery grave below.


    The impenetrable mist loomed closer, its green glow casting grotesque shadows on the twisted trees around him. Their gnarled branches reached out, brushing against his face with the cold caress of the dead. The oppressive humidity wrapped around him like a shroud, though it only made the chill of this horrid place sink deeper into his bones.


    He stooped under a pair of low-hanging tree limbs and stepped onto a thin expanse of dry land. The young thief shook off the worst of the mud and felt Bunny¡¯s short tail wrap itself around his arm for support.


    A sudden rustling in the underbrush snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. More zombies, their eyes glowing with malevolent hunger, emerged from the shadows.


    Cade¡¯s heart pounded, his breath hitching in his throat. He had no magic left, but that would not mean he wouldn¡¯t go down swinging.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    He clenched his fists, wishing quite painfully in that moment he¡¯d taken Orro up on his invitation for more dagger lessons, or just taken one of the damned things before he skulked off into the forest last night.


    With a primal yell, he lunged at the nearest zombie, his fist rocketing forward. It landed with a sickening squelch. He kicked outward and caught another undead at the knees.


    Bunny roared and dove at another that swam up from the water to their left. The fight was brutal and chaotic, the zombies¡¯ fetid stench overwhelming his senses.


    Each kill was a release, a way to vent the storm of emotions inside him, but it also drained him further, each swing of his arms a reminder of how close he was to his limits. He felt his core refill just a bit and jumped backward.


    ¡°Bunny!¡± Cade yelled, and the dragonling responded instantly.


    He backflipped off the face of the intruding zombie right as Cade unleashed a thin wave of flames in a wide arc. He fell to a knee from the overexertion, sweat beading down his face.


    Bunny chirped softly as the final zombie fell, nestling closer to his neck, but even his warmth couldn¡¯t pierce the cold void inside him.


    His left arm throbbed painfully, the soul curse etched into his skin flaring with dark energy. Cade¡¯s mind raced, the weight of the choices before him pressing down like an iron vise.


    The image of Rayka, scared and vulnerable, filled his thoughts, her bright eyes dimmed with fear. She was all he had left of family, the only person who had stuck by him without hesitation.


    He couldn¡¯t lose her. Not like this.


    He hugged Bunny closer, the dragonling¡¯s small body trembling against his neck.


    ¡°What do I do, Bunny?¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible over the swamp¡¯s eerie silence. ¡°How do I save her?¡±


    Bunny nibbled at his ear and leveled his bright green eyes on Cade.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Thanks, little one.¡± Cade rose unsteadily to his feet, wiping the grime from his face.


    Though he knew he was projecting quite a bit onto the small yet noble creature, he felt like Bunny¡¯s answer was simple:


    Rip this world apart, if that¡¯s what it took to get her back.


    Cade¡¯s body ached from the fight, his magic reserves depleted, but he forced himself to move forward. The swamp¡¯s oppressive air weighed heavily on him, each step an effort of will. The miasma loomed closer.


    But Cade was nothing if not resilient. He had faced impossible odds before, had clawed his way out of darkness more times than he could count. He would find a way to save Rayka.


    He had to.


    As he moved deeper into the swamp, the air grew colder. The trees around him seemed to whisper, their skeletal branches swaying in an unseen breeze. Cade shivered, pulling his cloak tighter around him.


    Cade¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. His core recharged inside of him, and a selfish part of Cade wanted to unleash it all there and then in the dire hope Hugh would see it and come running to finish him off. At least then, his target would be clear.


    But he knew how a straight fight with that bastard would end, especially with his cutthroat team looking to even the score between them.


    No.


    He would take a page out of Hugh¡¯s old playbook. The barest seeds of a plan began to form in Cade¡¯s mind, and he stroked Bunny¡¯s chin affectionately.


    Out of breath, Cade leaned against a twisted tree, the bark rough and unyielding under his hand. His body ached, drained from the fierce battle and the emotional turmoil that still roiled within him. Bunny perched on his shoulder, his tiny claws digging into Cade¡¯s skin, offering what comfort he could.


    The swamp went silent. No breeze wafted through the calcified trees, and yet Cade felt a shift in the air around him. His senses went on high alert, and he cautiously leaned forward on his perch against the trunk to see what caused this unnatural pause.


    ¡°Umm, hi,¡± A voice said from directly behind Cade.


    He yelped and rolled. Bunny leaping backward on tiny yet powerful legs as the thief prepared himself for this ambush. He looked around. No one was there. No assassin clad in midnight, nor a haughtily dressed bastard with a rapier to stab at him.


    ¡°Over here, if you don¡¯t mind,¡± the voice said again from somewhere in front of Cade.


    Still, his eyes could not determine the source of this invisible intruder. Suddenly, a face emerged from the bark of the tree he was leaning against.


    The wood twisted and shifted, forming features that were initially rough and indistinct but quickly smoothed into something more human-like. Cade and Bunny both jumped, startled by the bizarre appearance.


    The face spoke, its voice raspy and dry at first but quickly clearing into a pleasant, melodic tone. ¡°There we go, that¡¯s better. Hello there, Son of Ruin.¡±


    Cade¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, his hand instinctively clenching into a fist at his side. He started to pull on his recharging core, copper tendrils licking across his skin, though he noticed a few tiny cords of silver mixed in there now.


    ¡°And who might you be?¡± Cade demanded, his voice steady despite the surprise.


    The face in the tree smiled, the bark around it creaking softly. ¡°Ah, forgive my manners. You felt familiar, and so it was in familiarity that I greeted you¡­ like an old friend I¡¯ve yet to meet. But fear not, my sparky little human. My name is Stephen.¡±


    The way the tree said it made it sound like the name explained away everything.


    ¡°Stephen,¡± Cade repeated, incredulous. ¡°A talking tree named Stephen?¡±


    ¡°Not quite,¡± Stephen replied with a chuckle that sounded like leaves rustling in the wind. ¡°I am Stephen the Lich. I am this swamp, and this swamp is me. Now, I know it¡¯s a bit forward, but would you care to join me at my home? It¡¯s much more comfortable than this dreary place.¡±


    Before Cade could respond, the murky swamp water parted, revealing a dry, linear path leading deeper into the swamp. The air around the path seemed to clear, the oppressive humidity lifting slightly. Bunny chirped softly, his tiny body trembling against Cade¡¯s neck.


    Cade hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. ¡°Well, Bunny, we¡¯ve been invited to the home of a tree-faced lich. It would be rude not to stop by.¡±


    He turned back to the tree, but the face had gone, returning the gnarled bark back to its original composition. Cade stepped onto the dry path, Bunny fluttering his wings nervously on his perch.


    The walk was eerily peaceful, the usual sounds of the swamp muted in deference to Stephen¡¯s invitation. No creatures attacked, no zombies lurched from the shadows. It was as if the swamp itself was guiding him, protecting him from harm.


    The path wound around several enormous trees and veered off to the right, away from what Cade intuited was the center of this trail. The narrow road led to a quaint hut, well-lit and clean despite its surroundings.


    Green-fire torches cast an otherworldly glow, illuminating the neatly kept yard and the inviting doorway. As Cade approached, a figure emerged from the hut. The being was tall and thin, with limbs that exacerbated the lanky impression the man gave off. Cade blinked, comprehension slowly dawning on his face.


    Cade mouthed an ¡°oh¡± before he resumed walking. The figure before him nervously wringing his hands¡ªhis bony hands¡ªwas not merely underfed.


    He was, in fact, a skeleton.


    The lich wore a simple robe with a dark brown sash tied around the waist and a wide-brimmed straw hat, giving him an almost rustic, if unsettling, appearance.


    ¡°Welcome,¡± the skeleton said, his voice shy and timid. ¡°I am Stephen. I tidied up a bit, but my apologies if you find a mess hiding somewhere. Please, come in.¡±


    Cade stared at the skeleton for a moment, then laughed nervously. ¡°Stephen the lich. Right. Of course. Why not?¡±


    Stephen¡¯s bony hand extended towards him, and Cade took it, shaking it cautiously. The skeleton¡¯s grip was surprisingly gentle, his bones cool and smooth against Cade¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Would you like some tea?¡± Stephen asked brightly, his tone polite and inviting.


    Cade hesitated, glancing back at the swamp and the encroaching miasma. He had little choice.


    ¡°Sure,¡± he said, forcing a smile. ¡°Tea sounds great.¡±


    Cade followed the undead creature deeper into the swamp of death, not entirely sure of what was going on.


    But hey, tea with the master of this swamp might be the leg up he needed to find and save his team¡ªor, of course, this newfound friend might kill him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if good manners can save the day this time,¡± he muttered to Bunny.


    Bunny chirped and tilted his head, as though to say fat chance.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡± Cade patted his dragonling on the head and took a steadying breath before following Stephen into the surreal little hut in the center of a death swamp.