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As they leave the patriarchs mansion, my thoughts weighed heavily on me. I could still feel the lingering presence of something within me, whispering promises of untapped power. But with that power came a dangerous temptation—a hunger I wasn't sure I could control. The air felt thick with uncertainty, and even the rising sun did little to warm the cold pit growing in my stomach.
Kai walked beside me, his steps measured, his face etched with concern. He had always been the calm center, the one to think things through. But even now, there was a tension in him I hadn't seen before. He kept his hands close to the daggers on his back, scanning the horizon as if expecting another ambush.
Rose, on the other hand, moved with an almost reckless confidence. she had a grin plastered on her face, the adrenaline of victory still coursing through my veins. "So, Luna," she said, breaking the silence. "How exactly does one go about finding an underground network of spies and assassins? Do we just knock on some shady doors and ask for The Spider?"
I smirked slightly, appreciating Rose's attempt to lighten the mood, but I knew it wouldn't be that easy. "The Spider finds you," I replied. "If they want to be found."
"Comforting," Rose muttered with a chuckle.
Kai, ever pragmatic, cut in. "We don't have time to play games. The nobles are probably already mobilizing. We need The Spider's aid before they solidify their plans."
I nodded, my face growing serious again. "I'll make contact. I know where their agents frequent. But we have to be careful. The Spider values loyalty above all else, and we're outsiders now. Even with my past connections, they won't trust us easily."
Kai looked at her, his expression unreadable. "You're sure about this? The Spider's loyalty is fickle. You might have been trained by them, but that doesn't guarantee their allegiance."
I hesitated. I wasn't sure. "The Spider's network" was built on secrets, and trust was a commodity traded at a steep price. "It's our best chance," I said after a moment. "And we don't have the luxury of time."
The path now leading them toward the capital's outskirts. The city loomed in the distance, its towers and spires catching the first light of day. It was there, in the hidden corners of the sprawling city, that they would find The Spider—or be found.
As they walked, the silence returned, punctuated only by the crunch of gravel underfoot. I could feel the weight of the coming confrontation pressing down on me, but something else gnawed at me, too. The shadows. They had obeyed me in the fight against the patriarch, but they had been more aggressive than I had intended. I hadn't just controlled them—I had unleashed them.
Kai seemed to sense her unease. "You alright?" he asked quietly, glancing at her.
I hesitated before answering. "The shadows... they're stronger now. More unpredictable. I don't know if I can fully control them."
Kai frowned. "You saved us back there. Without your power, we wouldn't have defeated the patriarch. But I understand the risk. Just... don't lose yourself to it."
I nodded but said nothing.
As the city gates grew closer, I slowed my pace. "We split up here," I said, my voice firm. "I'll make contact with The Spider alone. If we go in as a group, it'll look like we're desperate."
Kai opened his mouth to protest, but I raised a hand. "I know what I'm doing. Trust me."
He sighed but relented. "Fine. We'll regroup at the tavern on the east side by sundown. Be careful."
I gave them both a nod before turning and vanishing into the labyrinth of alleys that surrounded the city's outskirts. I moved like a shadow myself, slipping through the city's underbelly with practiced ease. My destination wasn't a specific place but rather a presence—a pulse in the air that only those who had trained with The Spider could sense. I followed that instinct, winding through narrow streets and darkened corridors until I found myself at a nondescript door in the heart of a forgotten district.
Taking a deep breath, I knocked twice, a rhythm I remembered from my days of training. The door opened slightly, revealing a hooded figure who said nothing but simply stepped aside, allowing my entry.
Inside, the dimly lit room was filled with shadowy figures, their eyes watching me closely. I felt the weight of their gaze but held my head high. I had once been one of them for a short time. Now, I was an outsider.... again, but not without value.
A figure stepped forward; their face obscured by the hood. "Luna," a familiar voice said, smooth and calculating. "It's been such a short time how ya been Luna."
My heart skipped a beat. I recognized the voice—it belonged to Zephyr, one of The Spider's most trusted agents and the person who had watched her struggle in the pit alongside The Spider.
"I didn't think I'd see you again," Zephyr continued, circling me slowly. "Especially not after what you and your little band of hooligans just did."
I kept my composure. "How did you know about the patriarch being dead? The news shouldn't have been released considering it JUST happened..."
Zephyr smirks and chuckles a bit "Oh Luna did you really think that we "The Spider's network" wouldn't find out about your little stunt?.... please we've been watching you since you left this place.
His statement sent a chill down my spine, but I don't react.
"The nobles are moving to take control. We need The Spider's help."
Zephyr stopped in front of me, tilting their head slightly. "We? You come to us with a request, but you're no longer one of us, Luna. Why should we involve ourselves in your war?"
I met their gaze, my voice steady. "Because this isn't just my war. If the nobles seize power, they'll come for The Spider next. The patriarch kept them in check, but with him gone, they'll want to control everything. Help us, and we can stop them. Together, we can ensure the old power structures fall for good."
Zephyr was silent for a moment, their eyes studying me intently. Then, slowly, they nodded. "Perhaps. But The Spider doesn't act on charity. What are you willing to offer in return?"
I braced myself, knowing the true terms were about to be revealed. "What do you want?"
Zephyr's smile widened, cold and sharp as a blade. "When this is all over, when the nobles are defeated, and the kingdom lies in chaos... The Spider will claim its rightful place in the shadows. You, Luna, will ensure your little friend Kai becomes the new patriarch of this city, and when he does you will ensure that "The Spider network" thrives.
My breath caught in my throat. Zephyr's demand was more than I had anticipated—forcing Kai into a role he never wanted, aligning me and my friends with the Spider's web of control. I had expected a price, but not this. The thought of manipulating Kai, of turning him into the patriarch to serve The Spider's interests, left a bitter taste in my mouth.
I fought to keep my expression neutral, though my mind raced. Kai had always wanted freedom, not power. He'd never agree to become a pawn in The Spider's game, especially knowing what the role of the patriarch entailed. But without The Spider's aid, their mission would likely fail, and the nobles would tighten their grip on the city.
I hesitated before responding, careful to measure my words. "That's... a tall order, Zephyr. Kai isn't someone who seeks power. He'd never willingly become patriarch. Forcing that upon him—it could fracture our alliance."
Zephyr's eyes glinted with cold amusement. "You misunderstand, Luna. I don't care whether he wants the power. I only care that he takes it. He's the perfect candidate. Strong, trusted by the people, with just enough reluctance to appear noble. The Spider needs a face in the city—someone we can control. And you..." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "You will ensure he falls in line."
My fists clenched, but I kept my voice steady. "Kai won't be controlled. Not by you, not by me. He fights for something greater than all this."
Zephyr shrugged, his smile never faltering. "Everyone has their price. If Kai resists, well... perhaps there are other ways to convince him. You'd be surprised what one can do with the right leverage." His gaze flickered with a subtle threat.
I felt my heart tighten. "Don't touch him," I said, my voice low but firm. The shadows within me whispered in response, eager to act, but I suppressed them. "I'll talk to him. But if you try to manipulate Kai, you'll lose me as well."
Zephyr ignored Luna's claims and spoke, "You like this boy Kai don't you," he pauses for a moment and begins to laugh.
My face began to blush, but I stayed silent
"I knew it you always had a weakness for your friends," Zephyr continued, stepping closer. "It's admirable, in a way. But it's also your downfall. Emotions like that... they cloud judgment."
I tried to keep my expression neutral, but inside, my emotions churned. Zephyr's words struck too close to the truth, and the tension in the air between them thickened. I forced myself to remain calm, knowing Zephyr would seize on any sign of weakness.
"You may think you know me, Zephyr, but you're wrong," I said, my voice cold and measured. "I'm here to make a deal, not play your mind games."
Zephyr smirked, unfazed by my defiance. "Oh, Luna, I'm not the one playing games here. You are. You're juggling loyalty to your friends, your own power, and the needs of this city. But the sooner you realize you can't protect everyone, the better off you'll be."
My eyes narrowed. "I don't need to protect everyone. Just the ones who matter."
"And what happens when the shadows decide who matters more?" Zephyr's voice dropped, becoming almost a whisper, his words cutting deep. "Can you even trust yourself anymore?"
The temptation to lash out and show Zephyr exactly what kind of power I now held. But I knew that was what they wanted—for me to lose control, to show my hand too early.
Instead, I inhaled slowly, focusing on my center, grounding myself. "I came here because the Spider needs allies as much as we do. You can either help us and claim your piece of the future, or you can stay in the shadows while the nobles destroy everything."
Zephyr studied her for a long moment, then finally gave a slow nod. "You've always been persistent. Fine. I'll bring your proposal to The Spider, but understand this, Luna—the moment you or your friends step out of line, we'll take what's ours. No more warnings."
The threat hung in the air, but I refused to let it intimidate me. I had expected this from the start. "I'll hold up my end of the deal," I said firmly, though the weight of the bargain already pressed heavily on my chest.
Zephyr motioned toward the door. "Go, then. "The Spider's network" will only be able to stall the nobles for only about a couple of weeks give or take you'll need to have a strong enough army by then, and good luck you're going to need it"
Without another word, I turned and left the darkened room, my thoughts spinning as I retraced my steps through the winding alleys. The city was beginning to stir, the first signs of morning activity creeping through the streets, but I barely noticed.
Kai. How was I supposed to tell him about Zephyr's demand? The thought of dragging him into a role he'd never want—to become a puppet for The Spider—made my stomach churn. I knew Kai's values. He fought for freedom, not control. And if he ever found out what price I promised for The Spider's help...
Would he ever forgive me?
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-To be continued
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwqwIKQovF
