Yuan stepped further into the dimly lit room, his senses on high alert. The figure before him, cloaked in a long robe that brushed the ground, seemed to draw the very shadows around him like a second skin. Despite the air of mystery, there was a tangible aura of authority—a presence that seemed to fill the small space entirely.
Zaelis stayed close behind, her hand tight around the hilt of her sword. Kael remained at the doorway, watching with an unsettling smile that betrayed an almost sinister amusement.
The cloaked figure spoke again, his voice a rasp that seemed to claw its way out of the darkness. "So, you've come to seek power, Yuan Zecchin. Power… and answers."
Yuan took a step forward, his eyes fixed on the stranger's. "I don't need riddles. I need someone who can help me destroy the Sinasty Empire—and Azryen."
The figure tilted his head slightly, a hint of amusement flickering across his lips. "Bold words for a man bearing the curse of the Sword of a Thousand Faces. Tell me, how has it been treating you?"
Yuan felt a surge of anger but kept his voice steady. "If you know the sword, then you know it's only a tool. I'm not here to be judged. I need allies—ones who share my purpose."
The man laughed softly, his voice echoing in the small room. "Power, vengeance… they are heavy burdens, especially when borne alone. But very well, Yuan. I will give you a name—a single name. Someone who can help you, but at a cost."
Yuan's gaze narrowed. "Who?"
The figure leaned closer, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "Her name is Veyra. She is a master of shadows, trained in arts even the Sinasty fear. But understand this—Veyra is bound by no loyalty but her own. If you wish to make a pact with her, be prepared to give as much as you seek to take."
A chill ran down Yuan's spine at the name. He'd heard whispers of Veyra before, in tales shared in hushed tones by those who'd crossed paths with her and lived to tell the tale. A dangerous ally, but a necessary one.
"I'll locate her," Yuan replied, his voice laced with determination. "And if she will be able to assist me, I'll provide her something she asks."
The figure nodded approvingly. "Then go. And may the shadows watch over you."
As Yuan turned to leave, Kael stepped forward, a smirk on his face. "Looks like you have your next target. I'll guide you to the last place she was seen."
Yuan glanced at Kael, his eyes filled with wary suspicion. "And why are you so eager to help me?"
Kael shrugged, his smile widening. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in seeing the Sinasty fall. And watching you… well, let's call it an investment."
Yuan didn't reply, but he knew better than to trust Kael completely. The man had his own motivations, but for now, their paths aligned.
Hours later, Yuan and Zaelis found themselves deep within a darkened forest. The night was thick with mist, and every rustle of leaves seemed to carry a warning. Zaelis shivered slightly, her gaze fixed on the shadows stretching between the trees.
"Yuan," she murmured, "this feels… unnatural."
If she's here, she's already looking us."
They ventured deeper, their footsteps muffled through the tender ground. Suddenly, a voice, easy and chilling, reduce thru the silence.
"Seeking death, are we?"
Yuan and Zaelis stopped of their tracks, palms accomplishing for his or her weapons. A lady stepped out from the shadows, her shape slightly seen withinside the dark. Her eyes glowed faintly, an unsettling silver that appeared to pierce thru them.
"Veyra," Yuan stated, trying to keep his voice steady.
She smiled, her gaze flicking between them. "You're bold to seek me out. I don't take well to intrusions."
Yuan held his ground. "I didn't come to intrude. I came to make a pact. You know the Sinasty Empire, don't you? I want them destroyed. And I've heard you do not favor them either."
Veyra's smile faded, her expression becoming unreadable. "The Sinasty… they've taken much from me. But what makes you think I'll help you?"
Yuan straightened, determination etched in every line of his face. "Because I can offer you the chance to take revenge—true revenge. Not just survival in the shadows."
A silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken tension. Finally, Veyra tilted her head, as if sizing him up. "And what will you give me in return?"
Yuan's jaw clenched. "Whatever it takes."
A gleam of satisfaction flickered in Veyra's eyes. "Very well, then. I will help you. But remember, Yuan Zecchin, I will claim my price when the time is right. And when I do, there will be no turning back."
Yuan met her gaze, unflinching. "Then we have a deal."
With that, Veyra extended a hand, her fingers cold and sharp as steel. As Yuan took it, he felt a rush of dark energy flow through him, binding them in a pact sealed by vengeance and shadows.
And so, with a new, dangerous ally at his side, Yuan's path grew darker still, leading him closer to his final confrontation with the Sinasty Empire—and with Azryen.