Reven's life in the past three months had become nothing but labyrinths of secrets, shadows, and whispers. Every day in the manor brought a new revelation, showing him different sides to people and yet the last piece of the puzzle he needs to complete his mission had stubbornly eluded him. But now, after months of deception, the last piece was finally within reach. He could almost feel it in his bones.
It began with a subtle shift in the manor's routine—a quiet change that only someone attuned to the darkness could notice. The movement of containers, the hurried whispers behind closed doors, the way the lord's foreign guests arrived with a predatory confidence. Reven had watched and waited, gathering every scrap of evidence, every whisper of secret dealings.
Tonight, he had slipped away from the other workers, hidden behind the heavy dark curtains in his master's study. His eyes darted across the room, catching the subtle nods, the hurried exchanges. A particular conversation caught his ear—a low, clipped tone from one of the foreign visitors, speaking in a language Reven now understand only little. It was about "the shipment," "the numbers," and "the assets."
He had been waiting for this moment, for the last piece that would unlock the entire picture. His heart pounded in his chest as he held his breath. He was right after all that the disappearances weren't random.
The Lord of the Manor wasn't just involved in petty corruption or simple profiteering. No, this was far worse. The man, the so-called 'powerful' figure of Stellara's elite, was orchestrating a human trafficking ring—forced prostitution, with the foreigners acting as both clients and enforcers. They had been taking people—those who had no voice, no power—snatching them from the streets, from their homes, to be sold into a nightmare of exploitation.
After what felt like forever the Lord of the Manor escorted his guests out of the study and Reven didn't hesitate. He went straight to the papers scattered on the table. He picked up papers that detailed the shipment schedules, the locations, and the names of the traffickers—names that would turn the empire dark underworld upside down.
Reven caught sight of some movement outside the study window and he ran back to the curtains and a figure approached hurriedly—It was one of the manor's servants, cloaked in dark robes, carrying a small, sealed envelope. Reven's heartbeat quickened. He watched as the servant slid the envelope through a slot beneath the door, then disappeared into the shadows. Carefully, Reven retrieved the package, feeling the rough paper beneath his fingertips.
Inside was a set of photographs, documents, and a single, handwritten note: "The truth is in the details. Trust no one." The images sent a shiver down his spine. They depicted scenes of the manor's hidden cellar—a place Reven had only glimpsed from a distance—the entrance concealed behind a false wall in the storage room.
His mind raced. This was it. The final clue. The photographs showed young women, frightened and helpless, chained in a dark, damp cellar beneath the manor. The documents detailed shipments of people—men, women, and children—being transported via secret tunnels and hidden docks.
He knew what he had to do. The evidence was clear now, but revealing it was another matter entirely. The traffickers were dangerous—ruthless, well-connected, and desperate to keep their secrets buried. He had to get out, to send word to Vaelorian and Sir Eryndor—before the ring moved its victims again.
Carefully, Reven replaced the photographs and documents back into the envelope, tucking it into his coat pocket. But just as he turned to leave, footsteps echoed outside the study. Reven slipped behind a heavy curtains again, heart pounding. The door opened, and the Lord of the manor himself entered—a tall, imposing figure whose icy gaze swept the room. Reven's breath caught in his throat. The Lord paused, tilting his head as if sensing something was amiss, then spoke softly but with menace.
"I know that scent anywhere, my beautiful Reven."
There was no warmth or lust in his voice as usual, only calculating menace. How the hell did he get back so soon?
"I see you've been snooping," he said softly, a dangerous smile curling on his lips. "You've uncovered more than I expected. But I wonder—what are you planning to do with all that?"
Reven's breath caught. Every instinct told him to make a run for it. But he stood his ground, heart pounding like a drum in his chest. He was no longer just a delinquent pretending to be the son of a Duke just to fit into this new world. He was now a spy, a survivor, and now, the only person with the truth of what their enemies have been up to.
"I know what you're involved in. The trafficking, the kidnapping. It ends tonight."
The Lord's lips curled into a cold smile as the younger boy stepped out of his hiding place. "You're brave, my little rebel." he said, voice silk and steel. "But you're also foolish. We would have really gotten along better in the bedroom." The Lord said with a wasteful smile.
"Hate to burst your bubbles but I'm already taken." Reven retorted cheekily making the older man's expression darker.
"What a waste." the older man tsk. "What will you do now? Do you think you can stop what we've built? Do you think anyone will even believe a boy like you?"
Reven's grip tightened on the hidden edge of his resolve. "I don't care what you believe. I have proof. And I'm going to make sure everyone knows. Everyone will see you for what you really are."
"If you think you can stop what's already in motion, you're mistaken." The lord's eyes flicked with a murderous glint, but before he could react, Reven's second gift surged to life—an invisible wave of influence, a whisper of control. The lord's expression faltered for a moment, confusion flickering across his face. Reven seized the opportunity, his voice firm.
"Tell your men to stand down," he commanded, the words like a spell. "and this is the last time you'll ever threaten me."
The lord hesitated, then nodded slowly, pure confusion in his eyes. The power of Reven's gift was subtle, but it was enough. Enough to make the Lord do his bidding.
"I need to meet whoever is in charge of this operation and you'll make it happen." Reven commanded again.
"I will make it happen." the Lord repeated out loud even though he's looking very confused.
Reven didn't say anything else. He went for the door, clutching the evidence close, heart racing. His mission of gathering Intel was almost complete, but the real fight was just beginning.