Sunlight from the window woke Kaelen. The steady warmth in his chest reminded him of his new power and the twenty-five extra years he had earned. His senses were sharper now. He could hear the quiet hum of the Citadel around him.
A soft chime rang at his door. It wasn't the soldier with his food. A young servant girl stood there, her eyes looking at the floor. She held a basket, not a tray.
"For you," she said quietly. "For your success." She pushed the basket into his hands and hurried away.
Inside, he found a warm loaf of bread, golden honey, cheese, and berries. It was a king's feast compared to his usual meals. A small note lay beside the food.
He knew who sent it.
The writing was elegant and familiar.
You deserve a reward. Good food builds a strong body. A strong body holds great power. Enjoy this gift. We will talk soon about your first task for me. - I
The message was clear. Isolde's help during his Trial came with a price. It was time to pay. He ate the food, but each sweet bite felt heavy with meaning.
Soon, another chime sounded at his door. A man in fine grey robes stood outside. He gave a short bow.
"Lady de Lys wishes to see you," the man said. His tone allowed no argument.
Kaelen followed him. They went down to a part of the Citadel he had never seen. The halls were warmer here, smelling of perfume. Soft lights glowed on the walls. The sounds of soldiers were gone, replaced by quiet music.
The man stopped at a beautiful wooden door. He opened it and motioned for Kaelen to enter.
Isolde's room was rich and comfortable. Thick carpets, soft chairs, a real fire. She stood by a huge window, wearing a deep red dress. She turned and smiled, but her eyes were sharp.
"Kaelen. I'm glad you came. Did you enjoy the food?"
"It was good. Thank you," he said, choosing his words with care.
"Please, sit." She sat on one chair and pointed to another. "We can be informal. We are partners now, yes?"
"What is the task?" Kaelen asked. He saw no point in small talk.
She smiled at his directness. "A simple test of your new skills. And your silence." She picked up a small scroll tied with a black ribbon. "A man in the logistics division is stealing medical supplies. He sells them for personal profit. This bothers me."
She held out the scroll. "His name and routine are written here. Your job is to take the supplies back tonight. Use your shadow powers to stay hidden. Leave the supplies in the old shrine in the lower market. That's all."
Kaelen looked at the scroll. She wasn't asking him to fight. She was asking him to steal. To spy. "Why me? You have other people."
"My people are known. You are not. This is good practice for you. Stealth. Control. And it helps the city, doesn't it? Those supplies are for our soldiers." She tilted her head. "This is a lesson in real power, Kaelen. True strength is used in the city's shadows, not just in the wilds."
She made it sound right. But he knew the truth. This was a test of his loyalty. This was the price for her help.
"What if I get caught?"
"You won't," she said with certainty. "You are E-Rank now. Your senses are better. You are faster. Your power is stronger. Use it. The guards there are normal people. You are a shadow. Be one."
She placed the scroll on the table between them. The choice was his. Saying no would make her his enemy. Saying yes meant walking her path.
He thought of Valeria's warning about becoming a prisoner. He thought of Elara's warning about losing himself.
But he also remembered the Phase Cat. Isolde's knowledge had saved him.
His hand moved without him telling it to. He picked up the scroll. It felt heavy in his hand.
Isolde's smile was full of victory. "Good. I knew you were smart. You may go. Learn the location before dark."
Kaelen left the room, the scroll like a weight in his pocket. He had agreed to be Isolde's tool. His first mission wasn't for the System. It was for her. The debt was paid, but he knew it was only the beginning. The spider's web held him tight now.