The two of them navigated back through the underground passages, emerging into a private courtyard where an unmarked carriage stood ready.
Once inside and moving through Elkrim's streets, Cassius began his briefing.
"The situation is worse than it appears on the surface," he said, his voice low despite the carriage's privacy. "The Fanged Serpent Club didn't just tip off random Guards. They targeted Category C Guards in district nine specifically because they know that division isn't on our payroll."
Rey processed this. "Deliberate targeting of our weak points."
"Exactly. And it gets worse. The Fanged Serpent has been systematically eroding our influence across the city. They've made alliances with other Houses—trading favors, sharing resources, coordinating to suppress the Red House position."
