The mark on my chest burned with icy energy as I summoned Lunae, causing Selene to pull back in apprehension.

  “Lunae, Lyria was taken. Please, can you track her?” I asked desperately.

  Lunae looked at me for a moment, her white fur shimmering, icy blue eyes staring into me. She lowered her head to me and moved to the bed, sniffing for Lyria’s scent.

  Feeling a presence behind me, I turned. It was Kaela, standing in the doorway.

  “What… What is that?” she whispered, eyes wide with fear.

  Of course. She hadn’t seen Lunae before, but there was no time to explain.

  I walked right up to her, gripping her shoulders.

  “Kaela. Tell me right now. Will you save Lyria? Or will you just let them continue to do as they please?” I said, my voice commanding and even.

  “I—I want to save her, I never wanted this to happen…” Kaela said, her voice small and shaky.

  Selene’s fists clenched. Her jaw tightened.

  “Good—” I started, but before I could finish, a rapier flashed past me, imbedding itself in the door frame mere inches from Kaela’s face.

  “You… You did this?” Selene growled, her eyes burning with fury as she stared down a petrified Kaela.

  “Selene! Now is not the time—Kaela is the only one who can help us get her back,” I reasoned, being unusually assertive.

  I grabbed Selene’s blade with my bare hand, drawing a thin line of blood, and yanked it from the wall.

  “If you want someone to blame, let’s first find Lyrias captors.”

  I spun back to face Kaela, who was currently frozen in shock, and looking at me as if she didn’t recognize me.

  “Kaela. Go wake Bront. Do not tell him anything arbitrary,” I commanded.

  Kaela nodded and ran to wake Bront.

  I turned back to Selene who looked a bit dumbstruck by my display.

  Her face turned from anger to resolve, she was our leader after all, and she knew she had a job to do.

  Lunae finished sniffing and came over to me, I could tell she had a lead and was ready to go.

  “Yukon, go with your wolf, get to Lyria as fast as you can. We’ll be right behind you. Should we lose the trail, you can send your wolf to lead us too, can you not?” Selene said, finding her bearings amidst the rising chaos.

  I nodded hastily.

  “Aye—I should be able to.”

  With that, I turned to Lunae, tipping my head to her, signaling that I was ready.

  Lunae turned and bounded towards the balcony, jumping down without hesitation.

  I followed after her, vaulting over the railing and falling fast. I broke the fall, rolling into a sprint as Lunae and I raced through the cluttered alleys.

  Lyria had probably been taken to the assassins guild for holding, Kaela should be able to lead Selene and Bront there. I just had to get there before she was transferred to the merchant.

  Lunae and I bounded over barrels and broken crates, dodged around protruding terraces, and vaulted brick walls as we took the shortest route to Lyria. My breath burned hot with exertion and rage. My fist clenched tight—I would save her, I had to—As we ran I could feel the burning emptiness that I had come to associate with Tenebrae, it seemed even he was enraged.

  Lunae eventually took a sharp turn around a corner. I followed after her but had to come to an abrupt halt with Lunae having stopped just ahead of me. Two masked men stood in the alley before us—one tall and lean, dual kamas glinting in the lantern light. The other crouched slightly, short sword drawn, his stance coiled like a spring.

  I instinctively reached for my bow, but there was nothing there… No bow, and no sword. I had left all of my equipment back at the inn.

  By Lunae’s agitation I could tell Lyria was close, I stepped up beside her and faced down the masked men despite being unarmed.

  “Where is she!?” I called to them, my voice dripping with anger.

  They exchanged quick glances between each other, and then eyed Lunae cautiously. Before I could determine whether they were intimidated or not they broke into a sprint, both peeling wide trying to go around Lunae. She didn’t let them.

  Lunae lunged towards the one with the small scythe-like blades, not letting him get any closer to me and deftly avoiding his wild swings. The other man with the short sword sprang up and charged, he came at me like lightning—quick, practiced, merciless.

  The short sword glinted in the dark as the masked man lunged at me—fast, like a striking viper.

  I didn’t have time to think. No blade, no bow, no backup. Just instincts.

  I stepped left at the last second, narrowly avoiding the thrust. The edge scraped my tunic as the man surged past me. I seized the opening and slammed my elbow into the side of his head. He stumbled—but recovered quickly, turning with fluid, trained motion.

  He came at me again with a flurry of quick strikes, low and aimed for my gut. I dodged the first two, barely, feeling the wind of the blade kiss my ribs. The third came faster.

  I caught his wrist.

  Pain flared through my hand as the blade sliced the edge of my palm, but I didn’t let go. I twisted, yanking his arm across my body and driving my knee into his ribs. He grunted, faltered, and that’s when I went for the sword.

  We struggled. His hand wouldn’t let go.

  So I bit him.

  The man screamed—more in shock than pain—as my teeth sank into the thin leather near his thumb. He released his grip for a split second.

  That was all I needed.

  I tore the sword free, spun it in my hand, and slashed low across his thigh. Not deep enough to kill—but enough to drop him.

  He collapsed with a shout, clutching his leg. I kicked him in the head to finish the job.

  I spun toward Lunae—she was locked in a vicious dance with the second masked man. Her body moved like fluttering snow, dodging the twin blades with frightening grace. The masked man snarled, swinging in a wide arc, but Lunae ducked low and surged upward, slamming into his chest. He staggered.

  I didn’t wait. Sword now in hand, I dashed forward and drove the pommel into the back of his head.

  He crumpled like wet parchment.

  I stood there, panting, blood dripping from my cut palm. My heart was hammering like a war drum in my chest.

  “Come on, Lunae,” I muttered, gripping the sword tighter. “Let’s end this.”

  Lunae gave a soft, growling chuff, then turned and darted ahead through a narrow passage between two warehouses. I followed close behind.

  Kaela ran.

  Not because she was afraid of falling behind, but because if she stopped, even for a second, she might not move again.

  Bront thundered behind her, and Selene—pale but composed—kept pace with surprising speed.

  Kaela’s breath caught in her throat. Her mind was racing faster than her feet.

  What if they transfer her before we get there? What if I’m already too late? What if—

  She clenched her fists, trying to steady her shaking.

  The alleys grew darker, colder, more twisted. She knew this part of the city. The broken bricks. The iron scent of rust and blood. The little sigils carved into the walls. She hated this place.

  Selene’s voice cut through the darkness behind her.

  “Kaela. Talk to me. What defenses will we face?”

  Kaela didn’t slow. “Three main routes in—only one leads to the holding cells. I’ll take you there.”

  “And guards?”

  Kaela hesitated. “Too many.”

  “Then they’ll all die,” Bront grunted, his demeanor darkened by the circumstances.

  She didn’t respond. She couldn’t. Guilt clawed at her throat like a hand around her windpipe.

  Lunae and I emerged into a clearing behind a set of old stone buildings—the back entrance to the assassins guild compound. It was disguised well, just a broken shed and a crumbling wall.

  There were more guards here.

  Lunae stopped at the edge of the shadows. Her body low, eyes glowing.

  I counted four men. Two near the gate, one on a rooftop with a crossbow, and another patrolling along the inner courtyard wall.

  The ones on the ground Lunae and I could manage, but—I cursed my foolishness—If only I had brought my bow I could take out the crossbowman and we could press on.

  I felt the pull. That quiet, burning whisper in the back of my mind. Tenebrae’s presence coiling inside me like smoke in my lungs. Call me, it seemed to say. Let me make this easy.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Maybe I should… I thought to myself.

  But I clenched my jaw.

  Not yet.

  Not unless I had no other choice.

  I backed away from the courtyard and crouched beside Lunae. “We wait for the others,” I whispered.

  Lunae blinked once.

  I turned my eyes toward the gate again.

  Just hold on, Lyria.

  I’m almost there.

  Her wrists burned.

  The ropes were too tight—meant for someone stronger, more desperate, someone who might actually break free. But not like this. Not after the collar had been clamped around her neck.

  From it, a dull hum emanated, sealing her magic. She could feel her connection to the aether—her lifeline to the elemental forces—strangled into silence. Like her soul had been gagged.

  The room smelled of oil, perfume, and mildew. Cold stone beneath her knees. A single torch flickered above, shadows jittering on the walls like silent mockeries of her helplessness.

  Two guild thugs stood near the iron door. One had the smug look of someone who enjoyed this part. The other looked bored, tired. Neither would meet her eyes.

  Cowards.

  She was in her undershirt and trousers. They’d stripped her of anything remotely threatening—spellbook, charms, even the tiny crystal shard she kept tucked in her waistband. She still had bruises from when they’d dragged her through the alleys, kicking and cursing.

  The lock clicked.

  She raised her chin, biting down hard. Her body tensed.

  The door swung open.

  He entered like he owned the world.

  Velvets and silks draped over a wide frame, a jeweled walking stick clacking softly with every step. Greasy blond hair slicked back into a tail, a goatee trimmed so sharply it looked painted on. His eyes found her immediately—and lingered.

  The merchant.

  “Gentlemen,” he said, voice oozing false charm. “You’ve kept me waiting.”

  One of the guards nodded. “She gave us a bit of trouble. That redheaded girl said she’d be out cold for the pickup.”

  The merchant tutted, slowly lowering himself into the plush chair brought in just for him. “That’s what happens when you trust thieves and killers with subtlety.”

  He leaned forward.

  Lyria held his gaze. Didn’t flinch. Not even when his eyes roamed.

  He smiled.

  “Look at you. Even collared, even bruised, you burn like moonlight. I do like a woman with fire.

  Lyria spat at his feet.

  The merchant laughed. Not offended. Amused.

  “Oh, I do hope you keep that spirit. For a little while, at least,” he gestured lazily to the guard. “Unbind her. I want to see her stand.”

  The thug hesitated. “She’s dangerous.”

  The merchant rolled his eyes. “Not anymore. The collar will keep her docile. Won’t it, darling?”

  He looked back at her. Smiling.

  Lyria said nothing.

  The guard stepped forward.

  No.

  She jerked away from his grasp—not to escape, she couldn’t, not like this—but on principle. The ropes dug deeper, flesh scraping against stone.

  He grabbed her roughly, untied the bindings with all the gentleness of a butcher. Her arms fell numb to her sides, and she staggered, nearly collapsing.

  The merchant didn’t help her.

  He just waited. Watching. Drinking her in.

  When she straightened—barely—he clapped once, slowly.

  “There she is. Such a beauty you are. It was wasted traversing the dusty roads with that unruly band. I did some digging, your name is—Lyria, isn’t it?” His smile sharpened. “Perhaps I’ll let you keep your name. Something to whisper while you beg.”

  She said nothing.

  She simply stood. Back straight, fury burning in her gaze.

  He didn’t scare her. Not really.

  But she was terrified all the same.

  “Tell me,” she said coolly. “What kind of man buys women like livestock?”

  The merchant grinned. “The kind with coin. And power.”

  She took a step forward. The guard flinched, but the merchant raised a hand to stop him.

  “Careful,” she said, her voice velvet and venom. “Men who believe they hold power often forget what happens when their leash snaps.”

  He laughed again. But this time… it was more forced.

  For a second, just a second, Lyria saw the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

  Then the door rattled.

  Hard.

  Once. Twice.

  A third time—BOOM—like someone had kicked it with the weight of a bear.

  The merchant’s smile cracked.

  “What—” he began.

  And Lyria smiled. Bloody-lipped, bruised, but smiling.

  “…You should run.”

  I counted the seconds while I waited for the others to arrive.

  I’d sent Lunae to help lead them to me, it shouldn't be long now.

  While I waited, Tenebrae clawed at my mind. His rage was insatiable. He didn’t say it, but it felt to me like he had grown attached to Lyria too. Not just her, but Selene, Bront, and maybe even Kaela. It was oddly heartwarming in a way.

  They had told me that through me, they would once again get to roam the physical plane, so maybe they thought of the others as their new friends just as much as I did.

  I reached up, putting my hand over the mark on my chest.

  “Tenebrae… I promise, I will call you as soon as Lunae is back with the others,” I whispered.

  That seemed to please him as the burning sensation subsided a bit.

  As if on cue, Lunae came trotting back over to me, with the others in tow.

  I pointed to the building, the crossbow man, and the other guards, silently informing them of the situation.

  I glanced at Kaela whose brow was beaded with sweat, and noticed she was carrying some of my gear. I took it from her with a silent thanks, and strapped it on as the others got into position.

  I immediately pulled out the cheap short sword I’d bought, and cast it aside, favoring the finer craftsmanship of the one I pulled off that assassin earlier.

  Selene glanced over at me, checking that I was ready.

  I nodded, pulled my bow from my back, notched an arrow, and without delay, fired.

  The arrow flew true. Slamming into the crossbow man's chest and knocking him from the roof.

  With that, the others charged.

  When the clash began, the heavy doors at the back of the assassins guild swung open, and shadowy figures darted out.

  Selene and Bront fought without fear, but Kaela stood near me as I fired arrows. Her spear held in slightly trembling hands.

  “Kaela...?” I said, trying to snap her out of it.

  “I—I can’t… this brand, if the guild lieutenant comes out, I’ll be turned against you all again. I won’t have a choice…” she said, and for once, her voice was weak and helpless.

  I growled as I had to turn my attention back forward, assassins kept spilling out of the guild, Lunae was backing up Bront and Selene but they’d soon be overrun.

  “Alright Tenebrae, a promise is a promise,” I said, smiling through clenched teeth.

  I focused on his presence. This would be one of the first times I’d summoned him. I can’t lie and say I wasn’t curious…

  The mark on my chest burned like fire, but the sensation was strangely empty.

  On the ground before me, pitch black smoke pooled and swirled as Tenebrae took shape in the Material world.

  Kaela’s eyes widened.

  He stood proud and huge, his jet black fur assaulting the very light that dared to approach. His crimson eyes burned like a bloody flame, and mist curled from his snarling snout.

  He glanced at me once for approval.

  I nodded to him.

  WIth that he took off, moving in a blur, becoming a black streak as he tore through the enemy. He was certainly more ferocious than Lunae…

  I turned back to Kaela.

  “You really think I’ll let that happen?” I said matter of factly. “This lieutenant guy, he’s the one that gave you the brand?” I asked.

  Kaela nodded.

  “Alright, then I’ll take him out, and you’ll be free once again.”

  Kaela’s face went pale. “No! You can’t fight him, he’s too powerful, by the guilds ranking at least silver, maybe even gold—y-you’ll die…”

  I turned to her, considering the risk, and then offered a smile.

  “Only one way to find out,” I said, turning my attention forward, putting the bow on my back, and drawing my sword.

  “Take up your spear Kaela. Lyria needs you.”

  And with that, I ran into the fray.

  My blade sang as I danced through the skirmish, twirling through enemies, cutting down any who came in my path. I quickly made it to Selene and Bront, but before I could say anything, a horn sounded, and a massive figure emerged.

  No way…

  It was the goliath from the fair.

  Flanked by even more assassins, the towering goliath lumbered forward, now sporting a patchwork of mismatched armor plates that looked small on his massive frame.

  “We don’t have time for this…” I said to myself.

  “Yukon—we will hold them here! You get to Lyria!” Selene commanded as she thrust her blade through a charging assassin.

  I nodded, looking to Bront. His eyes burned with rage, and I knew he probably wanted to save Lyria more than any of us.

  As he strutted down the battlefield towards the goliath, Selene flowed around him like water, fending off assassins that tried to charge in. Any that slipped through were crushed by Bront instantly. His target was clear.

  Take down the big guy.

  As I turned towards the entrance Kaela finally ran up to my side, and I saw the war in her eyes—fear and fire, both.

  “I’ll go with you—I may have an idea where she’s being held,” Kaela said, and I could tell she was forcing herself to be brave.

  I called for Lunae to follow us, leaving Tenebrae to continue his vicious assault, backing up Selene and Bront.

  The three of us made a run for it.

  We cut our way through any stragglers that stood in our path, quickly entering the assassins guild. I followed Kaela down winding staircases, and through dim hallways, Lunae just behind.

  “Come on, it should be this way!” Kaela called, turning around a corner.

  I nearly ran her over as she came to an abrupt halt.

  Standing just down the corridor, was a man with a mask covering the lower part of his face. He wore a cloak made of black feathers, and his knuckles were adorned with a surplus of flashy rings. In one hand was an ornate cane, though it was clear he didn’t need one.

  “Kaela, let’s go—” I started to say, but when I came around beside her, her face was as white as a sheet.

  I looked back to the man, who now sauntered forward, his cane clacked against the stone floor with every slow, and deliberate step.

  Lunae growled low from behind me, and my knuckles whitened on the handle of my sword.

  This had to be him.

  The Lieutenant.

  “Ahh Kaela… you’ve really done it this time,” he said, his voice smooth yet sharp, like a serpent.

  “You know… I liked you too, I really wanted to let you live,” he continued, his confidence unwavering.

  A single bead of sweat dropped from my face.

  This man had an aura that I had never experienced before. It was like I could feel his strength by just standing in his proximity, a cold blood lust curled off of him as though it were a physical thing.

  But… together, Kaela and I could take him. We had to.

  “P—please,” kaela started.

  “Ah, ah, ah!” He said quickly, raising a ring adorned finger, immediately silencing Kaela.

  Kaela dropped to her knees with a choked scream, clutching her arm as smoke curled from the glowing mark. Her eyes rolled back for a second—then snapped open again, and turned to me.

  “Now…” The lieutenant said, shifting his pointed finger to me. “Kill him.”