THE DRAGON'S LAIR

n, casting a crimson glow across

n the edge of unrest, its air thic

ngdom. Merchants no longer smiled as they sold their wares. C

n the balcony. She gazed at the distant silhouette of the roya

over Eldoria. She breathed in the cool evening air, the sme

aelstrom of possibilities

ind her broke

stling against the stone floor

t as if absorbing the same fo

etly, his voice breaking the silence.

ble. "Blackwood was right. There's a sto

, his eyes darkening with worry.

the taverns and back alleys. The nobles are wh

Seraphina replied. "Even those who despise him

. "But we don't have that luxury. We can't

ghtened. "So,

n, but more important

orces and Blackwood, we need more than

he kind that spoke of years of sil

do you trust? Blackwood's in

" Seraphina cut i

gs of the court better than anyone. She might not

her usefu

ed across his face. "And what about

a thin line. "We need to kno

ure of victory. But if we can present them

shed, understanding dawning.

ty, her eyes narrowing as the first

ritical of the King, though he hides it well. If we c

a and Rowan walked through t

from prying eyes, though the

e noble district. It was a sprawling mansion,

e front gate the

, hidden alleys to reach a side

ing, easily missed by anyone w

a soft tap. Moments later, the door creaked open,

em quietly, stepping aside to let them in.

the dimly lit hallway

the mansion's winding corri

ckling fire, the scent of aged w

th, his hands clasped behind his

ng. His voice was deep and measured, carry

spers that you'

she stepped forward. "Whis

rned to face her, his shar

-streaked. But his strong posture showed his strength. "Whi

man who understands the value of intent, Lord Harringto

a small smile tugging at the

estless, the nobles are divided, and now there's talk of an uprising. You've been critical of the

ou think I'd risk my family's fortune and safety for rebelli

Blackwood is already involved, and soon others will join. The King's enemies are not just rabble in

omething-perhaps curiosity, perhap

s, and your influence with the other noble families. If we can present a united fr

arrington asked, his t

en the new order is established. You and your family will have a say in t

en them. Then he sighed, running a hand through his silvered hair. "Yo

Seraphina said fi

But he was intrigued. He waited cautiously to see how events would unfold. As Seraphina and Rowan lef

onvinced," Rowan mut

vinced yet. He just needs to be intrigued enough to watch,

f he d

in the moonlight. "Then

map of Eldoria on the table. It showed the streets, districts, noble houses, and power centers. She traced her fin

her mind-Blackwood's warning. You're stepping into a war you can't win

e didn't have the luxury of second-guessing herse