Shadows in the Walls
The morning in Delmar was cool, but behind the thick walls of Lord Renhal Duvane's mansion, the air felt heavy and serious.
Lans and Aria sat in front of a large wooden table covered in maps and documents.
Lord Renhal stood, leaning over the table, his sharp eyes studying them both.
"I know you're still new to this kind of work," he said slowly, "but I need your help now more than ever."
"What's going on, sir?" Lans asked, trying to keep his voice calm.
Renhal took a long breath before answering.
"Important information about Delmar's defenses and supplies is leaking.
I suspect one of my trusted officials—someone who attends private meetings here."
"Who?" Aria asked, her eyes sharp with suspicion.
Renhal pointed to three names written on a paper:
Taren, head of city logistics.
Joven, our economic advisor.
Lysell, a diplomatic envoy.
"They're all close to me. But I don't know which one is the traitor."
Lans nodded, understanding. "What do you want us to do?"
"There will be a private meeting tonight," Renhal said.
"I want you two there—but in disguise.
Aria, you'll pose as a servant.
Lans, you'll pretend to be an extra guard on the balcony.
Watch them carefully.
See if anyone acts suspicious."
"We understand," Lans answered firmly.
That Night
Night fell fast.
The great hall of Renhal's house was dim, lit only by candlelight that threw long shadows across the stone walls.
Aria, dressed as a simple servant, moved gracefully between the guests, pouring wine and serving food—while secretly watching every smile, every whisper.
Up on the balcony, Lans stood in an oversized guard uniform.
From there, he could see everything—especially the three officials at the main table.
Taking a deep breath, Lans slowed time just slightly.
The movements of the guests slowed too, giving him a clearer view.
His eyes locked onto Taren, who seemed nervous—constantly glancing toward the windows whenever supply routes were mentioned.
Lans felt his chest tighten.
Something was wrong with Taren.
As the meal ended, Taren politely excused himself and slipped out a side door.
Lans gave a small signal to Aria.
She nodded and quietly followed Taren out.
In the Garden
Outside, in the dark garden, Aria saw Taren pacing nervously.
Then, from the shadows, a figure appeared.
Tall.
Wearing shimmering armor of icy blue steel.
Its face hidden behind a crystal-like helmet that glowed faintly.
The air turned freezing cold.
Aria stepped back, her breath misting in front of her.
Lans arrived beside her, watching the figure with rising fear.
"You should not be here," the icy figure whispered, voice cold as a winter wind.
Lans felt an overwhelming sense of danger.
He tried to speed up his movements—but the cold seemed to freeze his body, slowing him down.
"Lans!" Aria cried out, pulling her bow and firing an arrow.
But the arrow was blown off-course by a sharp blast of icy wind.
The figure—The Frostbound—raised a hand.
Thin layers of frost began creeping over the plants and ground around them.
"This isn't just politics," Lans muttered through chattering teeth.
"No," Aria whispered, biting her lip.
"It's much worse."
Forcing himself to move, Lans leapt forward, grabbing a small glowing crystal that had slipped from Taren's hand.
"Run, Aria!" he shouted, yanking her away.
They sprinted back toward the mansion, dodging the freezing mist that chased them.
Back at Renhal's Mansion
They burst back into Renhal's office, gasping for air.
Lans handed him the small crystal.
Renhal's face turned pale.
"I recognize this symbol," he said, voice shaking.
"It's ancient Velcorin magic.
They've allied themselves with Dravern..."
Lans and Aria looked at each other, realization dawning.
"This goes deeper than betrayal," Renhal said grimly.
"We'll keep Taren under close watch.
But we can't move too soon.
We need to know who else is involved."
Back at the Willow Guild
Later, Lans sat beside Aria at the Willow Guild, staring at the old wooden floor.
Aria took a deep breath, her face serious.
"This isn't just a simple traitor, Lans," she said quietly.
"We're facing powerful dark magic."
Lans nodded slowly. "I know.
And my power... it's not just for fighting, Aria.
We have to understand time itself.
Because whoever our enemy is… they're far more dangerous than we ever imagined."
The two of them sat there, silent, the weight of what they had uncovered heavy on their shoulders.
In that deepening night, they knew one thing for certain:
Their small steps had dragged them into a game far bigger—and far darker—than they ever expected.