That evening, Aiden returned to his quarters, feeling the weight of the day's events settle over him. His room was quiet, the flicker of candlelight casting shadows against the walls. As he unfastened his collar, there was a soft knock at the door. Valeria entered, her demeanor calm but her eyes alight with curiosity.
"I heard everything went according to plan," she said, closing the door behind her.
Aiden nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "The families are under control, though it'll take time for them to accept their new roles."
Valeria stepped closer, observing him intently. "And what about you, Aiden? You've achieved what you set out to do here. Do you feel satisfied?"
He paused, considering her question. "Power is rarely satisfying in itself. It's a means to an end. Moon City is only the beginning."
She tilted her head, a faint smile touching her lips. "Then I suppose I should prepare for more long nights."
