Chapter 33: Shadows and Schemes
Elias and Rook slinked through the dimly lit alleyways of Blackridge, their footfalls muffled by the midnight fog that blanketed the city. The tension between them was thick; tonight was a high-stakes gamble. They'd hit the Serpents hard and, if all went to plan, prove their worth to the Crimson Blades. Valera Bloodbane didn't ally herself with strangers lightly, and Elias knew he'd have to give her a reason to consider him a valuable asset.
As they approached the eastern docks, the faint scent of salt mingled with the damp, stale air of Blackridge's underbelly. Elias stopped short, watching from the shadows as Shadow Serpent guards offloaded crates from a small, inconspicuous ship. Each guard was clad in dark armor adorned with a serpent insignia, and they held their positions with silent, deadly precision. But Elias noticed something else: another set of guards stood further back, blending into the fog. These weren't Serpents; they bore the insignia of a veiled eye on their armor—the mark of the Veil Syndicate.
"Looks like the Serpents hired extra muscle for this haul," Rook muttered, his voice low. "The Veil Syndicate. They're hired swords, but damn good at spotting trouble before it hits. They'll make our lives harder."
"Did they suspect an attack?" Elias asked, his gaze sharpening.
"Doubtful. But the Syndicate's good at sniffing out threats. Even if they're not expecting trouble, they're ready for it."
Elias clenched his jaw, sizing up the situation. His summons couldn't slip past the Syndicate guards without drawing attention. And if even one Syndicate guard got suspicious, the entire Serpent crew would know in seconds.
"We need a distraction," Elias said, his mind racing.
Rook smirked, already pulling a handful of small glass vials from his belt. "Thought you might say that. These are alchemist's flash bombs. Not the most subtle, but enough to cause some chaos if you time it right."
Elias took the vials, examining them with a nod of approval. "That'll work. I'll use the chaos to send my summons in from the far side. They can take out the guards while the Syndicate's busy."
Rook glanced at him, his expression serious. "Make sure you keep control. The Syndicate isn't just tough—they'll pick up on anything that looks out of place."
Elias nodded, though he could feel the familiar knot of anticipation tightening in his chest. The plan was risky, but if it succeeded, it would secure him a powerful ally in Valera. "Let's move."
The two of them slipped into position, hiding behind a stack of crates near the dock's edge. Elias took a deep breath, his thoughts narrowing to a sharp focus as he whispered to the summons waiting in the shadows. "Wait for my signal. Be swift and silent."
With a quick glance at Rook, he tossed one of the flash bombs toward the Syndicate guards. The vial shattered, and a bright flash illuminated the dock, followed by a thick plume of smoke. The guards shouted in alarm, their attention snapping toward the disturbance.
"Now," Elias commanded, sending his summons forward.
The skeletal wolves darted out first, silent shadows against the dark, followed by his ghouls. They advanced from the opposite side of the dock, moving like silent wraiths through the fog. Elias felt the pulse of his connection with them, an iron thread binding them to his will. One by one, the summons closed in on the Serpent guards, their movements swift and merciless.
A skeletal wolf lunged, its teeth sinking into the leg of a Serpent guard, who went down with a muffled shout. Two ghouls took advantage of the distraction, dragging the guard into the shadows. Elias watched as the rest of his summons moved with brutal efficiency, taking down one guard after another before they could raise the alarm.
The Syndicate guards were quick to notice the chaos, but they couldn't see through the smoke and fog. Elias guided his summons around them, keeping them focused on the Serpent crew. As the Serpents fell, the Syndicate guards turned, weapons drawn, searching the darkness with narrowed eyes.
"Stay hidden," Elias whispered to his summons, urging them back into the shadows as the Syndicate regrouped. He gestured to Rook, who took the cue, slipping over to the cart where the crates were stacked.
"We're clear," Rook whispered, signaling Elias to follow. They moved quickly, seizing the cart and maneuvering it toward a narrow alleyway. Behind them, the Syndicate guards were still searching for the source of the attack, unaware that the cart had vanished into the night.
They reached their hideout just before dawn. The crates were stacked high in the center of the warehouse, their contents glinting faintly in the dim light filtering through the walls. Elias let out a slow breath, feeling the adrenaline begin to ebb. The heist had been a success.
Rook pried open one of the crates, inspecting its contents with a satisfied nod. "This should be enough to get Valera's attention. But we'll need to move quickly—the Serpents will want their goods back, and they'll send the Syndicate after us when they realize what happened."
Elias could feel the weight of the crates pressing on him, both literally and figuratively. This was the first major step in securing his place in Blackridge's underworld, but it was also a dangerous game. "Let's arrange a meeting. I'll show Valera that I'm more than just a man with ambition."
---
That evening, Elias and Rook entered the Crimson Blades' stronghold, a fortified warehouse adorned with crimson banners and guarded by soldiers in red-armored uniforms. The guards watched them with steely eyes, assessing every step they took as they were led to the central chamber.
Valera Bloodbane waited, seated on a raised platform draped with trophies and weapons from battles past. Her gaze was piercing, her expression coldly appraising. She stood as they entered, her gaze narrowing slightly as it fell on Elias.
"So," she said, her voice a low, dangerous murmur, "you're the one who stole from the Serpents."
Elias inclined his head, keeping his posture respectful but unbowed. "They were in my way. I took the opportunity to clear a path."
Valera's lips curled into a faint smile, though her eyes remained guarded. "You're bold. But boldness alone isn't enough to survive here. What can you offer me that I can't take myself?"
"I have knowledge—and a willingness to do what others won't," Elias replied evenly. He gestured to the crates Rook had brought forward. "With these supplies, you'll have an edge over the Serpents. And if you accept my aid, I can bring you more than just resources."
Valera raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking to Rook, who nodded in silent agreement. She seemed to consider his words, weighing the potential risk against the reward.
Finally, she spoke, her voice carrying a hint of grudging respect. "Fine. I'll give you a chance. But if you cross me, you'll regret it."
Elias met her gaze, his voice steady. "Understood."
She stepped closer, her tone dropping to a near-whisper. "Here are the terms. I want information on the Serpents' safe houses, their guards, and their routines. You bring me that, and you'll earn a place here. Fail, and I'll make sure you never work in this city again."
Elias nodded, feeling the weight of her words settle on him like a mantle. He had the connection, the supplies, and now, a tenuous alliance with one of Blackridge's most dangerous figures. But he knew it was only the beginning.
As they left the stronghold, Rook shot him a wary look. "You got her attention, but don't get comfortable. The Blades don't give second chances."
Elias felt a flicker of doubt but forced it down. He had chosen this path, and he would see it through. "Then let's make sure we don't need one. The Serpents won't know what hit them."
The night closed in around them, and Elias felt the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. The city was a web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles, and he was weaving himself deeper into it. But with his summons and Rook's guidance, he was ready to play the game—and win.