The cobblestone streets of the town had darkened with the setting sun, casting long shadows across the bustling market square. Amanda and her companions moved through the town with quiet determination, the crimson tome now securely tucked into her cloak. While the day had been fruitful, Amanda knew her enemies would not stop hunting her.
"Where are we going now?" Eryndor asked, his voice low.
"To prepare," Amanda said without looking at him. "The ruin's location is valuable, but I won't walk into an ancient site unarmed and unready. I need tools, spells, and… allies."
"Allies?" Eryndor raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't trust anyone."
Amanda glanced at him with a sly smile. "I don't. But allies don't need trust—just usefulness. And there's someone in this town who could be exactly what I need."
Eryndor sighed but didn't press further. Amanda's growing ruthlessness had unsettled him, but he also couldn't deny the results. She was growing stronger, more dangerous, and more cunning with every step.
The trio arrived at an inn near the edge of the town. Its sign, a faded depiction of a fox with glowing eyes, swayed gently in the evening breeze. Amanda pushed open the door, and the smell of roasted meat and cheap ale washed over them. The room was packed with travelers, mercenaries, and merchants, each absorbed in their own conversations.
Amanda's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a specific individual. Her gaze stopped at a lone figure sitting in a dim corner—a woman with jet-black hair and a scar running down one side of her face. She was dressed in dark leathers, and an aura of danger surrounded her.
"That's her," Amanda said, nodding toward the woman.
Eryndor frowned. "Who is she?"
"An assassin," Amanda replied. "Or rather, a former one. A highly skilled mage and blade master who fell out of favor with her guild. She's been working as a sell-sword ever since."
"And you're sure we can trust her?"
Amanda smirked. "Trust doesn't matter. I can offer her something no one else can: a chance to rise above her circumstances."
Amanda approached the woman's table, Fenris following close behind. The assassin looked up as they neared, her sharp green eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Do you have a death wish?" the woman asked, her voice low and venomous.
"Hardly," Amanda replied, pulling back her hood just enough to reveal her face. "I'm here to offer you a deal."
The assassin leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "I don't make deals with strangers."
"You'll want to hear this one," Amanda said, taking a seat across from her. "You're Kelys, aren't you? Former blade of the Black Thorn Guild?"
Kelys stiffened, her eyes flashing with anger. "You've done your homework. That doesn't explain why you're here."
"I need someone with your skills," Amanda said. "And I can pay you better than anyone else in this town. Gold, knowledge, power—you name it, and I'll make sure you get it."
Kelys scoffed. "And what's the catch?"
"No catch," Amanda said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Just loyalty. Work for me, and you'll have the opportunity to prove to the world that you're more than just a disgraced assassin."
Kelys studied Amanda for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.
"And if I say no?"
Amanda's smile turned cold. "Then I'll make sure no one ever hears your name again. Consider this your only chance to reclaim your life."
For a moment, the tension was palpable. Then Kelys laughed, a bitter sound that echoed through the room.
"You've got guts, I'll give you that," she said. "Fine. I'll hear you out. But if this turns out to be a waste of my time, you'll regret it."
Amanda nodded, satisfied. "You've made the right choice."
Later that night, Amanda and her companions regrouped in their rented room at the inn. Kelys leaned against the wall, watching Amanda with a wary expression.
"What exactly are you after?" Kelys asked.
Amanda pulled the crimson tome from her cloak and placed it on the table. "This book contains the location of an ancient ruin tied to a forgotten civilization. Inside, there's power—power that I intend to claim."
"And you want me to help you get it," Kelys said flatly.
"Yes," Amanda replied. "But this isn't just about treasure hunting. The ruin will be dangerous, likely guarded by traps, monsters, or worse. Your skills will be invaluable."
Kelys frowned. "What's in it for me?"
"Gold, knowledge, and a share of whatever we find," Amanda said. "But more importantly, you'll gain something far more valuable: purpose."
Kelys stared at her for a long moment, then shrugged. "Fine. But if I sense even a hint of betrayal, I won't hesitate to kill you."
Amanda smiled. "Fair enough."
The next morning, the group set out early, heading toward the outskirts of the town. The path to the ruin would be long and perilous, but Amanda felt a spark of excitement in her chest. With each step, she was getting closer to her goal, closer to the power she needed to reshape the world.
As they traveled, Amanda's thoughts turned dark. She knew the path she had chosen would be paved with blood, but she didn't care. Mercy was a weakness she had long since abandoned.
And if the world wanted to stand in her way, she would crush it beneath her feet.