Raze slipped through the quiet camp under the cover of night, his steps light and calculated. The notebook was hidden beneath his cloak, its contents pressing against his chest like a silent weight. He knew what he had to do: send the signal to Varian, hand over the information, and dismantle the faction's plans from within. But he also knew that time was against him. Kaelen's suspicions were growing, and if he delayed, it could spell disaster.
After his encounter with Kaelen, he had spent hours planning the handoff, finding a hidden spot in the woods where he could activate the Iron Vein signal. He would need to send a pulse strong enough to reach the sect's scouts but subtle enough to avoid detection by the faction's Veinborn.
The forest was still as he reached his chosen spot, the faint glow of the moon casting shadows across the trees. Raze took a deep breath, focusing on the Iron Vein, allowing its energy to pulse steadily within him. This signal would be a beacon—a call that only Varian would recognize, a mark of loyalty embedded in the Vein technique.
He steadied his breathing, preparing to channel the energy.
Just as he was about to release the signal, a voice shattered the silence.
"Drakan!"
Raze whirled around, his heart racing as he saw Linaar standing a few paces away, her gaze piercing, a dangerous edge in her expression. She stepped closer, her Vein mark glowing faintly as she assessed him.
"What are you doing out here?" she asked, her tone sharp but deceptively calm.
Raze forced himself to remain composed, slipping the notebook further into the shadows of his cloak. "I needed a moment alone," he replied, his voice steady. "The gathering brought up… memories of the sect."
Linaar's eyes narrowed, though she seemed intrigued rather than suspicious. "Memories?" she echoed, her tone softening slightly.
Raze nodded, choosing his words carefully. "The sect prides itself on power and control, but it restricts us from our true potential. The things you spoke about tonight reminded me of that."
Linaar's gaze softened, though a hint of caution remained. "You've proven yourself, Drakan. But you must understand, power without purpose is dangerous. Here, we believe in power for a reason—a purpose greater than the sect's restrictions."
Raze inclined his head, sensing that he had deflected her suspicion, at least for now. But he knew he couldn't delay any longer. Linaar's watchful eye and Kaelen's scrutiny were closing in on him, tightening the walls of his deception.
"Of course," he replied, his tone respectful. "I appreciate the chance to be part of this movement."
Linaar gave a slight nod, though her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she turned and disappeared back into the shadows. Raze released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He knew he was on borrowed time, but he still had one chance to complete his mission.
The Signal Sent
Once he was certain Linaar was gone, Raze steeled himself, reaching deep within the Iron Vein, channeling its power as he released a focused pulse. The signal reverberated through him, a silent call that would resonate with the sect's scouts stationed in the nearby hills. He had done it—the message was sent.
He quickly returned to the camp, blending back into the shadows, every sense heightened as he moved through the silent encampment. He knew it would take time for Varian or one of his agents to receive the signal and make contact, but he couldn't afford to linger outside the camp. He needed to maintain his cover, to act as though nothing had changed.
As he slipped back into his quarters, he felt the weight of his decision settle over him. The notebook was still in his possession, and he would need to pass it off when the opportunity arose. But he also understood that any misstep from here on out would mean exposure—and the faction's retribution.
A Shadowed Warning
The following day, Raze continued to play his role, attending faction meetings and training with the other Veinborn. But he felt the tension building, a subtle shift in the way his fellow faction members looked at him. Kaelen's eyes lingered on him with a wary intensity, and even Linaar's gaze seemed more cautious, as if she sensed that something was amiss.
Late in the afternoon, Kaelen approached him, his expression unreadable. "Linaar wants to see you," he said, his tone devoid of warmth.
Raze felt a chill settle over him. He followed Kaelen to Linaar's quarters, keeping his expression neutral as he prepared himself for whatever lay ahead. When they entered, Linaar was waiting, her expression stern, her Vein mark pulsing faintly as she observed him.
"Drakan," she began, her tone formal. "We've heard whispers that someone within our ranks may be… less than loyal."
Raze's heart pounded, though he kept his expression calm. "Do you think it's one of the newcomers?" he asked, careful to keep any trace of guilt from his voice.
Linaar's gaze bore into him, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. "We have our suspicions. But we're hoping that it's not true. We value loyalty here, as you know."
Raze inclined his head, maintaining his composure. "Of course. I've given everything to prove my loyalty."
Linaar's eyes softened slightly, though she held his gaze. "I hope so. Because betrayal in this faction is dealt with… harshly."
He nodded, forcing himself to meet her gaze. "I understand. I'm here for the same reasons you are."
Linaar watched him for a moment longer before dismissing him, though her gaze lingered as he left. Raze knew that he had narrowly avoided suspicion, but he also understood that his every move was being watched. The walls of deception were closing in on him, and he had little time left.
Contact with the Sect
That night, as he prepared to settle in, a faint rustling outside his quarters caught his attention. He slipped out, moving silently through the shadows, until he reached the edge of the camp. There, waiting in the shadows, was a figure cloaked in dark robes—a sect scout sent by Varian.
The scout handed him a small, sealed message, his face hidden beneath his hood. "Varian received your signal," the scout whispered, his tone urgent. "He needs the notebook tonight. The faction's movements have accelerated."
Raze nodded, slipping the notebook from his cloak and handing it to the scout. "Tell him everything in the notebook is accurate. The faction plans to target the sect's caches and allies. They're gathering Veinborn from across the region for something bigger than we anticipated."
The scout nodded, taking the notebook and slipping it into his robes. "Understood. Be careful, Drakan. You've drawn attention, and Varian suspects that the faction may try to test your loyalty soon."
With that, the scout disappeared into the shadows, leaving Raze alone with the knowledge that his mission was finally in motion. He had delivered the information, but he also understood that his position within the faction was now more precarious than ever.
The True Test
As dawn approached, Raze returned to his quarters, feeling the weight of his decision settle over him. He had fulfilled his duty to the sect, but he knew that the faction would not let any hint of suspicion slide. The days ahead would be a test of endurance, of loyalty, and of deception.
The next morning, Linaar summoned the faction for an urgent meeting. She stood before them, her expression grave as she addressed the assembled Veinborn.
"We have received word of a traitor in our ranks," she announced, her voice cold and measured. "Someone who would betray us to the sect, who would undermine everything we have worked to build."
Raze felt a chill run through him as he listened, knowing that he was walking a razor's edge. Linaar's gaze swept over the crowd, her eyes narrowing as she studied each member, searching for any hint of guilt.
"From now on, we will be observing everyone more closely," she continued, her tone a warning. "Loyalty is not a choice—it is a necessity. Betrayal will be met with swift retribution."
As she spoke, Kaelen's gaze lingered on Raze, a hint of suspicion flickering in his eyes. Raze knew that his every move would be under scrutiny, that any misstep would expose him to the faction's wrath.
But he had made his choice. He had delivered the information to Varian, set the pieces in motion. Now, he would have to rely on his wits, his resolve, and the Iron Vein's power to navigate the path he had chosen.
For Raze Drakan, the price of loyalty had never been higher.