Chapter 6: A Noble's Grip
The grand hall was a vision of opulence, its marble floors gleaming under the glow of chandeliers crafted from crystal and enchanted flames. Nobles clad in silks and adorned with jewelry milled about, their laughter and chatter a stark contrast to the tension coursing through Riven's veins. He didn't belong here, and he knew it. But his mission to uncover the roots of the illicit beast trade had led him to this gilded cage.
Nyx stood at his side, her fur bristling as her sharp eyes scanned the room. Though the wolf-like beast was no stranger to danger, the atmosphere here was different—thick with unspoken threats and false pleasantries.
At the far end of the hall, a man stood apart from the crowd, commanding attention without uttering a word. Lord Edran Valcair, a noble whose reputation was as polished as his appearance, radiated power. His silver hair was combed neatly, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to see through everyone in the room.
It was said that Lord Valcair controlled much of the beast trade in the capital, though no evidence had ever been produced. If the rumors were true, he wasn't just involved in the legal trade of tamed beasts for sport and labor—he had a hand in the darker side of the market as well.
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#### A Calculated Approach
Riven adjusted the collar of his borrowed jacket, trying to blend in with the crowd. He had slipped into the event posing as a minor domador representing a distant province. The invitation had come through Saria's contacts, but she had warned him: *"Valcair isn't just a noble. He's a predator. Be careful."*
With Nyx shadowing his every step, Riven moved through the room, careful to avoid drawing too much attention. His eyes darted to the servants moving with precision along the edges of the hall. Most bore subtle signs of fear—a nervous glance here, a stiff posture there.
His focus sharpened when he noticed two guards flanking a side door. They were clad in black uniforms, their insignias depicting a chained wyvern.
"That's the mark of Valcair's private enforcers," Riven whispered to Nyx.
She growled softly, her ears flicking toward the guards as though sensing the dark energy emanating from them.
Riven filed the information away, his mind spinning. That door likely led to something important—perhaps a storeroom or even an office where Valcair conducted his more secretive dealings.
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#### An Inevitable Confrontation
As Riven approached the refreshments table, a smooth, authoritative voice cut through the noise.
"You're a new face."
He turned to see Lord Valcair standing mere feet away, his piercing blue eyes locked on him.
"I am," Riven replied, bowing slightly in the manner he had observed from the other guests. "Riven Duskwood, from the western provinces."
Valcair's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "And what brings you to my humble gathering, Mr. Duskwood?"
Riven's mind raced. "I've heard this is where the most esteemed domadores gather. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to learn from the best."
Valcair chuckled, his gaze flicking briefly to Nyx. "Your beast is impressive. A creature of that caliber must take exceptional skill to tame."
"She's my partner," Riven corrected, keeping his tone even.
Valcair's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but it was enough to reveal his distaste.
"Interesting," Valcair said, his voice smooth once more. "Partnerships with beasts are a quaint notion. But in this city, power is what truly matters. Those who fail to wield it… well, they become tools for those who do."
Riven felt Nyx tense beside him, her golden eyes narrowing.
"And what of those who abuse their power?" Riven asked, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.
Valcair's smile returned, sharper this time. "They become the architects of the future."
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#### Unveiling the Truth
The conversation was interrupted by a commotion near the guarded door. A young servant had stumbled, spilling a tray of wine glasses onto the floor. As the nobles turned their attention to the scene, Riven seized the opportunity.
He slipped away, moving toward the guarded door with Nyx at his side. The distraction allowed him to approach unnoticed, and with Nyx's keen senses, they managed to bypass the guards without raising an alarm.
Beyond the door was a narrow corridor that reeked of damp stone and something far more sinister—fear.
The corridor opened into a cavernous room lit by torches. Cages lined the walls, each containing beasts of various sizes and conditions. Some were fierce and unbroken, their eyes glowing with defiance. Others were emaciated, their spirits crushed by confinement.
Riven's stomach churned. This wasn't just a storage area—it was a prison.
"Nyx," he whispered, his voice trembling with rage.
Nyx growled low, her fur bristling as she moved closer to one of the cages. Inside was a young gryphon, its wings clipped and its body trembling.
Riven clenched his fists. This was the heart of the illicit beast trade, and Valcair was at the center of it.
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#### A Dangerous Encounter
Before Riven could act, the sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber. He and Nyx ducked behind a stack of crates as two figures entered. One was a hulking man in armor bearing the same chained wyvern insignia. The other was Valcair himself.
"How is the shipment?" Valcair asked, his tone casual.
"The gryphons will fetch a high price," the guard replied. "But the wolf-beasts are proving difficult to subdue."
Valcair's eyes flicked toward the cages, his expression cold. "Then break them. Pain has a way of making even the fiercest creatures compliant."
Riven's blood boiled. He had heard enough.
"Nyx," he whispered, his voice sharp. "We're leaving. But not before we free as many of them as we can."
Nyx nodded, her golden eyes blazing with determination.
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#### An Escape in the Shadows
Moving swiftly and silently, Riven began unlocking cages, starting with the gryphon. Nyx kept watch, her ears swiveling to catch any sign of movement.
The beasts, sensing freedom, stirred with excitement. But their movements alerted the guards.
"Who's there?" the armored man barked, drawing his sword.
Riven stepped out of the shadows, his blade at the ready. "Your time's up, Valcair."
The noble's eyes narrowed. "Ah, the provincial domador. How quaint."
Before Riven could respond, Nyx lunged at the guard, her fangs sinking into his arm. The man roared in pain, swinging his weapon wildly.
Riven charged at Valcair, their blades clashing in a shower of sparks. The noble was a skilled fighter, his movements precise and calculated.
But Riven fought with something more—righteous fury.
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#### A Narrow Victory
As the fight raged, the freed beasts joined the fray. The gryphon, despite its clipped wings, struck out at the guards, its talons slashing through armor.
Valcair, realizing he was outnumbered, retreated toward the exit. "This isn't over," he snarled before disappearing into the corridor.
Riven didn't give chase. His priority was the beasts.
"Come on," he called to Nyx, who was already leading the freed creatures toward the exit.
They slipped out of the estate under cover of darkness, disappearing into the labyrinthine streets of the capital.
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#### A New Resolve
Back at the inn, Riven tended to Nyx's injuries. She had taken a few hits during the escape, but her spirit was as fierce as ever.
"We made a dent," he said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "But Valcair won't stop. He'll double down on his operations."
Nyx let out a soft growl, her golden eyes filled with determination.
Riven nodded. "Then we'll be ready. Together, we'll bring him down."
In the quiet of the room, Riven felt a renewed sense of purpose. The fight against Valcair was far from over, but with Nyx by his side, he was prepared to face whatever came next.