The moon was hidden behind thick clouds as Kaelron, Nyx, Zerin, Eryk, and Lys approached House Valdris. The noble district was eerily quiet, with only the faint sound of distant voices and the occasional creak of carriage wheels breaking the silence.
The group paused near a secluded grove on the edge of the estate, a perfect spot to hide their contracted beasts. Ignis perched on a low branch, her fiery feathers dimmed to avoid detection. Umbra crouched behind a cluster of bushes, her glowing eyes scanning the darkness. Frostbane, ever watchful, lay silently by the tree line, its icy breath leaving faint traces in the air.
"They stay here," Nyx said, her voice firm as she glanced at the beasts. "If something goes wrong, we retreat here and use them to fight our way out."
Kaelron nodded, placing a hand on Ignis's side. "Stay sharp, girl. We'll be back soon."
The griffon let out a soft trill, her glowing eyes filled with understanding.
Nyx crouched beside Umbra, stroking the panther's head. "Be ready, but stay hidden."
Eryk knelt beside Frostbane, murmuring something under his breath before standing. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
With a final glance at their loyal companions, the group turned and began their approach to House Valdris.
The eastern gate of the estate was covered in ivy, blending almost seamlessly with the wall. Lys moved ahead, producing a key from her pocket. "This leads to the servants' quarters," she whispered as she unlocked the gate.
Kaelron and Nyx exchanged a glance, their weapons hidden beneath their cloaks. Zerin adjusted his stolen overseer robes with a smirk. "Showtime."
"Stick to the plan," Nyx reminded him sharply. "No improvisation unless absolutely necessary."
The group slipped through the gate and into the shadowy confines of the servants' quarters.
The air inside was damp, carrying the faint scent of old wood and mildew. Shadows flickered along the narrow hallways as the group moved cautiously.
"This way," Lys whispered, leading them toward a branching corridor.
Kaelron noticed her nervous glances and the tension in her shoulders. "Are you sure about this?" he asked quietly.
She nodded, her voice steady despite her fear. "I've lived here long enough to know the blind spots. Just follow me."
The faint hum of voices grew louder as they neared the main hall. Music and laughter echoed through the stone walls, mingling with the clink of glasses.
"This is where we split up," Lys whispered, gesturing toward a side hall. "Eryk, Zerin, you'll join the overseers here. The rest of us will take the underground route."
Zerin gave a mock salute. "Good luck in the dungeon."
Nyx shot him a glare before turning to Kaelron. "Let's move."
Kaelron and Nyx descended into the estate's lower levels, the air growing colder with each step. The narrow stairwell spiraled downward, the stone walls damp and covered in moss.
"This place feels wrong," Kaelron murmured, gripping his staff tightly.
Nyx nodded, her eyes scanning every shadow. "We'll deal with it quickly and get out. No distractions."
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, the faint hum of energy grew louder. A strange, pulsing light illuminated the chamber beyond.
Nyx peered through the cracked door, spotting two guards stationed near the entrance. Their dark armor pulsed faintly with shadow energy.
She motioned for Kaelron to wait, then moved swiftly. Her daggers flashed in the dim light, taking down the first guard silently. The second turned, but Kaelron acted quickly, striking with a burst of energy from his staff.
The guard slumped to the ground, and Nyx stepped over him, wiping her blade clean. "Let's keep moving."
---
Meanwhile, Zerin and Eryk navigated the bustling main hall. The grand room was filled with nobles in lavish attire mingling with cult members and overseers. A low murmur of conversation filled the air, underscored by the occasional clink of glasses.
"Stay close," Zerin whispered, his eyes scanning the room.
Eryk adjusted his robes, his expression calm but focused. "We need to find out what they're planning."
They moved through the crowd, overhearing snippets of conversation.
"… shipments to the western provinces…"
"… shadow-forged weapons are nearly ready…"
"… the Maw's ascension draws near…"
Eryk frowned. "They're planning something big. We need more details."
A sudden hush fell over the room as a tall, robed figure entered. Their presence commanded immediate attention, and the crowd parted to let them pass.
"Tonight, we honor the Maw and prepare for the next step in our mission," the figure announced, their voice echoing with unnatural authority. "The Seven Realms shall bow to its power, and those who stand against us will be consumed by its shadows."
Zerin leaned closer to Eryk, his voice low. "I think we've found their leader."
---
Kaelron and Nyx stepped into the underground chamber, their eyes immediately drawn to the massive stone pedestal at its center. The orb hovered above it, radiating dark energy in pulsing waves.
"That's stronger than before," Kaelron muttered, gripping his staff.
Nyx approached cautiously, her daggers drawn. "We destroy it now before it powers more weapons."
Before they could act, a low growl echoed through the chamber. From the shadows emerged a massive beast, its body wreathed in dark energy. Its glowing eyes locked onto them, and it let out a deafening roar.
"Of course there's a guardian," Nyx muttered, stepping back.
Kaelron raised his staff, channeling energy. "We need to move fast."
As the beast lunged, Kaelron dodged, firing a burst of light that struck its side. Nyx darted around it, slashing at its legs to slow it down.
"Keep it distracted!" Nyx shouted, moving toward the pedestal.
Kaelron gritted his teeth, his attacks holding the beast at bay. "Just hurry!"
---
Back in the main hall, the cult leader's speech continued, their voice rising with fervor.
"The weapons we have forged will pave the way for the Maw's return. Tonight, we take the first step toward its ascension!"
Eryk tensed as he noticed overseers distributing weapons to the cult members. "We can't let them leave with those."
Zerin's grin returned, his hand moving to his daggers. "Time for some improvisation?"
Eryk sighed. "Let's hope Kaelron and Nyx are having better luck."
Nyx's daggers struck the pedestal, sending cracks spidering across its surface. The orb pulsed violently, emitting a shockwave that threw both her and Kaelron back.
"What did you do?" Kaelron shouted, scrambling to his feet.
Nyx stared at the orb as its glow intensified. "I think it's reacting to the corruption."
The shadow beast roared, its form shifting and growing larger as it absorbed the orb's energy.
In the main hall, the cult leader paused mid-speech, their gaze snapping toward the underground chamber. "Intruders," they hissed. "Deal with them."
Zerin and Eryk exchanged a glance, weapons ready as cult enforcers began moving toward them.