Rika had heard of Kael's sister, Alina, but she had never met her. Curiosity gnawed at her, especially after Kael's vague references to her. Rika decided to visit her modest estate on the outskirts of the capital.
When they arrived, Alina welcomed them with a gentle smile, though there was a quiet strength in her gaze. They sat by the fire, and Rika wasted no time in asking, "Kael speaks highly of you, but I sense there's more to you than just the surviving sister."
Alina's expression shifted, her eyes flickering with a hint of secrecy. "You're perceptive. After House Ashford's fall, I didn't just hide away. I've been gathering information, building a network within the court. People loyal to the Ashford name, who want change."
Rika leaned forward, her interest piqued. "You've been spying on the empire?"
"Not spies," Alina corrected. "But I've been feeding vital information to the right people—people with influence, soldiers, and nobles who want to see the empire saved from its own corruption."
Rika's heart raced. This was more than she had imagined. Alina wasn't just Kael's sister—she was playing a dangerous game in the shadows.
"And Kael?" Rika asked. "Does he know?"
"No," Alina replied, her voice soft but firm. "I protect him from this. He carries enough burdens already."
Rika understood. Kael's protective nature left him vulnerable to hidden truths. But now, Rika knew Alina was a powerful ally in this web of conspiracies.
"I need your help," Rika said. "The empire's conspiracies run deeper than I thought."
Alina's eyes darkened. "I'll help, but we must be careful. If they discover what I've been doing, they'll silence me."
Rika nodded, her resolve firm. "We'll be careful. Thank you, Alina."
As they left, Rika realized Alina wasn't just a survivor—she was a force in her own right. An ally who could change the fate of the empire.