The imposing gates of Calder Venric's estate loomed ahead, framed by towering iron bars and intricate carvings of serpents coiling around each other. Lanterns burned with an unnatural green flame, casting eerie shadows across the cobblestone path that led to the grand mansion beyond.
Kael's pulse quickened as Rhoric approached the gate and rapped on it twice with the hilt of his dagger. A faint hum filled the air, and the gates creaked open as though responding to his touch.
"Keep your heads down and your mouths shut," Rhoric said, glancing back at Kael and the others. "Venric doesn't take kindly to interruptions or fools."
Kael nodded, gripping the strap of his satchel tightly. Beside him, Ember walked silently, her flames dimmed to faint embers. Umbra peeked out from the folds of Kael's cloak, his glowing blue eyes wary but alert.
Lira, as usual, seemed unfazed. She flashed Kael a reassuring smirk before falling into step behind Rhoric.
As they passed through the gates, Kael's unease grew. The path leading to the mansion was lined with statues—arcane beasts frozen in mid-roar or caught in moments of flight. Each one was so detailed, so lifelike, that Kael felt as though they were watching him.
"Are those… real?" he whispered to Ember.
The fox's fiery eyes flicked to the statues, her expression grim. "They were."
Kael's stomach churned. Calder Venric's reputation as a collector of rare artifacts suddenly felt far more sinister.
The mansion itself was a sprawling structure of black stone, its windows glowing faintly with the same green light as the lanterns outside. As they ascended the wide marble steps to the front door, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
Rhoric pushed open the heavy wooden doors, revealing a grand foyer lined with tapestries and display cases. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, and the flickering green light cast long shadows across the walls.
"Wait here," Rhoric ordered, gesturing for the group to stop. "I'll inform Venric of your arrival."
As he disappeared down a side corridor, Kael exhaled slowly, his nerves on edge. He glanced at Lira, who was casually examining a nearby display case filled with gleaming jewels and arcane trinkets.
"This place feels wrong," Kael murmured.
"Because it is," Ember said, her voice low. "Venric doesn't just collect artifacts. He collects power—and he doesn't care who or what he has to hurt to get it."
Lira smirked. "You've got a knack for understatement, Ember." She tapped the glass of the display case. "This guy's reputation isn't just for show. He's dangerous, and we'd better be ready for anything."
Before Kael could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed through the foyer. He turned to see a tall, thin man descending the grand staircase. His dark robes swirled around him like smoke, and his sharp, angular features were illuminated by the faint green glow of the room. His piercing silver eyes locked onto Kael, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Welcome to my home," Calder Venric said, his voice smooth and measured. "Rhoric tells me you've brought something of interest."
Kael's throat went dry. He forced himself to meet Venric's gaze, his heart pounding in his chest. "We… have information about an artifact you might want," he said carefully.
Venric's smile widened, though there was no warmth in it. "How intriguing. Please, come."
He motioned for them to follow, turning and ascending the staircase without waiting for a response.
Kael exchanged a glance with Ember and Lira before following, his steps heavy with apprehension.
The group was led into a lavish sitting room lined with shelves of books and display cases. A fire crackled in the hearth, though its flames burned green rather than orange. Venric took a seat in a high-backed chair near the fire, gesturing for the others to sit on the low couches surrounding him.
Kael hesitated but finally sat, clutching the strap of his satchel like a lifeline.
Venric steepled his fingers, his sharp eyes scanning the group. "Now, tell me about this artifact."
Kael glanced at Lira, who gave him a subtle nod. Taking a deep breath, he spoke. "We've heard rumors of a powerful artifact hidden in the north," he said. "Something tied to ancient arcane rituals. We thought you might be interested in acquiring it."
Venric's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained composed. "Go on."
"It's said to amplify the power of any arcane magic it comes into contact with," Kael continued, trying to sound confident. "If anyone could make use of it, it's you."
Venric leaned back in his chair, his silver eyes gleaming with interest. "And where, exactly, did you hear these rumors?"
Kael's mind raced. He hadn't expected Venric to press for details so quickly. "A traveler," he said. "Someone passing through Draycott. They mentioned it in passing, and we thought it might be worth investigating."
Venric's smile returned, though it didn't reach his eyes. "How resourceful of you. And yet, I find myself wondering… why come to me? Surely, if this artifact is as powerful as you claim, you'd want it for yourselves."
Kael's stomach twisted. He opened his mouth to respond, but Lira beat him to it.
"Because we know our limits," she said smoothly. "You've got the resources and connections to get to it before anyone else. We figured it was better to work with you than risk losing it to someone less… agreeable."
Venric chuckled, the sound low and unnerving. "Flattery will get you far, my dear."
He stood, his robes swirling around him as he approached Kael. "You carry yourself well, boy," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "But I can sense the weight of your fear. It clings to you like a shadow."
Kael's breath caught in his throat. He forced himself to hold Venric's gaze, though his heart pounded in his chest.
"I value ambition," Venric continued, stepping back. "But I also value honesty. Tell me—what is it you truly seek?"
Kael's mind raced. The golden thread pulsed faintly in his chest, a steady reminder of the stakes. He couldn't risk revealing the truth, but he also couldn't afford to falter now.
"We seek opportunity," Kael said finally, his voice steady. "The chance to work with someone like you—and to prove our worth."
Venric studied him for a long moment, then smiled. "Very well. I'll entertain your offer—for now."
Kael exhaled silently, relief washing over him. But as Venric turned and gestured for them to follow him deeper into the estate, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they had only just begun to tread dangerous waters.