The Sanctified Lanterns' base thrummed with purpose.
Lanterns moved swiftly through its dim corridors, their footsteps muffled by ancient stone.
Elias followed Adrienne into the central chamber, the weight of the Veil pressing faintly against his senses.
High Inquisitor Veylan stood at the head of a table, his presence as sharp as his tone.
The map of Arkwright's industrial district was spread before him, red pins marking locations like wounds on a battlefield.
"Thorne," Veylan said without looking up. "You have something for us?"
Elias stepped forward, placing his notebook on the table.
"The Syndicate is using Harrison Ironworks as their base. There's a hidden chamber beneath the factory—a ritual site.
I found an altar, carved symbols, and traces of sacrifices. I overheard operatives mention a shipment arriving tonight.
It's critical to their plans."
Veylan's fingers tapped the table, his expression darkening.
"A shipment. Likely Veil-tainted artifacts or unwilling participants. They're escalating."
His voice turned cold. "We act tonight."
Adrienne leaned over the map, her brow furrowed. "We'll need to divide our forces.
One team intercepts the shipment, while another investigates Harrison's involvement."
Veylan nodded, his finger tracing two points on the map.
"Adrienne, you'll lead the team to the docks. Ensure the shipment doesn't reach its destination."
Adrienne's jaw tightened. "Understood."
Veylan's gaze shifted to Elias.
"Thorne, you'll accompany Captain Lirian to Marcus Harrison's estate. We need answers.
If Harrison is complicit, you'll extract the information. If not…"
He let the implication hang, his meaning clear.
Elias crossed his arms. "And if we find nothing?"
"Then you regroup with Adrienne's team," Veylan said. "No loose ends."
A figure stepped forward from the shadows, his pale eyes faintly aglow.
Captain Lirian's presence was imposing, each movement deliberate and calculated.
There was something different about him—an air of restrained power.
"You'll be working with me tonight," Lirian said, his tone low but firm.
Elias raised an eyebrow. "So you're the one calling the shots?"
Lirian's faint smile didn't reach his eyes. "Consider it a privilege."
Adrienne gestured to the others gathered around the table.
"This is the rest of the team."
First was Aric, a wiry man with sharp features and an easy grin.
He adjusted the strap of his satchel, its faint clinking betraying its contents.
"Tracker, lockpicker, and all-around miracle worker," Aric said, offering Elias a casual salute.
"Don't worry—I'll make sure the shipment doesn't get far."
Elias smirked. "Miracle worker, huh? Modest too, I see."
Aric chuckled. "You'll get used to me."
Next was Lenya, her dark eyes scanning Elias with quiet intensity.
She was tall and lean, her movements fluid and precise.
"I specialize in shadows," Lenya said, extending a hand.
Tendrils of darkness coiled around her fingers, writhing before fading into nothing.
"Veilborn?" Elias asked.
Lenya nodded. "Same as you. Only difference is, I know how to use it."
Elias nodded, filing the comment away. "Noted."
Finally, Dorian stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over the table.
The massive warhammer slung across his back hummed faintly with Veil energy, its runes glowing like embers.
"Dorian's our muscle," Adrienne said, grinning. "And a pretty good shield when things get messy."
Dorian grunted, his voice low and even. "Stick close. You won't get crushed."
Elias glanced at the warhammer. "Good to know someone's got my back."
Dorian nodded, his expression unreadable.
Veylan's voice cut through the introductions.
"Time is short. Adrienne, your team moves to the docks immediately. Captain Lirian and Thorne will handle Harrison.
Both teams will report the moment their objectives are secured."
His gaze locked onto Elias. "This is your opportunity to prove yourself. Do not waste it."
Elias met his eyes. "I won't."
As the meeting broke, Adrienne pulled Elias aside.
"Lirian's one of the best," she said. "Stick with him, and you'll be fine."
Elias frowned. "What's his deal? He's… different."
Adrienne hesitated. "He's been through the Shattering—first step. It's stabilized his connection to the Veil and expanded his abilities."
"The Shattering again," Elias muttered. "You mentioned it before. What does it actually do?"
Adrienne sighed. "The Shattering is a ritual. It deepens your connection to the Veil, stabilizes it.
At the first step, you gain more control—abilities like Shadowcraft and Wraithstepping."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "Shadowcraft? Wraithstepping?"
"Shadowcraft lets you shape shadows—into barriers, weapons, or even tools," Adrienne explained.
"Wraithstepping is like… slipping between the edges of reality for a moment. Makes you hard to hit, and harder to catch."
"And Lirian can do both?" Elias asked.
Adrienne nodded. "That's why he's leading your team."
Elias glanced toward Veylan, who was speaking with Lirian at the far end of the room.
"And Veylan? What about him?"
Adrienne's voice lowered. "He's a Veilbinder—second step.
He's bound an Echo of Divinity, which gives him immense power. But it also ties him more closely to the Veil.
That's a dangerous thing, even for someone like him."
Elias frowned. "And me? What does being Veilborn mean?"
Adrienne's expression softened.
"It means you're connected to the Veil without undergoing the Shattering. You've already started noticing its effects—Veil Sense, the whispers, minor shadow manipulation."
"And the whispers?" Elias asked quietly.
"They're the Veil's way of calling to you," Adrienne said. "They'll always be there, in some form.
The Shattering helps you manage it, but it comes with risks."
Elias sighed. "Fantastic. Just what I needed—more risks."
Adrienne smirked. "You'll manage. Just focus on tonight. We'll figure out the rest later."
Lirian approached, his pale eyes unreadable.
"Thorne. Ready?"
Elias adjusted his coat, his revolver resting heavily at his side.
"As I'll ever be."
The Lanterns split into two groups as they left the base.
Adrienne's team moved toward the docks, their figures swallowed by the fog.
Elias and Lirian walked in silence, their path lit by dim streetlamps.
The whispers in Elias's mind were faint now, but he knew they would return.