The docks were a graveyard of splintered wood, scattered crates, and faintly glowing Veil residue. The eerie stillness was broken only by the lapping of waves and the occasional groan of the wooden planks beneath Elias's feet. The battle had left its mark; the air still carried the acrid tang of burned wood and the metallic chill of Veil energy.
Elias wiped sweat from his brow, holstering his revolver. The whispers in his mind had quieted, but their presence still lingered, an unsettling reminder of his growing connection to a world he barely understood.
Adrienne's team moved with practiced efficiency, their exhaustion hidden beneath steely determination. Lirian stood at the center, his commanding presence guiding the operation as he barked orders.
"Lenya, check the perimeter. Aric, go through the crates for anything we missed. Dorian, secure the waterway and make sure no Veil energy lingers."
"Yes, Captain," they responded in unison, scattering to their tasks.
Elias remained in place, unsure of his role now that the fight was over. He felt like an outsider, a tagalong in a game he hadn't agreed to play.
The sharp clatter of boots on wood pulled Elias's attention. A group of uniformed officers emerged from the fog, their expressions grim as they surveyed the destruction.
Elias tensed. "The police?"
Adrienne, standing nearby, didn't glance at him as she answered. "Routine. Someone has to clean up after us, and it can't always be us."
One of the officers approached, tipping his hat as he addressed Lirian. "Captain Lirian. We received your call. What are we dealing with here?"
Lirian's response was smooth, practiced. "Smuggling operation. Contraband shipment tied to the Syndicate. Dangerous material, but we've secured the area."
The officer nodded, seemingly unfazed by the vague explanation. "Understood. We'll handle the civilian side of things. Anything specific we should watch for?"
"Just ensure no unauthorized personnel get too close," Lirian said. "And keep an eye on the crates. Anything unusual, leave it to us."
The officer saluted before turning to his men.
As the police began cordoning off the area, Elias couldn't hide his confusion. He turned to Adrienne. "The Lanterns are just... part of the police?"
"Not quite," she replied, her tone clipped. "We're officially registered with the force, but only as a cover. It keeps questions to a minimum while letting us operate in plain sight."
"And what about me?" Elias asked.
Adrienne's gaze was sharp. "You're a private investigator who tipped us off about the Syndicate. That's the story."
Elias frowned but didn't argue. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being pulled deeper into something far more complex than he'd realized.
Lirian remained in constant motion, his calm demeanor unwavering as he coordinated with both the police and his team.
"Lenya," he called out.
She approached swiftly, her shadows already dissipating as she nodded. "Perimeter's secure, Captain. No sign of further Syndicate activity."
"Good. Stay alert until we're done here," Lirian replied.
Dorian returned next, his warhammer resting on his shoulder. "No lingering Veil residue near the waterway. The Syndicate covered their tracks well."
Lirian's jaw tightened. "They always do."
Adrienne joined him, her tone low. "This was more than a smuggling operation, wasn't it?"
Lirian glanced at her, his expression grim. "A distraction, most likely. The real shipment was never here."
Elias watched the exchange from a distance, piecing together fragments of their conversation.
As the team worked, Elias found himself drawn to the edge of the docks, where the water lapped against the pilings. The whispers in his mind had faded, but he could still feel the weight of the Veil pressing against his thoughts.
"Thorne."
He turned to see Adrienne approaching, her expression unreadable.
"You did well back there," she said.
Elias scoffed. "I barely kept up."
"Surviving is enough," Adrienne said. "For now."
Elias studied her, trying to read between the lines of her calm demeanor. "You think this is just the beginning, don't you?"
Adrienne's silence was answer enough.
The team regrouped as the police began taking control of the site. Lirian stood at the center, his gaze sweeping over them with practiced authority.
"Adrienne, take the team back to the base," he ordered. "Veylan will want a full report."
Adrienne frowned. "What about you?"
"I'll finish up here," Lirian replied, his voice steady. "Elias, you're coming with me. The High Inquisitor has requested to speak with you."
Elias hesitated, caught off guard. "What for?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Lirian said.
Adrienne nodded reluctantly, motioning for the rest of the team to follow her. "Don't take too long."
With that, they disappeared into the mist, leaving Elias alone with Lirian.
---
The walk to the Covenant's base was tense and silent, the streets of Arkwright cloaked in shadows. Lirian's calm presence did little to ease Elias's unease.
Eventually, Elias broke the silence. "So, you're all part of this... organization. The Lanterns. How far does it go?"
Lirian didn't look at him as he answered. "Far enough. The Covenant has ties across the world. Governments, institutions—they all rely on us to keep the Veil's influence contained."
"And the police?" Elias asked.
"They're just a piece of the puzzle," Lirian said. "A useful tool to maintain order."
Elias's brow furrowed. "And what about me? Where do I fit into this?"
Lirian glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "That depends on you."
The Covenant's base was a labyrinth of stone corridors and dimly lit chambers, hidden beneath the bustling streets of Arkwright. Elias followed Lirian through the winding halls, his curiosity mingling with unease.
When they reached the central chamber, Adrienne and the rest of the team were already there, briefing Veylan. The High Inquisitor turned as Elias entered, his piercing gaze cutting through the room.
"Elias Thorne," Veylan said, his voice calm but commanding. "You've proven yourself resourceful, if unconventional."
Elias smirked faintly. "Glad to hear it."
Veylan's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Walk with me."
As Veylan led Elias through the base, his tone was measured, almost conversational.
"You've seen what lies beneath the surface of this city," Veylan said. "The Syndicate is only one part of a larger threat. Their mastery of Veil magic is growing, and their ambitions are dangerous."
"I've noticed," Elias said.
Veylan stopped, turning to face him. "You've also noticed the cost of your involvement. The whispers. The strain. The Veil takes its toll, even on those who never asked for its touch."
Elias tensed, unwilling to admit the truth aloud.
"You have a choice," Veylan continued. "Continue as you are and risk losing yourself to the Veil, or let us guide you. Train you. Prepare you for what's coming."
Elias met his gaze, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "And what do you get out of it?"
"An ally," Veylan said simply. "One who can stand against what's to come."