A week had passed since the council meeting, and Ariel found himself seated at his grand study, poring over maps and reports. The activity along the western front was growing more concerning. Bandits alone could not be responsible for such coordinated movements. Something larger was at play.
"My lord, the emissary from Duke Vance has arrived," Cedric announced, stepping into the room.
Ariel nodded. "Send him in."
Moments later, a tall man in a dark military uniform strode in, his expression impassive. "Lord Moonstone, I bring greetings from Duke Vance. He has received your message and is most intrigued by your proposal. However, he requires more… assurance."
Ariel leaned forward. "Assurance? If the Duke wishes to maintain stability in the region, then he must act. I suspect there is more than mere banditry afoot."
The emissary hesitated before responding, "The Duke is willing to listen, but he expects you to prove your worth. He has invited you to the capital for negotiations."
Ariel smirked inwardly. So, Vance wished to measure him in person. That was to be expected. "Very well. I shall depart in three days. In the meantime, my forces will continue monitoring the situation."
The emissary bowed and departed, leaving Ariel alone once more.
He tapped his fingers against the table. The pieces were moving faster than anticipated. If he was to rewrite his fate, he needed to seize every opportunity.
That night, as he sat in his study, he called upon a trusted advisor, an old scholar named Eldrin. The aged man, clad in dark robes lined with silver embroidery, entered with a knowing smile. "You seek knowledge of the past, my lord? Or perhaps, of the future?"
Ariel folded his hands before him. "Both. Tell me, Eldrin, of the origins of the House Moonstone. There must be something within our history that I can use."
Eldrin nodded, his voice deep and deliberate. "House Moonstone is old, my lord. Older than many realize. Your ancestors wielded magic long lost to time. Forbidden arts that even now remain hidden beneath the foundations of this very estate."
Ariel's brow furrowed. "Forbidden arts?"
"Yes, my lord," Eldrin said, stepping closer. "There are ruins below the estate, sealed away centuries ago. A vault of knowledge, power, and secrets that were deemed too dangerous to use. If you truly seek to change the course of destiny, you must be willing to embrace all the tools at your disposal."
Ariel felt the weight of the scholar's words. The idea of wielding ancient power was tempting—but dangerous. The very magic that had once built his house could also lead to its ruin. And yet, if he ignored it, he would be leaving a valuable weapon untapped.
"Take me to these ruins," Ariel finally said. "If there is power to be found, I will claim it."
Eldrin bowed deeply. "As you wish, my lord. But be warned: not all who seek the past survive its revelations."
Ariel merely smirked. "Then let us hope that I am an exception."
As the moonlight cast long shadows across the study, Ariel knew he was on the verge of uncovering something monumental. The storm was gathering, and he intended to stand at its center.
By the time the sun rose, Ariel Moonstone would be one step closer to rewriting his fate.