6. The Web of Deceit
John spent the rest of the day digging into Elwes's past, scouring the city's archives and talking to people who knew her. And what he found shocked him to his core.
Elwes, it turned out, was not who she seemed to be. Her real name was Eira Shadowglow, and she was a former member of the Order of the Black Rose, a secret society rumored to be behind some of the darkest events in Eldrida's history.
John's mind reeled as he processed the information. Elwes, the kindly librarian, was actually a former agent of the Order?
He couldn't shake the feeling that he had just stumbled into something much bigger than he had ever imagined.
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The Web of Deceit
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John decided to keep Elwes's secret, at least for now.
But he couldn't shake the feeling that he was just a pawn in a much larger game.
As they approached the castle, John noticed that Elwes seemed nervous, glancing over her shoulder as if she feared being watched.
"Elwes, what's wrong?" John asked, his voice low.
Elwes hesitated, then leaned in close. "I think we're being followed," she whispered.
John's eyes scanned the surrounding area, but he saw nothing out of the ordinary.
Suddenly, Arin grabbed his arm, her eyes locked on something in the distance.
"What is it?" John asked, following her gaze.
Arin's voice was barely audible.
"Ryker. He's watching us."
John's heart sank.
What did Ryker want?
.