The night air was cool against Leon's skin as he and Iris slipped into a quiet alleyway, their footsteps barely making a sound on the damp stone. They had just survived an encounter with Cain, one of the deadliest assassins in Torren, and now the weight of the decision before them settled between them like an unspoken challenge.
Iris leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. "So? What's your move?"
Leon exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair. "We just took out a noble and his hired muscle. Now an underground syndicate wants me to join them, and if I refuse, I'm a target."
Iris smirked. "Welcome to Torren."
Leon chuckled. "I'm starting to like it here."
She gave him a dry look. "You're insane."
He turned to her, eyes gleaming with amusement. "And yet, you're still here."
Iris rolled her eyes, but he didn't miss the way her lips twitched in the hint of a smile.
A Warning in the Dark
Before they could discuss further, a small shadow darted toward them.
Leon tensed, reaching for his sword, but Iris grabbed his wrist. "Relax."
The figure stepped into the torchlight—a young boy, barely twelve, dressed in tattered clothes. He had wild brown hair and sharp eyes that had seen far too much for someone his age.
"Message for you," the boy said, handing Leon a small folded note.
Leon flipped it open.
"Midnight. The Serpent's Den. Come alone. – Vance."
Iris whistled. "Vance doesn't waste time, huh?"
Leon folded the note, slipping it into his coat. "Looks like I've got a meeting."
The boy held out his hand expectantly.
Leon smirked, tossing him a silver coin. "That enough?"
The boy grinned. "More than enough." And with that, he vanished into the shadows.
Iris sighed. "So, what now?"
Leon's expression hardened. "Now, we find out just how deep this rabbit hole goes."
The Serpent's Den
The Serpent's Den was one of Torren's most infamous underground taverns. Unlike the common drinking holes, this place catered exclusively to criminals, mercenaries, and those who thrived in the city's shadows.
Leon stepped inside alone, as the note instructed. The air was thick with smoke and the scent of cheap alcohol. Eyes flicked toward him, sizing him up.
He ignored them, heading straight for the back.
Vance was waiting in a dimly lit booth, swirling a glass of wine.
"You're punctual," Vance said, gesturing for him to sit.
Leon slid into the seat. "You called. What's this about?"
Vance studied him. "Word travels fast in this city. You refused the Black Vipers."
Leon smirked. "News travels too fast."
Vance chuckled. "Let's just say I have ears everywhere."
Leon leaned back. "And?"
Vance's expression turned serious. "You made the right call. The Black Vipers don't take loyalty lightly. Once you're in, you never get out."
Leon's gaze darkened. "So what's your play?"
Vance leaned forward. "Torren is on the brink of war. Nobles, crime syndicates, rogue mercenary groups… everyone is fighting for control." He tapped the table. "And I want a piece of it."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "You're a broker. You deal in information."
Vance smirked. "And information is power. But raw force… now that's something I don't have." He met Leon's gaze. "You do."
Leon chuckled. "Let me guess. You want me to be your blade."
Vance smiled. "Not just a blade. I want you to carve out your own power. And in return, I'll give you something more valuable than gold."
Leon tilted his head. "And what's that?"
Vance's voice dropped. "Knowledge. Connections. Influence." His eyes gleamed. "Everything you need to rise."
Leon's fingers tapped against the wooden table.
Power.
It was what his past life lacked.
It was what this body craved.
He could refuse and walk his own path… but having someone like Vance feeding him information could tip the odds in his favor.
After a long pause, Leon grinned. "Alright, Vance. You've got my attention."
Vance smiled. "I knew you were smart."
He pulled out another small note and slid it across the table.
"This," he said, "is your first step toward power."
Leon picked it up, eyes scanning the words.
A name. A location.
And a single instruction: "Make him disappear."
A Line Crossed
As Leon left the Serpent's Den, Iris was waiting outside, arms crossed.
"Well?" she asked.
Leon smirked, holding up the note. "We've got a job."
Iris sighed, shaking her head. "This is going to get us killed."
Leon chuckled. "Only if we fail."
She stared at him for a moment, then sighed again. "Damn it… I really am starting to like you."
Leon smirked. "Careful, Iris. You might end up falling for me."
She shoved him lightly, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips.
As they disappeared into the night, one thing was clear—Leon had just stepped onto a path he could never turn back from.
A path of blood, ambition, and power.
And he was ready.