Kaelen's instincts flared as he studied the woman before him. Seraphina Thorne. The name wasn't unfamiliar he had heard whispers of her within the academy. A mage of exceptional talent. A survivor of a fallen noble house. A woman with more secrets than most cared to uncover.
He kept his expression unreadable. "And why would I need your help?"
Seraphina's smirk held amusement, but her eyes remained sharp. "Because you're asking about Elias Drennar in a Syndicate-controlled tavern. Either you're desperate, or you're a fool."
Kaelen tilted his head. "And which do you think I am?"
She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Someone who doesn't know just how deep he's in."
A flicker of movement in the corner of his vision. Three men had risen from their seats across the room, their gazes locked on him. Syndicate enforcers.
Seraphina sighed. "You've got about ten seconds before they make a move."
Kaelen exhaled slowly, his pulse steady. He had come here for answers, not a fight. But he wasn't going to back down either.
"Then let's make this quick."
The first enforcer lunged.
Kaelen sidestepped, his hand snapping forward. His fingers pressed against the man's chest Crimson Power pulsed. A shockwave rippled through his veins, and the enforcer crumpled, gasping for breath.
The second attacker swung a blade. Kaelen twisted, catching the man's wrist and forcing the dagger downward. Before he could retaliate, a blur of motion streaked past him.
Seraphina moved like a shadow, one dagger slicing across the third enforcer's arm while her knee struck the second in the ribs. The man howled as he stumbled back.
"Not bad," Kaelen admitted.
Seraphina wiped her blade on the fallen man's cloak. "You're welcome."
The tavern was dead silent now, the onlookers waiting to see how this would end. The bartender scowled, but he didn't interfere.
Kaelen straightened. "I assume you had a reason for stepping in."
Seraphina sheathed her daggers. "Like I said you need my help. And I need yours."
Kaelen arched a brow. "For what?"
She hesitated, then gestured toward the door. "Not here. Follow me."
Kaelen glanced around once before nodding. The two of them slipped into the night, vanishing into the labyrinthine alleys of the capital.
To Be Continued…