Aiden stalked through the darkened streets of Velkor, his steps silent against the slick cobblestones. His breath fogged faintly in the chill night air as the sharp scent of rain clung to the stone walls of the narrow alleyway. His cloak trailed behind him, the crimson light beneath his skin fading as his heartbeat steadied.
Nathaniel had slipped through his grasp.
But it didn't matter. He was already stronger than he had been hours ago. His claws pulsed faintly beneath his fingertips as the Dragon Code's lingering warmth coiled beneath his skin. His body was adjusting to the influx of power—each kill making him sharper, faster, more aware.
"Progression accelerating," the system's voice whispered beneath his thoughts. "Host stability improving."
Aiden's mouth curled faintly. "Good."
He slipped deeper into the alleyway. His enhanced hearing stretched toward the edges of the city—the distant sound of horses' hooves against the wet streets, the low hum of conversation spilling from the nearby taverns, the clink of coin exchanging hands beneath the cover of darkness.
Valeria was moving. He could feel it.
And soon, she'd know he was coming.
But first—he needed answers.
Aiden's gaze sharpened toward the narrow street ahead. A figure moved toward him through the darkness—a slender shadow slipping beneath the flicker of torchlight. A dark cloak wrapped tightly around her frame, her hood drawn low over her face.
Aiden's eyes narrowed. His enhanced vision cut through the dark.
Selene Blackthorn.
Her long silver hair spilled from beneath the hood, framing the sharp line of her pale face. Her violet eyes flashed as she stopped beneath the arch of the alleyway. Her hand rested casually on the hilt of the curved dagger strapped to her hip.
"Aiden." Her voice was cool and steady.
"Selene." Aiden's eyes darkened.
Selene's gaze flicked toward the bloodstains along Aiden's cloak. "You've been busy."
"I'm motivated."
Selene's lips twitched faintly. "I can see that."
Aiden's hand curled beneath his cloak. "Why are you here?"
Selene stepped forward. Her gaze sharpened beneath the shadows. "I heard what happened at the Dawnspire estate."
"That was fast."
Selene's head tilted. "You left behind enough corpses to make sure of that."
Aiden's smile was faint. "That was intentional."
Selene's eyes narrowed. "And why would you want Valeria to know you're alive?"
"Because she already knows."
Selene's gaze darkened. "You're accelerating the conflict."
Aiden's hand twitched beneath his cloak. "Isn't that why you're here?"
Selene's eyes gleamed beneath the shadows. "You know why I'm here."
Aiden's jaw tightened. "Then say it."
Selene's expression sharpened. "Valeria isn't working alone."
Aiden's breath steadied. "Explain."
Selene's hand lifted toward her cloak. Her fingers brushed the edge of the fabric, revealing a thin silver ring on her index finger—marked with the sigil of a coiled serpent.
Aiden's gaze sharpened. "Draconis cult."
Selene's eyes narrowed. "They're moving beneath the surface. Valeria is working with them to locate the Heart of the First Dragon."
Aiden's chest tightened. "You're certain?"
Selene's gaze didn't waver. "My sources confirmed it."
Aiden's eyes darkened. "And why are you telling me this?"
Selene's lips curved faintly. "Because Valeria isn't just your problem anymore."
Aiden's gaze sharpened. "And what's your interest?"
Selene's hand lowered toward the dagger at her hip. "The Blackthorn family has been in conflict with the Draconis cult for centuries. My father's death was engineered by the same people Valeria is working with now."
Aiden's eyes narrowed. "And now you want revenge?"
Selene's smile sharpened. "Don't you?"
Aiden's breath steadied. The heat beneath his skin pulsed faintly. His gaze darkened beneath the flicker of torchlight.
"Where is Valeria now?"
Selene's violet eyes flashed. "Heading east—toward the Dragonspire Mountains."
Aiden's jaw tightened. "And the Heart?"
Selene's expression darkened. "The last known location was beneath the ruins of the first capital."
"The ancient city," Aiden murmured.
Selene nodded. "And Valeria's planning to awaken it."
Aiden's breath sharpened. "Then we need to stop her."
Selene's hand curled around the hilt of her dagger. "Agreed."
Aiden's gaze sharpened toward her. "And why would I trust you?"
Selene's smile widened faintly. "You don't have to."
Aiden's eyes narrowed. "And yet you're standing here."
Selene's gaze didn't waver. "Because I know something you don't."
Aiden's hand twitched beneath his cloak. "And what's that?"
Selene's eyes gleamed. "Valeria isn't the only one trying to control the Heart."
Aiden's breath sharpened. "Who else?"
Selene's expression darkened. "The council."
Aiden's jaw tightened. "They've been hiding it?"
Selene nodded. "The Dragon Code wasn't just sealed to weaken your family. It was sealed to keep the Heart locked away. If Valeria succeeds in awakening it—"
"The council's control ends."
"Exactly."
Aiden's gaze sharpened. His enhanced heartbeat steadied beneath the weight of understanding. The Dragon Code wasn't just his family's legacy—it was the key to unraveling the council's power over the empire.
Aiden's breath steadied. His hand curled toward the hilt of his dagger. "Then we need to get to the Heart before Valeria does."
Selene's smile sharpened. "That's the idea."
Aiden's gaze darkened beneath the flicker of torchlight. His enhanced senses stretched toward the distant city streets. He could feel the pulse of magic stirring beneath the stone—the quiet hum of power waiting to be awakened.
"You realize you're putting yourself at risk," Aiden said quietly.
Selene's gaze sharpened. "So are you."
Aiden's mouth curled faintly. "Fair point."
Selene's hand lifted toward the clasp of her cloak. "We leave at dawn."
Aiden's gaze sharpened. "Not waiting for backup?"
Selene's eyes gleamed. "I don't need backup."
Aiden's breath slowed. His claws pulsed faintly beneath his skin.
"Fine." Aiden's voice was low. Dangerous. "Then let's finish this."
Selene's smile sharpened. "Agreed."
Aiden's gaze narrowed toward the distant shadows of the city. His hand lifted toward the edge of his cloak. His heartbeat slowed beneath the weight of the Dragon Code's power.
Valeria thought she was in control.
That illusion wouldn't last much longer.
"Shall we begin?" the system's voice murmured.
Aiden's mouth curled into a dark smile.
"Oh, yes."
[System Update: Alliance Formed – Selene Blackthorn]
[New Objective Acquired: Prevent the Awakening of the Heart]
[Next Target: Dragonspire Mountains]