Shadows Of Ambition -ch.3.1- By Abyssgames 〈8K〉

But I wasn't so sure. As a member of the rebellion, I'd grown up hearing stories about the darkness that lurked within these walls. The corruption, the deceit, the endless hunger for power...it all seemed to seep into the very fabric of the city.

The guards eyed us warily, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. "State your business," one of them growled. Shadows of Ambition -Ch.3.1- By AbyssGames

"Ah, Elian, Kael," a smooth voice said. "I see you've decided to take me up on my offer." But I wasn't so sure

We turned a corner, and the imposing figure of the Blackspire loomed before us. The fortress was the seat of power for the ruling Council, and its dark stone walls seemed to radiate an aura of malevolence. The guards eyed us warily, their hands resting

Lirien's smile was like a crack in the ice. "I have a...vested interest in your little rebellion. And I'm willing to help you, for a price."

I exchanged a skeptical look with Kael. We'd heard rumors about Lirien's true loyalties, about the whispered deals she made in the dark of night. But we also knew that she held a key to the Council's inner workings.