Location: Ruined quarters of Iskarra — hidden safehouseTime: Nightfall, city alive with whispered dangers
The scholar and Kael crouched over a battered map, eyes scanning leyline markers flickering faintly beneath the city's ruins.
Around them, the safehouse was sparse—dust motes hanging in stale air, relics of a forgotten rebellion lining cracked shelves.
A World Turned
Kael's voice was low but grim:"Everyone wants the fragments now. The Accord hunts us. The masked woman hunts us. Even the rogue mercs smell blood."
The scholar's fingers traced the map:"The Silent Watcher's binding bought time—but not peace.We need allies. Or this ends in ashes."
The Unlikely Contact
A soft knock. The door creaked open, revealing a figure draped in shadow—an emissary from a forgotten faction, the Veilborn—mages who abandoned the Accord long ago.
"You seek answers," the emissary said, voice smooth as silk."But the truth you carry threatens more than you know."
"We can offer knowledge... and sanctuary," they added, stepping inside."For a price."
A Dangerous Bargain
The scholar and Kael exchanged wary glances.
Trust was a currency more precious than magic.
"We have little choice," Kael muttered."But every pact has its cost."
The emissary smiled, eyes glinting with secrets:"Then let us begin."
A New Path
As the candles flickered low, plans were drawn and risks weighed.
The world outside had turned hostile—an endless hunt for power and survival.
But in the shadows, new alliances took root—fragile, dangerous, and full of possibility.