Rei led them through the winding alleyways of Astralis, effortlessly navigating the maze of narrow streets and hidden paths. The further they traveled from the bustling main roads, the quieter the city became.
Leon observed everything carefully. The towering buildings were a mixture of grand architecture and worn-down structures. The wealthier districts gleamed with polished stone and enchanted lanterns, while the poorer sections bore cracked walls and dimly lit pathways. It was a city of stark contrasts, where power and poverty coexisted.
Seraphina remained tense, her grip on her dagger unwavering. "Where exactly are we going?"
Rei flashed a smirk. "Somewhere safe. Trust me."
Seraphina didn't look convinced, but she followed.
They eventually reached a rundown part of the city. The buildings here were smaller, packed closely together, and bore signs of age. Rei stopped in front of an unassuming wooden door and knocked in a strange rhythm—two short knocks, a pause, then three more.
After a moment, a sliding panel opened, revealing a pair of sharp, brown eyes. A gruff voice followed.
"…Rei?"
Rei grinned. "In the flesh."
The panel shut, and the door creaked open. A tall man with a rugged appearance stood in the doorway, arms crossed. His messy brown hair and stubble gave him a roguish look, but the twin daggers strapped to his waist suggested he was more than just a common rogue.
"Didn't expect you back so soon," he muttered. His gaze shifted to Seraphina, then to Leon. "And you brought company."
Rei stepped inside. "Yeah, let's just say I ran into some trouble. We need a place to lay low."
The man studied Seraphina carefully, then sighed. "Fine. But if trouble follows you here, I swear—"
Rei clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Relax, Varian. We'll be out of your hair soon."
Varian grumbled but stepped aside, allowing them entry.
The interior of the safehouse was small but well-kept. A few wooden chairs surrounded a central table, and a fireplace in the corner provided warmth. Weapons lined the walls, from daggers to crossbows. It was clear this place was prepared for sudden conflicts.
Seraphina wasted no time. She scanned the exits and windows, ensuring their safety. Meanwhile, Rei set Leon down on a chair before stretching with a groan.
"Alright," she said, plopping onto another chair. "Now we plan our next move."
------
Leon remained quiet, processing everything. Astralis was far from a simple city. It was a hub of power, politics, and hidden dangers. From what he could tell, the increased guard presence wasn't normal.
Someone important was here.
Seraphina leaned against the table. "We need information. If the Blackfang Syndicate is still hunting us, we need to know how deep their influence runs here."
Varian snorted. "If it's information you're after, you'll need to be careful. Astralis isn't just home to nobles and merchants—it's crawling with spies, mercenaries, and informants."
Rei grinned. "Sounds like my kind of place."
Leon met Seraphina's gaze, his eyes sharp with understanding. Information was power. If they wanted to stay ahead of their enemies, they needed to gather intelligence without drawing attention.
Seraphina nodded. "We move carefully. No unnecessary risks."
Rei sighed dramatically. "You're no fun."
Leon, however, knew that beneath her playful tone, Rei understood the gravity of the situation.
The city was a battlefield in its own right. And they had just stepped onto the board.