The clouds glided across the vast blue sky , the afternoon silently starred at everything below , punishing any who dare lock eyes with him . His body was drenched in an ice cold ocean of his sweat - deeply in thought he stared at the ceiling , maybe pondering if he should accept the call of the cloud- like a sapphire blanket . The regal curtain hung gracefully on the polished wooden floor , it reflected a small golden hew , hanging from above was a golden chandelier embossed with intricate details . The walls were embellished with fine arts , the kind you would find in art museums , - maybe that was just a testament to the skill of the owner of this room , he knew exactly whose house he was in , Elara Hawthorne , heir to The Hawthorne House .

When he had tried lifting up his torso - a sharp pain pierced his side , a stark reminder of the growling battle he had survived the previous night . It had felt worse than any pain he felt before , one that made his ribs burn in agony , each breath was shallower than the last - intensifying the pain . He tried feeling where the pain was , gently brushing against the tightly wrapped bandages . '' Dammit '' , he muttered , his body started burning up again , enlarging the ocean of sweat around him .

Beside his bed Elara sat reading , dressed in a long draping emerald green dress , except for the golden decorative corset belt . A long braid of crimson - red hair hung down her slender body . ''Cease your movements, or you will only make things worse '' She says , before applying a damp cloth on his forehead

His expression sparked confusion in her , it was a mixture of annoyance and pain - '' For someone whose life I've saved, you certainly show little gratitude. You were half-dead when I found you… I was astonished you were still breathing. ''

'' Thanks '' David said reluctantly

'' There's no need for thanks—that is the duty of true companions. I see it as my noble quest to rescue you from your own ignorance and arrogance. Truly, what a Herculean task it has been. However, you should direct your gratitude to Gabriela. Had it not been for her efforts, you would have already joined the ranks of the dead ''

'' where's .. Gabi ? ''

''What a sight for sore eyes—though his body is broken, his thoughts remain with the one who has stolen his heart '' She replies , her tone dripping with playful mockery. He hunched over , sweat beading down his forehead , his voice infused with pain . '' Is .. she .. '' he muttered through gritted teeth , each word adding more to his agony . ''She is resting in the next room '' Elara replied , smirking from ear to ear . '

'You're enjoying this , aren't you ? '

'' Every last second ''

The door creaked open , revealing a figure covered in white and gold robes , the scent of incense wafting in with him .His calm expression was in stark contrast to the scene before him - David in pain .

'' Thank you for arriving on such short notice, Segast '' . Elara said , smiling softly .

'' I'm only doing the Lord's work '' he replies . He knelt beside , his hands glowingly a soft , gold and white light . ''You've seen better days , David . '' he said , his voice calm but laced with faint humor . '' Hold on . This might sting ''

He let out a weak grunt , his lips curling into a painful smirk '' No sermons , today ? It must be my lucky day '' . Segast chuckled softly, hovering his hands above David's broke ribs . The warmth of the healing spell spread across his torso , tingling at first before intensifying . He winced , trying his best not to groan as the magic did it's work , mending the bones .

'' All done , I connected the bones - you truly have the Lord's favor , the fact that none of the bones pierced your heart or lungs . You'll need to rest for a few weeks than you'll be back to normal . ''

'' Thanks . Guess I owe you one '' David replies , before exhales slowly .

'' Thank you once again for coming , Segast '' Elara added on . One of the maids accompanied with Gabriela enters the room , the maid escorting Segast out . Gabriela rushed toward David bed side hugging him firmly '' I'm so happy your okay , Sir Gideon '' .

'' Oh my …'' Elara thought , covering her mouth with her hand .

'' I'm .. still hurt '' David's cheeks reddened, his voice tight.

After prematurely ending their hug , Gabi froze - she started burning up as a deep crimson flush crept up to her cheeks , spreading all the way to her ears . '' Uh … sorry , '' she whispered . Quickly she averted her gaze , fidgeting with hem of her sleeve - failing to keep the corners of her mouth from curling into a small, embarrassed smile.

'' Shall I leave you two lovebirds to your matters ?''

Gabriela eyes widened , her face burning even brighter . '' No its not .. ''

'' Stop teasing her , Eli '' he says , trying to play it cool , though his smirk betraying him .

'' How'd you even find me ? ''

'' Melissa has tasked me with keeping a watchful eye over you, fearing that this very situation would unfold. It was the first time I had seen my sister so distraught since the news of Cora's passing. ''

'' … '' David had no reply .

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***

Deep beneath the bustling city of Midburrow , sprawled an elusive labyrinth of interconnected tunnels leading to the lair of the most wanted criminals . Each tunnel was filled with intricate traps designed to ruthlessly dismember those foolish enough to try and venture through them - beyond each trap , the air was damp carrying a heavy scent of burning oil - lamps , their light was dim , perfect for those working in secrecy . Each shadow seemed alive - every corner gathered intel .

They all congregated at the center , which they called Death's Eye - it also served as an altar where new recruits would swear an oath of loyalty and silence . Their boss was a skilled assassin and thief dressed in all black leather except her short blonde hair , her name - Selene . Her bounty was one hundred thousand gold coins , the government had been looking for her for months on end - she was proud of her lighting- fast reflexes and cat - like agility .

'' How have the new recruits fared '' she asked, sharpening her dagger .

'' The exceeding expectation , Kronnor and Draeven should arrive any moment '' Kroger replied , watching their comrades from her office , some were refining their stealth kills , others mastering the art of lock picking and moving silently - and others hunched over parchment maps , plotting heists with meticulous detail . One of the spies came limping , drenched in his own blood and a cold sweat - his battered body was shaking uncontrollably . Everyone rushed toward him , '' What happened to you ? '' Drom , a asked a middle aged assassin asked .

'' A monster attacked… me .. he .. his on his way here ''Kronor replied frantically - from the eastern entrance a pair of glowing eyes watched them from the shadows , it was as if death had come for all of them . Their bodies froze in place , the room went quiet - no one dared to move . A large metallic clang broke the silence , it was Selene's knife . '' What is this ? '' she had asked herself , visibly shaken up by this unknown presence , she wanted to run but her body wouldn't listen . She turned toward Kroger , his eyes widened , paralyzed with fear . '' I have to run but where ? The northern entrance ? Will I even survive if I run ? … I can't fight it , I'll certainly die . If run me and my comrades will die . Is there even a way out? '' Selene thought .

'' Bring me your leader . Only the one who commands is , worthy of facing me.'' he proclaimed , emerging from the shadows . His white angelic hair reached beyond his waist , his eyes a golden color none like they've ever seen before - the robe he wore was a pearly white , glowing for all the world to see .

Reluctantly Selene came from the room she was in , '' no one wanted to say a single - somehow they knew speaking out of terms would guarantee their deaths . '' No . I'm ready to die . This …this thing isn't human . '' she thought , as their locked for the first time .

'' How fascinating . The leader of a guild of shadows and daggers is clothed in such beauty and shiny coins . But tell me , is it enough ? No , it's far enough , your greed far exceeds your reputation. '' With inhuman speed he moved closer to Selene , close enough to whisper in her ear . '' I offer you a choice : Bring me another piece of the End Map, and I will grant you riches beyond your wildest imaginings—treasures so vast and ancient that even kings have longed for them. Gold, jewels, artifacts… things your kind has only dreamed of , Refuse, and I will show the true cost defiance '' .

'' Choose wisely . I'll be watching ,as always ''

Calmly he walked past everyone , before blending into the shadow once more . The cold , heavy air he brought - finally lifted . They all stood frozen in their places, no one daring to move .

***

The inky - black sky blanketed the endless sky , enveloping The Hawthorne Manor was a full moon - the stars glimmered with no interruption , the clouds had been hiding . Alongside the forest behind the manor lurked the Selene and her soldiers , they were reading to slink inside the manor , '' Boss , from what we gathered David the brother of Cora should most like have her piece of the manor , we too prepared for just in case he didn't we sent one to her burial site . '' Kroger whispered , cloaking himself from the light of the moon .

'' Good work as always , Kroger '' Selene replies , '' We can't afford to fail otherwise … '' She thought , taking a loud gulp . They all marched toward the manor , leaping from tree to tree - the assassins moved like wreaths , their footsteps silent . They were draped in muted black and gray , their faces hiding by cloth masking . With ruthless and surgical precision they eliminated the guards patrolling the ground - silent as the falling snow , only leaving behind a faint scent of poison.

Inside the David room the cold air blew , waking up Gabriela who fell asleep on the couch - when she had attempted to close it , a sharp blade was at her throat . Selene had softly placed her hand on Gabriela's mouth , '' You speak you die , understand ? '' she whisper to Gabi .

'' Why is this person here ? '' she thought before , nodding in agreement - piercing the silence of the night was the shrieking of a woman , before her body hit the floor . " shit … i messed up '' the young assassin muttered . Elara's bedroom door flew open , before the assassins could even react she had stood behind them with her cross bow . ''Your vile band of thieves! '' she said , as her arrows pierced their bodies , another assassin lunged at her , reading to stab her with his poison knife . She skillfully evaded his attack , grabbed his lanky arm and drove the blade into his jaw .

'' Those idiots '' Selene thought .

The loud noise had woken David up from his sleep , '' what's happenin' ?'' he asked , frantically looking around , until he spotted Selene and Gabi - his eyes widened and anger began to stir up in him . '' Let her go , you bastard ! '' he yelled , reaching for his . '' Stop right . Hand over the sword and the girl lives '' Selene replied , as they moved to the center of David's room . '' Sir Gideon please help me '' Gabi said , tearing running down her tanned brown skin .

The door to David's room burst open , '' What are you scoundrels doing in my house?! '' she yelled , holding a poisonous blade to Kroger's neck ,'' Just kill me already '' He yelled . '' Why did it turn out this way -'' before she could finish her thought Kroger yelled , '' No matter , boss . Complete the mission !! '' .

Hearing those sparked long forgotten memories , memories of when it all when she established the Shadow Council , it was only her and Kroger - he had always been her trusted advisor and protected like an older sibling . They swore to an oath of undying loyalty and secrecy - she never foresaw the day would arrive where she of all people would break the oath . She dropped the knife .

'' I am a fool among fools '' she muttered , letting go of Gabi . Elara pushed Kroger to where Selene stood , and Gabi ran toward David . "I'll ask again, and this time I expect a proper answer. Why are you scoundrels in my house ?! '' she asked , raising the crossbow she held in her other hand . '' Let's make a break for it '' Kroger whispered , '' The End map , we were sent to retrieve the piece that Cora had '' .

'' What !? . No way she'd have that ''

'' But she did , the king entrusted her with protecting the kingdom's most valuable treasure, for years and months we've been looking for -'' before she could finish her sentence David leapt from Gabi's grasp toward Selene - aiming his sword at her throat . '' If you even think about touchin' her graveside I'll kill you '' he muttered . She remained , stoic not in the slightest by his words , Krogar launched himself at David reading a punch to his bandaged ribs .

'' Stand down , Krogar '' , Selene said , calmly .

'' Stop right there , baldy '' Elara said, circling toward David's bed - crossbow ready to fire .

'' You remember the day she found you , when you were all helpless and on the verge of death ? Why do you think that really happened in that village ? ''

'' Don't ever talk about that ever again '' , He gritted his teeth , his eyes filled with anger and irritation , he placed the blade on her throat , yet she remained calm - no matter how angry he got , Selene knew that he was no killer . '' Sir Gideon , stop it ! '' Gabi cried , her cries weakened his resolve - he lowered his blade , he stared at the wooden floor , gazing at his own reflection . Only he was allowed to see how much it hurt to think about those memories .