In the dimly lit underground chamber, the air was thick with tension. The flickering lamps cast long, dark shadows over the faces of the meeting's participants, while the cold, moss-covered stone walls gave the impression that this place hadn't been used in years. At the center of the long, ancient wooden table sat Eddy, rigid and alert, leading the meeting with a feigned calm that barely hid his underlying anxiety. Behind him stood a young woman, silent and motionless. Eddy was acutely aware of who she was—an agent sent by a far more powerful force, observing his every move. He knew his life hinged on his obedience.

Around the table sat figures of considerable importance, each with their own distinct aura. Jonathan, a sturdy man well into his later years, sat stiffly at one end of the table. Across from him was Reiner, sharp-eyed and calculating, his gaze appraising everyone around him. Beside Reiner sat Jareth, a seasoned diplomat, leaning back in his chair with an air of calm detachment. Lady Adrianna, wise and weathered, sat next to Jonathan, her eyes reflecting decades of experience. To her side, Marcus, ever the quiet strategist, sat in silent contemplation. Lastly, in the shadowy corner of the room, Darius—an elder renowned for his wisdom and intellect—sat, observing the proceedings with his characteristic piercing gaze.

"So, Jonathan," Reiner's voice broke the silence, his tone laced with sarcasm, "your grand plan to capture Prince Archemidas was a complete failure. Not only that, but it cost us our most skilled operative—Sierra One." He leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Jonathan with cold precision. "I'm sure you have a brilliant explanation for this."

Jonathan scoffed, doing his best to maintain his composure, though the pressure was evident in the way his hands tightened on the table. "I didn't anticipate Archemidas being that strong," he replied, his voice firm. "Sierra One had years of experience. I was confident he could handle the prince. It seems, however, we underestimated his abilities."

"Sierra One is dead," Jareth chimed in, his voice neutral yet pointed. "That's a significant loss for us. Talent like him isn't easily replaced. We need to be far more cautious with our next move."

Lady Adrianna nodded slowly, her voice soft but filled with weight. "Prince Archemidas isn't just a sheltered royal. He's a trained warrior, and from what we've seen, he possesses technology far beyond what we anticipated. That makes him much more dangerous than we initially thought."

Jonathan clenched his fists on the table, frustration lining his face. "We can capture him if we deploy more resources. Sierra One was on her own—if we send a larger team, we can overwhelm him. It's just a matter of better strategy."

"Better strategy?" Reiner's smirk widened, his tone dripping with mockery. "You're saying that after one of our own has already been killed? We can't afford to make mistakes like this again. The next time we strike, it has to be decisive. We can't keep wasting resources."

Marcus, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up in a calm, measured tone. "Sierra One's death is a setback, but we shouldn't panic. Archemidas is formidable, but not invincible. We just need to find a more effective way to neutralize him."

Eddy, who had been watching the young woman behind him from the corner of his eye, felt the tension in the room rise as every word passed. His palms began to sweat as the reality of his precarious position became clearer. Every decision made here would be scrutinized by the silent observer behind him, and a single misstep could cost him his life. He needed to play his role carefully.

"We'll need more than just brute military force," Darius finally spoke, his voice low but commanding. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. Darius, known for his deep insights, rarely spoke unless he had something crucial to say. "Archemidas is not only skilled in physical combat. He's accompanied by a young girl, one whose identity remains a mystery to us. We won't be able to face them with conventional weapons alone."

"What are you suggesting, Darius?" Jonathan asked, his curiosity piqued despite his confusion.

Darius brought his fingers together thoughtfully, his eyes trained on the table. "We need to use something he can't anticipate. Technology can be countered with technology, but how will he handle magic?" His words hung in the air, causing a ripple of silence among the group.

"Magic?" Reiner raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Are you sure that's the right approach?"

Lady Adrianna nodded in agreement with Darius. "Ancient magic can surpass any technology, if wielded properly. Prince Archemidas won't be prepared for a force that isn't bound by the physical laws he understands."

Jonathan hesitated, considering the suggestion. His skepticism gave way to a begrudging nod. "If that's what it takes, I'm on board. We can't keep sending soldiers to die at the hands of that prince."

Jareth leaned back slightly, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "But we need to tread carefully. Using magic in this conflict could attract the attention of forces far more powerful than we can handle. Are we truly ready for that risk?"

Darius smiled thinly. "We don't have a choice, Jareth. Prince Archemidas is too great a threat to leave unchecked. If we want to secure our position, we have to take that risk. Utilizing magic is a necessary step."

Eddy listened intently, carefully gauging the situation. Inside, he knew that this decision could plunge him into even greater danger. Especially with the silent agent behind him—he could feel her gaze boring into him, even though she hadn't moved a muscle. Sweat trickled down his back, but he couldn't show his fear. Keeping his hands steady, he lowered his head slightly and spoke softly, "If we're going to use magic, we need to be strategic. We can't afford to tip our hand too early."

The young woman standing behind him remained silent, but her presence was an ever-present reminder of the higher power watching over them. Eddy knew that while this room was filled with powerful people, it was the unseen forces behind her that truly held the reins.

"It's settled then," Darius concluded, scanning the room with a sharp gaze. "We will send a skilled magic user to capture Prince Archemidas. We must act swiftly before he has time to further solidify his defenses."

The room fell quiet once more, the weight of their decision pressing down on each person seated at the table. They all knew that what they were planning wasn't just another mission. It was a gamble with far-reaching consequences. Prince Archemidas was too great a danger to be allowed to roam free, and this time, they couldn't afford to fail.

Eddy sat at the end of the table, his eyes glazed over as the heated debate raged on around him. The voices of Reiner, Jareth, and Jonathan, alternating between accusations and defenses, seemed to fade into a distant murmur. His mind was consumed by something far more terrifying than Jonathan's failure to capture Prince Archemidas. Behind him, the young female agent, as still as a shadow, remained a constant presence. Eddy could almost feel her cold, piercing gaze boring into his back.

When had it all started? Eddy couldn't be sure. She had appeared out of nowhere, without warning. It might have been months, maybe even years, since their group was infiltrated. No one had suspected her. She played her role flawlessly, blending in as a quiet, unassuming personal bodyguard. Who would have guessed? No one ever paid her any attention.

But Eddy knew. And he was terrified.

He vividly recalled the day everything changed—the day she appeared in his home, his sanctuary, the place where he stored all his most confidential documents. He had been sitting in his office, organizing critical reports for the next meeting. His desk was covered with secret plans, agent movements, and sensitive information about the leaders of various kingdoms.

Suddenly, without a sound, the young woman had materialized in front of him, as if she had stepped out of the shadows. Eddy nearly fell from his chair in shock. She smiled, a thin, cold smile, as though the intrusion were perfectly normal.

"Eddy," her voice was calm, but there was an underlying tension, "I just need to read a few of your documents."

Eddy couldn't speak. His mouth hung open, but no words came out. A cold sweat began to trickle down his spine. He wanted to call for the guards, but somehow, his voice was strangled in his throat. The woman casually circled the desk, picking up several papers, and began reading them as if she were browsing a private library.

"Your plans are... interesting," she said, flipping through the pages. "But I'm not just here to read."

Her eyes met his, and behind that icy stare, there was an unspoken threat. Eddy's heart raced faster with each passing second.

"My master knows everything," she continued, placing the documents back on the desk. "He knows what you're hiding, who's backing you, and every move you've made. If you try to resist... if you even think about mentioning my name or telling anyone about me…" She paused, ensuring her words sank in. "I will kill everyone close to you, one by one. And everything you've built—everything you've worked for—will be erased."

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All Eddy could do was nod, paralyzed by fear. She left him that day, but her unspoken threat never left his mind. From that moment on, he knew he no longer had control over his own life. He was at her mercy, following her orders without question. He didn't know who she truly worked for or what their ultimate goal was. But one thing was clear: whoever commanded her held power beyond his imagination.

"Eddy," Lady Adrianna's voice jolted him back to reality. Her wise, penetrating eyes were fixed on him. "What do you think of Darius's proposal? Magic? A trained sorcerer to capture Archemidas?"

Eddy swallowed hard, his mind still reeling from the fear that clung to him. He tried to steady his voice, knowing any sign of weakness could be disastrous. "It… could be an option to consider. But we must be cautious," he said quietly, hoping to deflect attention from himself. "Magic brings unpredictable consequences. We don't know what it could unleash."

Jonathan grumbled, dissatisfied with the vague response. "Of course, we need to be cautious, Eddy. But we can't let Archemidas continue running free. We need action, not overcautious delays."

The young woman behind Eddy shifted slightly, barely noticeable to anyone else, but it was enough to send a shiver down his spine. Eddy knew every word, every move he made was under her watchful eye.

Reiner, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Jonathan has a point. We need to act swiftly. But ignoring caution could lead to disaster. Using a trained sorcerer is risky, but it might be the only path left."

Darius nodded in agreement. "We can't play it safe anymore. Archemidas has proven to be a threat far greater than we initially thought. If we don't act decisively, we'll lose this game."

Eddy sat in silence, his thoughts swirling. Who controlled this woman? How had someone so dangerous infiltrated their ranks, slipping into their inner circle unnoticed? Eddy had tried to piece it together countless times, but the answers eluded him. He didn't know if she acted alone or was part of a larger, more insidious organization. Could she be allied with their enemies? Or perhaps she was part of something even more powerful than all the forces at play in this conflict.

One thing was certain—Eddy had no choice. He had to play his part flawlessly, or he would lose everything.

"But before we proceed," the young woman's voice cut through the room, halting the discussion. All eyes turned toward her, including Eddy, who instantly tensed. "We need to ensure that this information doesn't leak to anyone."

Suspicion flickered across the faces of those at the table. "And who will ensure that?" Reiner asked, his tone icy.

The young woman smiled, a subtle, chilling smile. "I will make sure everything stays under control."

Her words hung in the air, not just a promise but a veiled threat to everyone present. Eddy felt his chest tighten, the fear gripping him once more. Whoever controlled this woman was far more dangerous than anything they had faced before.

***

Katya stood on the rooftop of a tall building, overlooking the secret meeting still unfolding below. The night breeze gently stirred her long black hair, and the sky above was strewn with twinkling stars, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Yet, Katya's mind was far from peaceful. She looked up at the stars and couldn't help but think of the one person who dominated her thoughts—her master.

The stars reminded her of her master's eyes—calm yet brimming with power. Every time she carried out an order, it felt like an honor beyond words. That quiet, brilliant, and unreadable figure was the only reason she accepted such dangerous assignments. Without her master, her life had no meaning.

"Is she looking at the same stars right now?" she whispered, her thoughts drifting to the one she admired most. It was shameful how easily her mind wandered to her master, even in the middle of a critical mission. A small smile almost crossed her lips, the thought of her master warming her heart. But she quickly snapped back to focus.

This mission was far more important than memories or dreams.

Reaching into her black cloak, Katya pulled out a small communication device. Unlike the typical electronic gadgets used in this world, it was a small crystal, emitting a faint blue glow. It was a magical communication tool crafted by her master. No signals, no networks, no electricity—only magic protected their conversations from prying ears.

Holding the crystal tightly, Katya closed her eyes and began murmuring a complex incantation in an ancient language known only to a select few. After a few seconds, the crystal began to pulse softly, and a young girl's voice, calm yet authoritative, echoed from within the crystal.

"Katya?" The voice was as soft as the night wind, but its presence was undeniable. Hearing her name spoken that way made Katya's heart race. She wanted to leap with joy, but she restrained herself, knowing she needed to remain professional. There was a mission to report on.

"Yes, Master. It's me," Katya replied, her voice steady, though she was struggling to contain her excitement.

"What has happened?" the young woman on the other end asked, her tone unhurried, as if already aware that Katya's report carried weight.

"The meeting is still ongoing," Katya began. "Jonathan failed to capture Prince Archemidas, and their agent, Sierra One, died during the mission. Darius has proposed sending trained sorcerers to capture Archemidas."

There was a brief pause, as though her master was carefully considering the information. "Sorcerers, hm?" she mused softly. "Do they really think that will make a difference?"

"It seems so, Master," Katya replied, her voice cool. "They underestimated Archemidas' strength. They're hoping trained sorcerers will be the solution."

A quiet, almost imperceptible chuckle came from the other end. "Sierra One was a major threat in their eyes, but to me, he was never much of a challenge for Arche. Arche is far stronger than they realize. I expect those sorcerers will meet a similar fate."

Katya smiled at her master's absolute confidence in Archemidas, though a slight worry tugged at her mind. "Of course, Master. But aren't you concerned about the sorcerers? They might have greater powers than we anticipate."

"No," her master's voice was firm, but calm. "I've considered every possibility. The sorcerers may be strong, but my plans are much stronger. There's nothing you need to worry about."

Katya nodded, once again feeling that deep admiration for her master. None of her master's plans had ever failed. The young woman always seemed to see further ahead than anyone else. Whatever her master's strategy, it had been meticulously thought out.

Yet, there was something that still piqued Katya's curiosity. Something she had never dared ask before, but now she could no longer hold back.

"Forgive me, Master," Katya began, speaking cautiously, "but... are you worried about Prince Archemidas? I mean... he is your brother."

A brief silence followed. Katya immediately feared she had overstepped her boundaries with such a personal question. But at last, her master's voice returned, this time softer, almost gentle.

"Of course, I worry about Arche," she said. "He is my brother. But I cannot always protect him directly. Part of his strength comes from facing dangers like these. And right now... there is someone I trust to look after him."

Katya furrowed her brow in confusion. "Who do you mean?"

"Abigail," her master replied. "For the moment, I trust Abigail to do what's necessary to ensure Arche's safety. She may not fully understand her role yet, but that's fine. I want to let them stay together, at least for now. Abigail will keep Arche safe."

Katya was surprised by this revelation. She had always believed her master preferred to control every situation personally, but it seemed she was entrusting her brother's safety to someone else—a girl who wasn't even widely known. It showed how much faith her master had in Abigail, even if others did not fully grasp the importance of that relationship.

"I understand, Master," Katya replied, though a hint of uncertainty lingered. "If that is your will."

"I know this might seem strange to you, Katya," the young woman continued, her voice soft and reassuring, "but trust me. Everything is proceeding according to plan. For now, let Abigail stay close to Arche. They both have important roles to play in the bigger picture."

Katya nodded once again, though many questions still swirled in her mind. However, she knew better than to doubt her master. If her master said everything was under control, there was no reason for her to question it.

"Of course, Master," Katya said at last. "I'll ensure everything goes as you wish."

"Good," her master replied, before the connection cut off, leaving Katya standing alone under the starry sky.

Despite her lingering curiosity, Katya felt a sense of relief. No matter what, nothing was more important than carrying out her master's orders—someone she trusted more than anything else in the world.

***