As the court slowly dispersed, murmurs of shock and fear echoing through the grand halls of Bloodmoor, Alexi remained behind. The body of Vasilis had been removed, the bloodstains wiped clean, but the weight of the confrontation still lingered like a storm cloud on the horizon.

Marcellus approached cautiously, his expression one of both relief and concern. "It’s done," he said quietly. "But Zephyrion will not let this go unanswered. Vasilis was his pawn, but his death may provoke a response sooner than we’re ready for."

Alexi nodded, his thoughts already drifting to the fae Prince. "Zephyrion was always the true enemy," he said, his voice steady. "Vasilis was only ever a distraction—a tool to weaken us from within."

Marcellus’s brow furrowed. "And what of Lady Selene? She remains an enigma. Her role in this is far from clear."

"Selene will reveal her true intentions soon enough," Alexi replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "She’s maneuvering, waiting for the right moment to strike. For now, she remains useful. But we must be ready when her loyalty shifts."

As if summoned by their conversation, a soft knock echoed from the doorway, and a figure stepped into the chamber. It was Lady Selene, her silver hair gleaming in the candlelight, her face a perfect mask of calm composure.

"My Lord," she said with a graceful bow. "May I have a moment of your time?"

Alexi glanced at Marcellus, who gave a slight nod before stepping back into the shadows, leaving Alexi and Selene alone.

"Lady Selene," Alexi said, his voice neutral but with a hint of curiosity. "You’ve chosen an interesting time to visit."

Selene smiled faintly, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. "I merely wished to congratulate you on your victory. Vasilis’s rebellion has been crushed, and the court now stands firmly behind you. Bloodmoor is stronger for it."

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"Is that all?" Alexi asked, his gaze sharp.

Selene’s smile deepened slightly. "Not quite. There is another matter I wish to discuss."

Alexi waited, his patience thinning.

"The fae Prince, Zephyrion," Selene continued, her voice lowering. "He has been in contact with more than just Vasilis. There are others in the court—lesser nobles—who have been quietly negotiating with him. They’ve promised him something far more valuable than Vasilis ever could."

Alexi’s eyes darkened. "What have they promised?"

Selene hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking to the shadows as though wary of being overheard. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she said, "The Crimson Vault. They’ve promised Zephyrion access to the relics inside."

Alexi’s blood ran cold. The Crimson Vault was the key to Bloodmoor’s power, the relics within capable of reshaping the balance of the entire realm. If Zephyrion gained control of those artifacts, his ambitions to dominate the realms would no longer be fantasy—they would become reality.

"Who?" Alexi demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Who is involved in this?"

Selene met his gaze, her expression serious. "Several nobles, though they’ve kept their identities hidden. But I’ve heard whispers of a name—Lord Kallan. He’s been secretly aligning himself with the fae, using his influence to rally others to Zephyrion’s cause."

"Kallan," Alexi muttered, his mind racing. He knew Kallan—an ambitious lord, but one who had always kept a low profile in court. If Kallan was involved, then the conspiracy ran deeper than Alexi had anticipated.

"What do you want in return for this information?" Alexi asked, his tone cold.

Selene’s eyes gleamed. "I want what I’ve always wanted—a place by your side, where I can help secure Bloodmoor’s future. Together, we can defeat Zephyrion and those who would see this kingdom fall."

Alexi studied her for a long moment, weighing his options. He didn’t trust Selene, but her information was valuable—too valuable to dismiss.

"Very well," Alexi said at last. "You’ll have your place, but betray me, and you’ll meet the same fate as Vasilis."

Selene smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "I wouldn’t dream of it, my Lord."

With that, she turned and left the chamber, her footsteps echoing softly in the dark corridors beyond.

As the door closed behind her, Alexi stood in silence, his mind already calculating the next move. The game had just shifted, and now, with new pieces in play, the stakes were higher than ever.

Zephyrion was coming.

And Alexi would be ready.