The air in Bloodmoor had grown heavier since Vasilis’s death. His blood had barely cooled on the stone floors, but his name still lingered on the tongues of nobles and courtiers alike. Rumors swirled like storm clouds above the castle, whispers of new alliances and darker conspiracies that stretched far beyond the simple rebellion Alexi had crushed.

Yet for all the dangers still circling around him, Alexi felt more focused than ever. The pieces were falling into place. The court was cowed, for now, and the nobles who had once backed Vasilis were too afraid to openly oppose him again. But fear was only a temporary tool. The deeper threat remained—the unseen influence of Prince Zephyrion.

It was early morning when Marcellus approached Alexi in the war room. The light from the high windows cast long shadows across the stone floor as Marcellus entered, his expression tense but purposeful.

"My Lord," he said, bowing slightly before stepping forward. "Our scouts have returned from the borderlands. There’s been movement—fae soldiers, gathering near the eastern forests. Zephyrion’s forces are preparing for something, though it’s unclear whether they intend to strike directly or wait for a more opportune moment."

Alexi stood by the window, his gaze distant as he listened to Marcellus’s report. The eastern forests bordered the heart of the fae realm, a place where the lines between worlds were thin, where Zephyrion could easily rally his armies without fear of detection—until it was too late.

"He’s waiting," Alexi said quietly, more to himself than to Marcellus. "Zephyrion won’t strike until he’s certain he can secure the Crimson Vault. He’s not interested in a siege—he wants the artifacts. Once he has them, Bloodmoor is irrelevant."

Marcellus nodded, his expression darkening. "Lady Selene’s information about Kallan and the other nobles who are aiding Zephyrion adds weight to that. If they give him access to the Vault, he’ll bypass us entirely."

"And that cannot happen," Alexi said, his voice cold and decisive. "We need to act before they can put their plans into motion."

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

"But how, my Lord?" Marcellus asked, stepping closer. "If Kallan and the others are operating in the shadows, it’ll be difficult to draw them out. They’ve hidden their allegiances well."

Alexi’s mind raced, working through the possibilities. Kallan had always been a schemer, content to sit in the background while others fought for power. But now, with the promise of Zephyrion’s favor, he had taken a more active role. If Alexi could force Kallan’s hand, expose him and his co-conspirators, it might be possible to disrupt their plans before Zephyrion moved.

"We need leverage," Alexi said after a moment of thought. "Something that will force Kallan to reveal his connections to Zephyrion."

Marcellus frowned. "Leverage? What could be strong enough to make him betray his own allies?"

Alexi’s gaze turned toward the relics still lying in the center of the war room—the artifacts from the Crimson Vault. An idea began to form in his mind, one that was risky, but necessary.

"The relics," Alexi said, his eyes narrowing. "We’ll use the relics as bait. Kallan and his followers won’t be able to resist if they believe they can get their hands on them."

Marcellus raised an eyebrow. "You’re suggesting we stage a false opportunity? Create the illusion that the Vault is vulnerable?"

"Exactly," Alexi replied, his voice growing stronger. "Kallan and the others have likely been waiting for a moment when the Vault is unguarded, or when I’m distracted. If we create that moment for them, they’ll take the bait."

Marcellus nodded slowly, understanding the plan. "And when they do, we catch them in the act. Expose them to the court before they can follow through with their betrayal."

"Precisely," Alexi said. "But it has to be done carefully. We can’t afford for word of this plan to reach Zephyrion, or he’ll know we’re onto him. We’ll need to act quickly and quietly."

Marcellus bowed his head in acknowledgment. "I’ll make the arrangements. We’ll be ready by nightfall."

As Marcellus left the room to carry out his orders, Alexi returned to the window, his thoughts still churning. The plan was dangerous, but it was the only way to draw out Kallan and his co-conspirators. If they succeeded, Alexi would have the proof he needed to solidify his control over the court and cut off Zephyrion’s influence from within.

But as Alexi watched the morning light slowly fade, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there were still forces at play that he had yet to understand. The fae Prince was a master of manipulation, and there was no doubt that Zephyrion had anticipated every move Alexi had made thus far.

The true battle was coming. And Alexi knew that when it did, Bloodmoor would never be the same again.

----------------------------------------