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Chapter 59 — The Gate at Dusk
The next evening fell under a heavy, waiting silence. The torches lining the Seo estate walls burned brighter than usual, their flames whipped by a cold wind. Guards shifted nervously at their posts, sensing their lord's mood.
In his study, Kairo strapped on the black holster he rarely wore inside his own walls. The dagger at his side wasn't ceremonial — it was meant for killing. He didn't trust the quiet. Not tonight.
"Lord Seo?" his lieutenant asked carefully from the door. "Should we tighten the inner patrols?"
"No," Kairo said, adjusting his cuffs. "Leave everything exactly as it is. If the traitor thinks we're watching, he'll hold back. I want him to make his move."
When the lieutenant hesitated, Kairo's gaze sharpened. "Do as I say. And keep Captain Marrow in sight."
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Across the estate, Elira moved through the servants' passages in plain clothes, her hood drawn low. The stolen key rested inside her sleeve, cool and sharp against her skin. She rehearsed the plan again and again: intercept Vale's men before they reach the gate, get rid of the evidence, and vanish before Kairo suspects.
In the lower hall, she passed Celeste without either woman acknowledging the other. Celeste caught only the faint swish of Elira's cloak and arched a brow but said nothing. Interesting, she thought. Everyone's sneaking around tonight.
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By dusk, the east gate was quiet except for two guards on rotation — both loyal to Aiden Marrow. They shifted uneasily as the captain approached.
"Lord Seo gave orders—" one began.
"I outrank you," Aiden cut him off. "Gate opens when I say." His voice was calm, authoritative — practiced. He glanced at the torches. "Stay sharp. We'll be moving something through here soon."
From the shadows above, Elira crouched on the balcony walkway, watching every motion. I have to get that key out of his hands before Vale's men arrive.
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At the same time, Kairo crossed the courtyard silently, taking the northern approach to the gate. He preferred to see for himself rather than rely on reports. Every instinct screamed that something was wrong — the too‑steady patrols, the way Marrow's men avoided his eyes.
Celeste's voice drifted behind him. "Planning to catch ghosts again?"
"Stay out of this," Kairo said without slowing.
"Fine," Celeste replied lightly, though her gaze followed him. But I want to see who gets burned tonight.
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Near the gatehouse, Elira descended the narrow stairs, preparing to slip behind Aiden when he turned his back. She reached into her sleeve, fingers brushing the stolen key — ready to swap it for a false one and disappear before anyone noticed.
But a flicker of movement at the far end of the courtyard made her freeze. Kairo. He was coming straight toward the gate.
No, not now. If he sees me here…
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Elira slipped down the last stairwell, her breath tight in her chest. The key pressed against her wrist as Aiden signaled to his men. The outer torch sputtered — a prearranged mark. Vale's strike team was already near.
"Open it halfway. Fast," Aiden ordered quietly. "They'll be inside before anyone knows."
Not if I stop you first.
Elira stepped forward, silent as a shadow, but before she reached him, a flicker of motion caught her eye. Kairo — crossing the courtyard with a predator's stride. Damn it. Not now.
She ducked behind the gatehouse wall just as Kairo rounded the corner.
"Aiden," Kairo said, voice cold as steel. "Why isn't this gate locked?"
Aiden turned smoothly, no trace of panic. "Inspection, sir. Making sure no weaknesses—"
A low whistle cut through the night. It came from outside the wall. In an instant, Vale's men struck. Crossbow bolts hissed from the darkness, embedding in the stone near Kairo's shoulder.
"Down!" Kairo barked, drawing his dagger. The guards scrambled as black‑clad figures scaled the wall with ropes and hooks.
Elira leapt from cover, slamming into the first intruder before his boots touched the ground. She drove her knee into his chest and ripped the weapon from his hand, tossing it aside.
Kairo caught a second attacker mid‑climb, slicing the rope with one swift motion and sending the man crashing to the cobblestones below.
"Aiden, seal the gate!" Kairo shouted.
But Aiden hesitated — one heartbeat too long.
Elira saw it. Kairo saw it too.
"You traitor," Kairo growled, lunging at him — but Elira was faster. She knocked Aiden's hand away from the lock, grabbed the real key from his belt, and shoved him back into the wall.
"Move!" she hissed.
Kairo froze for a fraction of a second. Elira — here? In the middle of this ambush? His eyes narrowed, sharp with suspicion.
"Seo, behind you!" she warned.
Kairo spun, driving his dagger into another attacker's throat. Blood spattered the stone.
Within minutes, the remaining intruders were dead or fleeing. The gate slammed shut with a resounding clang. The courtyard smelled of steel and smoke.
Aiden was on his knees, wrists bound by Kairo's lieutenant. His face was pale but defiant.
Kairo turned slowly toward Elira, who was standing in the torchlight, chest heaving, the stolen key still clutched in her palm.
"What," he said quietly, dangerously, "are you doing here?"
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