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Chapter 9
Calvenne breathed an air heavy with invisible tensions, like a spider's web ready to close in on its prey.
Kael, always hidden behind his mask of shadow, moved through the city's circles of power with meticulous caution.
At Selene's side, he infiltrated the secret networks of the city: influential merchants, guild leaders, and nobles with silent ambitions.
She knew the keys, the codes, the weaknesses of this world built on appearances.
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The Strategy of Shadows
In a dimly lit room, around a table adorned with maps and parchments, Kael met with Darius, a wealthy spice merchant who controlled much of the trade routes.
"Darius," Kael began in a calm voice, "I've heard rumors… some among your convoy leaders are considering negotiating with the rival guild. A weakness that could prove costly."
Darius frowned, a shadow of suspicion crossing his gaze.
"You're suggesting I have traitors in my ranks?"
"Not only in your ranks," Kael replied, tilting his head slightly, "but perhaps within your own camp. The rival guild is active, and they know how to exploit cracks."
Later, Kael spoke with Marianne, the head of a renowned artisans' guild with influence over the city's working-class districts.
"Marianne," he said, placing a finger on the map, "support from the districts is fragile. The people are suffering and are beginning to listen to voices that could shake your loyalty to the city."
She stared at him intently.
"What do you suggest?"
"That we keep an eye on those who whisper rebellion. Sometimes, a quiet warning is better than an open fight."
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A Growing Complicity
That evening, on a rooftop overlooking the illuminated city, Kael spoke with Selene.
"You can't do everything alone," she murmured, her gaze glimmering in the shadows.
Kael nodded.
"My fragility catches up to me sometimes… but with you by my side, I feel I can keep moving forward."
She smiled, and in that smile, Kael sensed an unspoken promise.
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The Cracks in Calvenne
Tensions rose slowly, and rumors slipped between factions.
Kael knew he was planting the seeds of discord, and that soon, he would reap the fruits of his patience.
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The game had only just begun.
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