The moon hung high over the city as Leon walked through the dimly lit streets, the ornate box in his pocket feeling heavier with each step. Celica kept pace beside him, her emerald eyes darting around with a wary sharpness. House Draymore’s offer lingered in the air like the scent of spiced wine and smoke clinging to his coat.

  "You're not seriously considering this, are you?" Celica finally broke the silence, her voice low but insistent. "They want you to assassinate a noble. That's not just stepping into dangerous territory—it's diving in headfirst with a target on your back."

  Leon smirked, running a hand through his dark hair. "You worry too much, Cel. It’s an opportunity."

  Celica scoffed. "It’s a death sentence."

  He stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. "Think about it. Why would they offer me this job? If they wanted the noble dead, they have plenty of ways to make it happen quietly. No, this is a test. They want to see what I’ll do, how I'll handle it."

  Celica crossed her arms. "And what’s your brilliant plan, then?"

  Leon tapped the box in his pocket. "Simple. I find out who they want gone, why they want them dead, and then... I decide whether to play along or flip the board."

  Celica sighed but nodded, knowing there was no dissuading him when his mind was set. "Just don't get yourself killed, Leon."

  He chuckled, resuming his pace. "You sound like my father."

  She rolled her eyes. "Someone has to."

  The Next Morning

  Leon found himself standing in front of House Eryndor’s grand study once again. Duke Eryndor, ever the picture of composed authority, was seated behind his imposing mahogany desk, reviewing several documents while Aldric stood beside him with his usual impassive expression.

  "You’ve been busy," the Duke said without looking up.

  Leon stepped forward and placed the ornate box on the desk. "Draymore wants me to assassinate someone. They handed me this as a welcoming gift."

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  The Duke finally looked at him, eyes sharp. He opened the box, examining the rune-engraved bullet with mild interest. "Interesting craftsmanship. And did they specify a target?"

  Leon shook his head. "Not yet. But they want me to prove myself."

  Aldric’s lips curled in distaste. "House Draymore thrives in the underworld. Aligning with them is dangerous, reckless even."

  The Duke studied Leon carefully. "What do you intend to do?"

  Leon leaned against the chair, arms crossed. "I'm going to take the job. But not in the way they expect."

  A flicker of something—approval, perhaps—passed through his father’s eyes. "Explain."

  Leon smiled. "I'll find out who they want gone and why. Maybe they have a good reason, maybe they don't. Either way, I control the narrative. If I play this right, I can manipulate them into giving me more than they planned."

  Aldric frowned, but the Duke's expression remained unreadable. "You're walking a fine line, Leon."

  Leon’s eyes hardened. "I'm used to it."

  After a long pause, the Duke nodded. "Proceed. But do not fail."

  Leon smirked. "I never do."

  That Night – The Draymore Estate

  Leon returned to House Draymore under the guise of acceptance. The moment he stepped inside, the atmosphere felt different—more calculated, more dangerous. Kain Draymore was waiting for him in a dimly lit study, his wolfish grin firmly in place.

  "So, you’ve decided," Kain said, leaning back in his chair, swirling a glass of whiskey in hand.

  Leon tossed the ornate box onto the table. "I’ll take the job."

  Kain’s eyes flickered with amusement. "Good choice. Your target is Baron Everett Grayson."

  Leon kept his expression neutral. "Why him?"

  Kain shrugged. "Let’s just say he’s been making... inconvenient decisions. His death will send a message."

  Leon leaned forward. "And what exactly does he have that you want?"

  Kain’s grin widened. "Sharp, aren't you? Let’s just say he controls a key trade route we’d like to... acquire."

  Leon nodded slowly, his mind already working through scenarios. "Fine. Consider it done."

  Kain chuckled. "I knew I liked you."

  Leon took the bullet from the box and examined it under the dim light. "I'll need more details. Where he’ll be, his schedule, his security."

  Kain waved a hand. "All provided. But be warned—Grayson’s no fool. He knows someone’s after him."

  Leon smirked. "Good. I like a challenge."

  Outside the Estate

  Celica was waiting for him in the shadows as he stepped out, her eyes narrowing. "What did they say?"

  Leon twirled the enchanted bullet between his fingers. "We’ve got a name. Baron Everett Grayson."

  Celica exhaled. "He's well-guarded, Leon. You're not actually thinking of killing him, right?"

  Leon shot her a look. "Of course not. I'm thinking of making him an ally instead."

  Celica stared at him for a long moment before shaking her head. "You're insane."

  Leon grinned. "Only when I need to be."

  As they disappeared into the darkness, Leon’s thoughts raced. He had a noble’s life in his hands, a gang of cutthroats expecting results, and an opportunity to reshape the playing field entirely.

  And he wouldn’t waste it.

  End of Chapter Eight.