Velkath – The City Awakens to Chaos
Dawn barely touched the skyline before the city streets erupted in violence. Word of Leon Eryndor’s moves against House Draymore spread fast, and Kain’s response was just as swift.
By sunrise, fires raged across the lower districts—warehouses, taverns, and businesses linked to Eryndor were torched. Men loyal to Draymore prowled the alleys, knives glinting in the dim morning light, hunting anyone wearing Eryndor’s sigil.
Velkath’s underworld was no stranger to bloodshed, but this? This was a declaration.
Leon watched from the balcony of his estate, his eyes cold as the black smoke curled into the sky.
Aldric stepped beside him. "Draymore’s not wasting time."
"Neither will we," Leon said.
Celica walked up, tossing a bloodstained dagger onto the table. "Ran into a few of his men on the way back. They won’t be reporting to him anymore."
Leon exhaled. "Then let’s send a message of our own."
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The Broken Dagger Tavern – A Warning in Blood
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The tavern was a known haunt for Draymore’s enforcers, a place where debts were collected in blood and alliances were sealed over spilt ale.
That morning, it became a graveyard.
When the first patrons arrived, they found bodies slumped over tables, throats slit, eyes frozen in terror. The stench of blood was thick, and carved into the wooden bar was a simple message:
"Stay out of our way."
By midday, the entire district knew—Leon Eryndor wasn’t just fighting back. He was out for blood.
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House Draymore – Kain’s Fury
The moment Kain Draymore saw the reports, he hurled the nearest object against the wall, shattering a priceless vase.
"He’s treating this like a damn game," he seethed.
The Whisper stood in the corner, silent.
Kain turned to him, eyes burning with rage. "You’re supposed to be the best. Yet here I am, still dealing with this arrogant little bastard."
The assassin’s voice was calm. "Leon Eryndor is no ordinary noble. He fights like a man used to war."
Kain sneered. "Then we bring him a war he *can’t* win."
He turned to his men. "No more half-measures. I want his allies slaughtered, his businesses ruined. And if that doesn’t work…"
A cruel smile formed on his lips.
"…We hit where it really hurts."
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Eryndor Estate – A Line in the Sand
Leon sat at his desk, maps and reports spread before him. Every move Draymore made, every retaliation, was tracked.
Celica leaned against the window, arms crossed. "They’re going after civilians now. Friends, suppliers. They’re trying to cut off your support."
Aldric clenched his fists. "We need to strike harder."
Leon tapped a finger on the map. "No. We strike *smarter*."
He looked up, his gaze sharp. "Draymore thinks this is a gang war. But we’re not thugs fighting for scraps in the streets. We’re going to dismantle him piece by piece—his finances, his alliances, his reputation."
A slow smirk played on his lips. "And then, when he’s desperate… we *end* him."
Celica grinned. "Now *that’s* a plan I like."
Outside, the fires of war burned brighter.
And in the shadows, death waited.
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End of Chapter Fourteen
