The sun had begun its descent when they gathered in a secluded corner of Evelyn’s old, dimly lit workshop. The room was filled with maps, dusty tomes, and tools that hinted at a life spent in secrecy and survival. It was a stark contrast to the lively streets of Azure Bay outside, where the world carried on unaware of the storm brewing in their midst.

Sebastian stood by a table, tracing the outline of the Underkeep’s symbol—a sharp, angular sigil that had been branded into the flesh of those who dared cross them. It was a mark of power, a silent warning. Evelyn watched him, her dark eyes unwavering.

“Before we do anything,” she said, her voice cutting through the heavy silence, “we need to know who’s behind the Underkeep. If we don’t, we’re just setting ourselves up to be hunted.”

Aria stood by the window, the chill of the evening air brushing against her skin. The sight of the city, half-bathed in shadow, felt suffocating. They were outnumbered, and she knew that no plan could guarantee their safety. Still, she clenched her fists, determination sparking in her eyes. “So where do we start?”

Evelyn’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. “With the ones who know too much. We need to find Alaric Voss. He’s an informant, a shadow in the Underkeep who has been feeding information to anyone who can afford it.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. “I know him. He’s ruthless, but he’ll talk if we play it right.”

Evelyn’s eyes met Sebastian’s, a moment of shared history passing between them. “We don’t just want information. We want leverage. Alaric might be ruthless, but he’s also ambitious. We use that.”

Aria felt the weight of their plan pressing down on her, the stakes suddenly much higher than she’d anticipated. “And what happens if we fail?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Sebastian glanced at her, his expression hard but softening at the fear in her eyes. “We won’t. Not if we do this together.”

They set out under the cover of darkness, shadows pooling in the alleys like ink spilt across the parchment. The narrow streets of Azure Bay had always been a maze, but tonight, they seemed more labyrinthine, as though even the city itself were conspiring against them. Evelyn led the way, her movements graceful, almost catlike, as she navigated the streets.

They reached a tavern on the edge of the lower city, where the floorboards creaked under the weight of feet that had long since given up on gentleness. The air was thick with the scent of salt, sweat, and the sharp tang of whiskey. Evelyn slipped inside with Sebastian and Aria following close behind.

Alaric Voss was a man who thrived in darkness. He sat at the corner table, a glass of dark liquor in one hand, eyes trained on the entrance as if he’d been expecting them. His sharp features were partially hidden by the low brim of his hat, but when he looked up, his eyes glimmered like the edge of a blade.

“I wasn’t expecting guests tonight,” he said, his voice a rasp that cut through the murmur of the room.

Evelyn pushed forward, her expression unreadable. “You don’t have to. We’re here for answers.”

Alaric’s lips twitched into a grin. “Answers come at a price, and you don’t strike me as the type who’s willing to pay.”

Sebastian leaned over the table, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Try me.”

Alaric studied Sebastian for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Aria. “You’re the one who’s been asking questions, aren’t you? The girl who’s dug too deep?”

Aria’s throat tightened, but she met his gaze squarely. “We need to know everything you can tell us about the Underkeep. About Samuel Hale.”

The room seemed to hold its breath as Alaric’s smirk faded. He leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping on the edge of the table. “Samuel Hale,” he repeated, as though the name itself were a curse. “He was more than just a problem for the Underkeep. He knew things that could ruin everything. If you’re looking for him, then you’re already in too deep.”

Evelyn glanced at Sebastian, her eyes sharp with urgency. “We need to know where he is, Alaric. If he’s still alive, we need to find him before they do.”

Alaric’s gaze hardened, and he lifted his glass, draining it in one smooth motion. “You want to find Samuel Hale, you’ll need to make a deal. But know this: every deal with the Underkeep comes at a cost.”

Sebastian clenched his jaw, his hand balling into a fist. “We’re not afraid of paying the price.”

The informant’s grin returned, but it was as sharp and deadly as a knife’s edge. “Then you’re braver than most. But courage alone won’t get you far. You’ll need a plan—and a partner who’s willing to betray their own.”

Aria’s stomach twisted. “Who?” she whispered.

Alaric leaned forward, eyes glinting with anticipation. “Me.”