The crisp morning air was a stark contrast to the warmth of the night before. Kieran and Julian moved swiftly through the deserted alleyways, avoiding the main roads where eyes might follow. The weight of the ledger tucked inside Julian’s coat felt heavier with every step.

“We need a plan,” Kieran muttered, glancing around warily.

Julian scoffed. “Oh? And here I thought we’d just wander the streets until fate decided for us.”

Kieran shot him a glare. “I mean it. If this book is as dangerous as you say, we need to find someone we can trust.”

Julian hesitated. “Trust is a luxury I don’t have.”

Kieran stopped walking, forcing Julian to turn and face him. “Then we make one. There has to be someone who can help us.”

Julian studied him for a long moment, then sighed. “There’s a man—an information broker. He deals in secrets, but he doesn’t sell them cheap.”

Kieran nodded. “Then let’s go.”

Julian smirked. “Not so fast, my lord. He’ll want payment. And not the kind you’re thinking.”

Kieran narrowed his eyes. “What does he want?”

Julian stepped closer, voice dropping to a murmur. “Power. Leverage. Something worth more than gold.” His fingers ghosted over Kieran’s wrist. “Something like a noble’s influence.”

Kieran stiffened. “You’re suggesting I bargain with my name?”

Julian’s smirk deepened. “I’m suggesting you do what you must to survive.”

A heavy silence stretched between them before Kieran exhaled. “Fine. Take me to him.”

Julian’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable before he turned on his heel. “Try to keep up, my lord.”

As they vanished into the shadows, Kieran couldn’t shake the feeling that he was stepping into something even more dangerous than he had before. And yet, with Julian at his side, he wasn’t sure he wanted to turn back.

To be continued...