The dimly lit tavern reeked of spilled ale and unspoken secrets. Kieran and Julian slipped inside, their hoods drawn low as they moved through the crowded space. The bartender barely glanced up before jerking his chin toward the back room.

Julian led the way, pushing open a door that revealed a lavish yet claustrophobic chamber, lined with books, maps, and odd trinkets. At its center, a man lounged in a high-backed chair, his piercing green eyes locking onto them the moment they entered.

“Kieran, meet Valen,” Julian murmured.

Valen smirked, swirling a glass of dark wine. “Ah, the runaway noble and the charming thief. What an unexpected delight.”

Kieran stiffened, but Julian remained relaxed, stepping closer. “We need information.”

Valen raised a brow. “Information comes at a price.”

Julian leaned against the desk, his voice smooth. “We’re willing to pay.”

Valen’s gaze flickered to Kieran. “Are you?”

Kieran clenched his jaw. “What do you want?”

Valen stood, stepping into Kieran’s space with the ease of a predator. “A favor. One I’ll collect when the time is right.”

Julian tensed beside him, but Kieran held Valen’s gaze. He knew better than to trust men like him, but they had little choice.

“Fine,” Kieran said. “Tell us what you know.”

Valen’s smirk widened. “The men hunting you—they work for someone far more dangerous than you realize.” He turned, pulling a folded letter from his pocket and tossing it onto the desk. “This might help you understand just how deep you’ve stepped into the abyss.”

Julian snatched up the letter, scanning its contents. His face darkened. “This… this is worse than I thought.”

Kieran took the letter, his stomach twisting at the words.

The hunt isn’t for the ledger. It’s for him.

Kieran felt a cold chill run down his spine. They weren’t after Julian’s stolen secrets.

They were after Kieran himself.

To be continued...