The Duke's study was just as imposing as the man himself—lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes, forbidden volumes, and war chronicles. An imposing slab of obsidian wood, as cold and commanding as the man behind it. A grand map of the empire dominated one wall, riddled with pins and notes in a language only a few could read. In the center, Duke Varen Stormcaller stood behind a mahogany desk, cloaked in a dark coat threaded with veins of emerald—an Earth Clan symbol of command.

His eyes, sharp as ever, scanned her from head to toe.

"Silverthorn," he greeted, his voice smooth. "Punctual. I appreciate that."

"I like to know what I'm getting into," Silverthorn replied, keeping her smile calm. "Especially when it involves chasing ghosts through the ruins of a broken court."

Varen chuckled, folding his hands behind his back. "Hardly ghosts. The heir is alive. Somewhere. And if we find them, the empire's future is...malleable. You know, though the empire looks alright but the neighbouring empires are already waiting for the perfect time to wage a war."

Silverthorn raised a brow. "And what exactly do you expect from me? Do you want a hostage or a corpse?"

"I want information," he replied. "You're resourceful, Silverthorn. Untraceable."

"And what privileges will I have? I hope you know that I don't like wasting time to just get started." said Silverthorn with a cunning smile.

"You'll have access to certain... privileged places. The Imperial Library, the Nightwatch archives, and I can arrange for a few discreet escorts, should you need them. Gold won't be an issue."

Silverthorn tapped a finger against her hip, pretending to weigh his offer, though her thoughts were spinning.

He really is desperate. He doesn't know who the heir is. Good.
That gives me time.

"I'll need written permission to enter restricted archives," she said coolly. "And I want names—everyone who's investigating the heir along with me. I don't like repeating sloppy footsteps."

"Of course," he replied, opening a drawer and pulling out a sealed scroll. "You'll find what you need inside."

"Also, my last condition is advance payment. Half now and half when I bring you the results you want." she added.

"As they say, you indeed are quite demanding. Alright, you'll get that, by tomorrow." he remarked.

"Alright then. I'll get going now. And also, I will not send letters with name written on it."

Silverthorn didn't wait for his answer and left for the other businesses.