Night cloaked the city in a soft veil of blue as Eldric walked alone through the upper balcony of the auction house. Mana lamps glowed along the marble railings casting light down to the courtyard. Usually the night felt peaceful here a rare moment when the world outside stopped demanding things from him. But tonight the air felt heavy and full of motion even though the city seemed quiet.

Below him two guards patrolled the courtyard. A carriage rolled by on the street with no house crest displayed. Eldric watched it closely. In a city governed by noble pride the absence of a crest was a warning not a coincidence.

Lyra stepped silently beside him without being noticed until she spoke. Three shadow agents Not nobles Not academy envoys Syndicate scouts They have been circling the auction house since sunset

Eldric kept his gaze on the street. The Silver Tablet shook them more than it shook us They sense a shift in power and they fear they will lose their grip before they understand what is unfolding

Lyra nodded. I can deal with the agents if you want Or I can follow them and see who they report to

Neither Eldric replied. Not yet I want to know what they think they can take from me

Lyra’s eyes narrowed. They want access to the vaults If they fail they might try to kidnap you instead

Eldric finally turned toward her. That is why you and Garron are here They will not succeed

A quiet moment passed between them. Eldric’s voice softened.

Lyra When we enter Frostbound Spire we may find relics older than the ruins we saw today You do not have to follow me there I will not force you

She looked at him with an expression he rarely saw from her a faint anger mixed with loyalty.

I follow because I choose to Eldric Not because of relics or politics If these things are awakening I want to be where the truth breaks open Even if it means standing in front of something older than our kingdoms

Eldric met her gaze and nodded.

Before they could continue Garron rushed onto the balcony shield strapped to his arm.

Eldric We have a problem

He pointed toward the courtyard. A figure cloaked in deep black approached the entrance carrying a staff topped with a crescent blade. The guards stiffened careful but cautious. The figure held up a parchment with a seal Eldric recognized immediately.

House Thorns

Lyra groaned. The Duke sends his pet war mage at night That is never a good sign

Garron cracked his knuckles. Shall I escort him out

No Eldric said. Bring him inside

Garron grunted and walked off.

Eldric sighed. The nobles are moving faster than expected They refuse to wait even a single day after the auction

Lyra smirked. You expected patience from nobles

Eldric gave the faintest smile. You are right I should know better by now

A few minutes later the war mage entered Eldric’s private hall. The man’s face was mostly hidden beneath a hood decorated with Thorn House insignia. He spoke with a cold steady voice.

Master Vanton My Duke sends an urgent message regarding the relic purchased earlier today

Eldric folded his arms. The Silver Tablet Is there a problem

A pause

The mage hesitated as if choosing words carefully. Since the relic arrived at the Duke’s estate the staff have been unable to keep the containment ward stable The sigils are shifting by themselves The relic pulses even without mana present And the Duke himself claims the artifact whispers at night

Lyra stepped forward. That is no ordinary relic That is a warning

The war mage nodded stiffly. Duke Armanth demands your presence in the estate immediately He believes the relic is trying to activate again

Eldric’s chest tightened. It was too early The relic should not have been reacting this soon Unless the beacon in the ruins accelerated it

He exhaled. Very well Tell the Duke I will be there before sunrise

The war mage bowed slightly then left with quick steps.

Lyra eyed Eldric. You are walking directly into Thorn territory Are you sure you want to do that They are ambitious ruthless and they are watching your every breath

Eldric nodded. If the tablet is activating again I need to see it myself before the Duke tries something reckless

Garron entered again. Then we go with you

No Eldric said. I go alone If a noble house sees three armed specialists entering their estate at night it will spark a full political incident I cannot allow that

Lyra clenched her jaw but accepted his decision.

Eldric turned back toward the city where moonlight spilled across rooftops. He whispered to himself more than to them.

The relics are waking and the world refuses to sleep