The next day at noon—the Walker Mercenary Guild.

  Sitting behind her desk, where several piles of documents awaited processing. In a large room decorated with several luxurious pieces of furniture, a chandelier, and shelves filled with books, manuscripts, and other paperwork.

  Despite its resemblance to an old library, it remained welcoming, furnished with a coffee table in the middle of the room and two sofas for receiving guests.

  Someone suddenly knocked.

  Knock knock knock.

  The door opened with a creak.

  A man entered, wearing gray pants, black shoes, a white shirt, and a small gray vest and bow tie.

  He had a firm, calm face, a trimmed mustache, and gray hair combed to the left side.

  A man of mature age; his posture, his appearance, everything about him made him look like a butler.

  “Madam, it's lunchtime.”

  Among the mountains of documents, a head popped out. It was Selene, glasses on her nose: she had been working since early morning.

  “It's you, Albert. Thank you for always coming to let me know.”

  “It's only natural, ma'am; it's part of my job after all,” said Albert with a smile.

  Selene got up and headed for the door. Albert opened it for her, and they walked out together.

  In the corridors, some employees greeted her, as did the mercenaries. Leaving the guild, the sunlight stung her eyes, having been in the shade for too long.

  She raised her right hand in front of her face to shield her eyes. Once her eyes had adjusted, she set off down the main street of the capital.

  It was noon, and the streets of the capital were crowded with merchants, nobles, and commoners alike, carriages racing down the middle of the road, children running and squabbling.

  Despite what had happened yesterday, the capital was bustling and full of life.

  Restaurant: La Nouvelle Lune.

  La Nouvelle Lune is one of the most renowned restaurants in the capital, a well-known establishment that is always crowded with nobles, and it is also Sélène's favorite restaurant.

  She comes here every day for lunch and has been a regular since it opened.

  Today was a day like any other for her, trying a new dish or enjoying one of her favorites.

  Sitting outside at one of the tables on the terrace, she was waiting for her meal to arrive when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone familiar. Tall, with a model's figure but muscular, a graceful and controlled gait, short jet-black hair combed back, and a pale face of icy beauty: Kael.

  He was dressed differently than on other days, wearing an elegant, fitted vest made of rich black brocade, adorned with gray and black quilted patterns. It had a high collar and wide, flowing lapels, fastened on the inside with a sturdy button and on the outside with five engraved metal buttons. The back and inner lining of the vest were made of black satin.

  His face was coldly Nordic but charming, his deep red, piercing eyes always looking into the distance. Walking beside him at the same pace was Lyssandra in a midnight blue dress with a bow tie and square collar, a flared bell-shaped skirt, lantern sleeves with lace accents, a fitted corset embellished with vintage elements, and a lace-up back.

  The crowd's gaze was always fixed on them whenever they made one of their rare appearances in the capital.

  Selene watched them pass by for a long time, with a hint of jealousy in her eyes, but suddenly a certain sadness appeared on her face.

  She lowered her eyes and turned her head away, the expression on her face suggesting that she was blaming herself for something, telling herself that she had no right to be jealous of Lyssandra and that she no longer deserved to stand beside the man who accompanied her.

  The butler, who was standing next to her, noticed this; he seemed to know something about the sudden sadness that had appeared on the young woman's face. But he said nothing, remaining silent until the end of lunch.

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

  Afternoon

  As she signed a document for Duke Velret, her right hand trembled uncontrollably.

  She grabbed it with her left hand and squeezed it to calm the shaking.

  Her eyes remained fixed on her fingers.

  The silence hung heavy in the room... until a sharp noise broke the quiet.

  Knock, knock, knock.

  “Come in,” she said.

  The door opened slowly. Light footsteps approached, stopping in front of her desk.

  In the suspended silence, a deep, calm, but authoritative voice rang out:

  “Greetings. Are you Selene, the guild mistress?”

  She recognized the voice immediately.

  It was familiar, almost too familiar. A voice she could never forget.

  She slowly raised her head. Time seemed to stand still.

  Her eyes met those of the man standing before her.

  Elegantly dressed in dark clothing, standing straight as a statue, he exuded an unshakeable coldness. His blood-red eyes stared at her without blinking.

  A wave of emotions washed over her: surprise, confusion, and shock.

  Standing before her was Kael.

  Selene remained frozen, unable to utter a single word.

  “I didn't come here to see you daydreaming,” he said in an icy tone.

  True to form: cold, impassive, unshakeable.

  She finally regained her composure, stood up, and apologized:

  “My apologies... I was surprised to see you here, Mr. Dravenwald.”

  She forced a smile, trying to regain her composure.

  There was a brief silence, then she continued:

  “So... what brings you here today?”

  “Nothing special. I just need some men for a job. Your guild was recommended to me.”

  “Very well. Have a seat, and we'll discuss it.”

  They sat down opposite each other at the coffee table.

  “So, Mr. Dravenwald, what kind of mission is it?”

  “A hunt.”

  “A hunt?” she repeated, slightly confused. “What kind of hunt?”

  “Some trash... who dared to commit an intolerable act.”

  Trash? she thought. He probably means human beings... He doesn't even see them as such anymore.

  “I see. And how many people will you need?”

  “Two will suffice.”

  “Very well. Before I send you my mercenaries, you will have to sign a contract...”

  The discussion dragged on over formalities: clauses, agreements, signatures.

  Finally, everything was settled.

  “There you go,” said Selene. “The two mercenaries will be sent to you at the agreed location.”

  “Perfect. I'll be on my way.”

  Kael stood up and turned to leave.

  But suddenly, Selene called out to him:

  “Mr. Dravenwald!”

  He stopped and turned around.

  “What is it?”

  Her heart was pounding. She wanted to tell him... everything. But the words stuck in her throat.

  So, with a smile veiled in sadness, she simply replied:

  “No... nothing. I just wanted to wish you a safe journey.”

  Kael raised an eyebrow, stared at her for a moment, then turned on his heel and walked away.

  Selene was left alone.

  She lowered her head and sighed deeply.

  What was I going to do just now? Apologize... for what happened before? And besides, he didn't even seem to recognize me.

  Sighing again, she returned to her seat and tried to push the thought out of her mind.

  Time passed. The sun gave way to the moon. One by one, the employees left the guild.

  The once bustling corridors emptied, leaving only a heavy silence.

  Alone in her office, Selene could finally breathe.

  The room was bathed in a pale light, the flickering flame of the oil lamp casting long shadows on the walls.

  The office, for the first time that day, was empty.

  She collapsed into her chair, her shoulders slumped. Her fingers finally stopped trembling.

  Staring blankly at the ceiling, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

  Suddenly, a voice echoed in her head: that of a young boy, broken by sobs.

  “I thought... sob... I thought we were friends... that I could trust you...”

  A voice full of pain, but also anger, before fading away like a distant echo.

  The lamp's flame flickered... then went out.

  Plunged into darkness, Selene slowly opened her eyes again.

  Maybe I should have told him everything... she whispered.