The morning sun poured through the high windows of Emberhold Citadel, turning the stone floors gold. Alex woke early, too early, sprawled on the wide bed in the guest chamber they’d been given. Veyra was already up, standing at the balcony railing in her crimson dress, horns catching the light like polished obsidian.

  He rolled out of bed, hoodie rumpled, and padded over to join her. The city below was waking too: market stalls opening, beastkin hawkers calling, the distant clang of forges.

  “Morning,” he said, leaning on the railing beside her.

  She smiled without turning. “You slept like the dead.”

  “Blame the bed. It’s too comfortable. I was used to sleeping on rocks and dirt from our trip coming here. It’s a nice change.”

  Veyra laughed softly. “You’ll have to get used to comfort, then.”

  Alex snorted. Then he looked up at the ceiling, as if the Author lived in the rafters. *So… guild registration today. You gonna make me do this again?*

  The voice came back instantly, dry as ever. *Different kingdom, different guild. Rules are similar but not identical. Kharzad’s branch is less paranoid, more accepting. They don’t do public beatdowns or executions for entry. You just sign, pay a small fee, and pick a quest. No demonstration required.*

  *That’s it? No “prove you’re not a walking war crime” test?*

  *Not entirely. While you do have an active bounty on you, they know better, plus they trust the royal family’s judgement, not only that, they trust Veyra’s word. And after yesterday’s little sparring match with her dad, the rumor mill already knows you’re not here to burn the place down, just business. So you’re welcome.*

  Alex rolled his eyes. *Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the assist. But seriously, what’s waiting for us? You’ve been dropping hints like breadcrumbs. Spill something useful about this “Master” guy. Come on.*

  A pause. Longer than usual. Then, quietly, *fine. One minor spoiler, since you’re annoying me into it. The Master isn’t some distant overlord hiding in a tower. He’s closer than you think. Already inside Kharzad’s borders. Already moving pieces. This arc’s villain isn’t a faceless shadow - he’s someone who can smile at you over breakfast and still order your death by dinner.*

  Alex’s stomach tightened. *That’s… comforting.*

  *It’s reality. Stay sharp. Watch the nobles. Watch the guards. Trust Veyra. And for once in your life, don’t punch first - ask questions. You’ll need allies before this is over.*

  *Got it. Thanks… I guess.*

  *Don’t thank me yet. Just don’t die. I would hate to have to start from scratch with somebody else.*

  Alex smirked despite himself.

  Veyra glanced sideways. “Talking to him again?”

  “Yeah. He’s being cryptic like always, but helpful. For once.”

  She nodded. “Good. We’ll need all the help we can get.”

  They dressed, ate a quick breakfast in the family hall (Queen Lira pressed extra bread and fruit into their hands like a worried mom), then stepped out into the corridor.

  King Kharos and a tall, broad-shouldered general human, scarred face, silver-streaked beard were waiting. “Alex. Veyra,” Kharos said. “Before you go to the guild, a word.”

  The general stepped forward. “Bounty hunters don’t respect borders. They’re not bound by any kingdom’s law. We can arrest them inside Kharzad, but they’ll keep coming. Especially with your face on wanted posters from Valthar.”

  Alex shrugged. “We’ve been kicking bounty hunter ass since the moment we left Valthar. Nothing new.”

  “Actually, take a look at this,” the king’s general handed out what seemed like Alex’s wanted poster. “It seems like they upped your bounty.”

  Alex looked then his jaw dropped. He went from having a 500,000 bounty to a skyrocket amount of 1M. “That’s insane, what in the world-?”

  “Seems like you’re really pissing off the wrong people.” The general lightly laughed.

  “Seems like your bounty is now higher than mines,” Veyra’s smile was all fangs, amused at the sight of the bounty. “We’ll probably be facing tougher hunters here on out now.”

  “Just when I thought I had decent chance of normalcy, they just had to throw more gold on my name,” Alex groaned. *Feels like I just got 5 stars on GTA…*

  *Oh it’s gonna get worse from here, trust me buddy.” Author appeared, laughing maniacally at this situation he thrown Alex in.

  *HA, HA, YOU’RE SO DAMN FUNNY!* He snapped back at the author. *I HOPE YOU CAN SENSE MY SARCASM BEHIND THAT PEN OF YOURS ASSHOLE!”

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  Author quietly retreated.

  “Well, I guess it can’t be helped,” Alex sighed, accepting his new fate. “I’m sure my bounty going up might be tied to whatever we’re about to get ourselves into.”

  “Agreed,” Veyra nodded. “It’s possible whoever is in the shadows, is deliberately orchestrating obstacles for us. No matter, we’ve come this far not to let us stop us.”

  The general raised an eyebrow, then nodded once, respectfully. “Speaking of shadows, our scouts have picked up chatter. Some of these hunters aren’t just after gold. So based on what we’ve gathered, there is some truth to what Lady Veyra just said.”

  Alex and Veyra exchanged a look.

  “The Master,” Veyra said quietly.

  The general’s jaw tightened. “We don’t know for certain. But tread carefully. Even here.”

  Kharos laid a hand on Veyra’s shoulder. “I trust you both. But Kharzad is not immune to shadows. Come back whole.”

  “We will,” Alex said.

  They left the castle together, walking through the bustling streets toward the Kharzad Adventurers’ Guild; a towering building of red sandstone and blackened iron, banners of crossed flame and sword snapping overhead.

  Unlike the grim, suspicious welcome in Valthar, the doors here swung open with a warm shout.

  “Lady Veyra!” The Guildmaster, a burly draconoid woman with obsidian scales and a scar across one eye strode forward, grinning wide. “The Crimson Terror herself, back from the dead. And you brought company.”

  Veyra inclined her head. “Guildmaster Rhea. This is Alex Reyes. My partner.”

  Rhea’s eyes flicked to Alex, then widened slightly. “The Butcher of Valthar. Word travels fast.”

  Alex raised a hand. “I come in peace. Mostly.”

  Rhea barked a laugh. “Peace is boring. But you’re welcome here. Veyra vouches for you, and after yesterday’s little display with His Majesty… no one’s fool enough to challenge you.”

  *Look at them shaking like leaves,* the Author quipped as nervous whispers spread through the hall. *You two are basically urban legends now. Should I start a fan club?*

  Alex muttered under his breath, “Shut up before I start choking with your damn words.”

  Rhea waved them to the counter. “Registration’s simple. Sign, pay the fee, take a badge. No trials. We trust our own. Especially you lot with your fancy wanted posters.”

  The hall was full of adventurers; beastkin, elves, humans, dwarves, but the moment Alex and Veyra stepped fully inside, conversation stuttered.

  Some stared in open fear. Others gripped weapons tighter. A few whispered “Butcher” and “Crimson Terror” like curses.

  Then one young fox-tailed archer dropped his bow with a clatter.

  Alex snorted. Veyra’s lips twitched.

  “Relax,” Alex called casually. “We’re not here to burn the place down. We’re here to register. And maybe take a quest.”

  A ripple of nervous laughter moved through the room.

  Rhea stamped their badges with a flourish. “Done. Welcome to the Kharzad branch. Try not to scare my people too badly.”

  Alex grinned. “No promises.”

  They moved to the quest board; huge, wooden, covered in parchment notices. Alex scanned the listings, remembering the Author’s earlier words. *Closer than you think. Already moving pieces.*

  He started pointing. *That one? Missing merchant caravan.*

  *Nope.*

  *Bandit camp in the hills?*

  *Not that one.*

  *Wyvern nest?*

  *Too basic.*

  Alex sighed. *You’re enjoying this.*

  *Immensely.*

  Then he saw it - a modest notice near the bottom.

  Missing Persons – Southern Border Mines

  Reward: 8,000 gold

  Details: Multiple reports of beastkin, humans, elves vanishing near the old iron mines south of Kharzad. Last seen in chains. Possible slaver activity. High danger. Party recommended strength of A+ rank.

  Alex’s hand froze on the parchment. *That one?* He thought.

  *Yes,* the Author replied. *That one. Wow, I’m really holding your hand, aren’t I?*

  *What did you expect? Practically thrown to the wolves ever since I got here in this world.* Alex remarked.

  Veyra leaned in close, her shoulder brushing his, warm breath against his ear as she read over it. “This one,” she murmured, fingers lightly tracing his wrist. “We free these people, my people. We'll end this together.”

  Alex felt the heat rise in his chest, not from anger, but from her. “Together,” he agreed.

  He pulled it down.

  Before they left, they stopped in the market district, hoping to find any of the beastkin they’d freed from the caravan weeks ago.

  Luck was with them.

  Near a spice stall stood a cat-eared woman-black fur, green eyes, tail flicking nervously. She froze when she saw them. “You…” she whispered.

  Veyra knelt to her level. “We freed you and the others on the road. Do you remember?”

  The woman’s eyes filled with tears. “I remember. You broke the chains, burned the caravan, killed those awful humans. You gave us our lives back.”

  Alex crouched too. “We’re looking for information. Missing people. Beastkin, humans, elves - taken near the southern mines. Do you know anything?”

  She nodded quickly. “Yes. I… I heard rumors. Slavers operating out of the old iron mines. They take anyone they can chain; beastkin especially. They sell them south, across the border. Or worse.”

  Veyra’s voice was steel. “How many?”

  “Dozens. Maybe more. They move at night. Guards watch the roads. Some say… some of the Kharzad guards look the other way. Bribed. I don’t know who to trust.”

  She lowered her voice, tail curling tight. “They have collars. Like the one that made Lady Veyra rampage. Dark magic. They make the captives… forget who they were. Some don’t even scream anymore. Mindless.”

  Veyra’s flame flickered involuntarily along her fingertips. Alex’s hand found hers, steadying.

  Alex’s jaw clenched. “You trust us.”

  She looked between them, then nodded. “I do.”

  Veyra placed a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll find them. We’ll bring them home. And we’ll find everyone who’s involved with this evil scheme, who’ve helped make this happen.”

  The cat-girl smiled - small, trembling, but real. “Thank you.”

  They waved goodbye.

  As they walked toward the southern gate, Alex looked up.

  *This the right direction?*

  *Yes,* the Author replied. *This is the thread. Pull it. But don’t yank it.*

  Alex grinned. “And after this… you said something about a reward?”

  A pause. Then, almost amused: *Once this ordeal is done, yes. One thing from your past life. One of three things I’ll offer you. Fair trade for not punching me through the fourth wall.*

  Alex’s grin widened. “You’re on.”

  *Don’t get too excited,* the Author warned. *It’s one thing. And if you die in those mines, God forbid I can’t revive you. No resurrection DLC.*

  *Why am I not surprised?* Alex laughed aloud. Veyra raised an eyebrow.

  “He’s just telling me, us, to proceed with caution,” Alex explained.

  She smirked. “Then we’d better not die.”

  They stepped out of the city gates, heading south toward the mines. Together.

  Ready to burn the shadows down.