The Arcane Beast Tamer

The Rusty Kettle wasn't a place Kael would have chosen for planning anything, let alone a high-stakes infiltration. The air inside was thick with the smell of spilled ale and roasted meat, and the tables were sticky with grime. Patrons sat scattered in small groups, their voices low as they exchanged hushed whispers and wary glances.

Lira led the group to a corner table far from prying eyes. She leaned back in her chair, her casual demeanor a sharp contrast to the tension that hung in the air.

"Alright," she said, her voice just loud enough for the group to hear. "Here's the deal. Calder Venric's associate—a man named Rhoric—is expecting us tonight. He's one of Venric's handlers, the kind of guy who does all the dirty work his boss doesn't want to get his hands messy with."

Kael frowned, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "And he's just going to let us into Venric's estate?"

"Not exactly," Lira replied, smirking. "He'll vouch for us if we convince him we're worth Venric's time. That's where the fun begins."

Ember growled softly, her fiery eyes narrowing. "Define 'fun.'"

Lira's grin widened. "We're going to pose as buyers. Venric deals in rare artifacts, and we're going to make him think we've got something he wants."

Kael blinked. "You mean… lie to him?"

"That's one way to put it," Lira said with a shrug. "Look, Venric's not going to open his doors just because we ask nicely. But if he thinks we've got something valuable, he'll let us in. Once we're inside, we'll figure out where he's keeping the artifact and go from there."

Kael's stomach churned. The plan sounded risky—too risky. "And what happens when he realizes we don't have anything to offer?"

Lira's smirk faltered, just for a moment. "That's why we don't let it get to that point. We're in and out before he catches on."

Umbra, who had been sitting silently at Kael's side, spoke up. "What if he has guards? Or defenses we don't know about?"

"He does," Lira admitted, her tone growing serious. "Venric's estate is heavily guarded, and he's got arcane wards protecting his collection. That's why we'll need to tread carefully. No sudden moves, no mistakes."

Kael ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. "This feels like a trap waiting to happen."

"It's a gamble," Lira said, leaning forward. "But it's the only way we're getting close to that artifact. Unless you've got a better plan?"

Kael hesitated. The golden thread pulsed faintly in his chest, a steady reminder of the stakes. They didn't have time to waste—if Venric had one of the artifacts, they needed to get it before someone else did.

"Alright," Kael said reluctantly. "We'll do it. But if things go wrong, we're getting out of there—no matter what."

"Agreed," Lira said, her smirk returning. "Now let's get ready. We've got a long night ahead."

By the time the sun began to set, the group was as prepared as they could be. Lira had supplied Kael with a clean, albeit slightly worn, tunic and cloak to make him look the part of a potential buyer. Ember's flames were dimmed to a faint glow, and Umbra had tucked himself into the folds of Kael's cloak, his small form hidden from view.

Lira led the way through the winding streets of Draycott, her steps quick and purposeful. The city took on a different tone at night—shadows stretched longer, and the air was filled with the murmurs of deals made in secret and promises exchanged under the cover of darkness.

Kael couldn't help but glance nervously at the people they passed. Most seemed to pay them no mind, but a few lingered in the shadows, their eyes following the group with unsettling interest.

"We're almost there," Lira said, breaking the silence. She motioned toward a narrow alley that opened into a small courtyard. At its center stood a fountain, the water glinting faintly in the moonlight.

A man leaned casually against the fountain, his arms crossed. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a rough beard and sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through the darkness.

"Rhoric," Lira called, her voice light but firm.

The man looked up, his gaze sweeping over the group. "You brought friends," he said, his voice gruff. "I hope they know how to behave."

"They'll behave," Lira replied. "As long as you hold up your end of the deal."

Rhoric pushed off the fountain, his boots crunching against the cobblestones as he approached. He stopped a few feet from Kael, his sharp eyes narrowing.

"You're the buyer?" he asked.

Kael swallowed hard, his heart pounding. "That's right," he said, forcing his voice to stay steady.

Rhoric's gaze flicked to Kael's satchel. "What are you offering?"

Kael hesitated, his mind racing. Lira had warned him not to reveal the crystal—they couldn't risk Venric finding out about the artifacts. "Information," Kael said finally. "About an artifact Venric doesn't have yet—but will want."

Rhoric raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Is that so? And why should I believe you?"

"Because I wouldn't be here if I didn't know what I was talking about," Kael said, hoping his bluff was convincing. "I've dealt with collectors before. I know what they're looking for."

For a long moment, Rhoric said nothing, his sharp eyes boring into Kael's. Finally, he let out a low chuckle. "Alright," he said. "I'll take you to Venric. But if you're wasting his time, you won't leave his estate alive."

Kael nodded, trying not to let his fear show. "Understood."

Rhoric turned on his heel and motioned for them to follow. Lira shot Kael a quick glance, her expression unreadable, before falling into step behind Rhoric.

As they made their way through the streets, Kael felt the golden thread pulse faintly, a steady rhythm that seemed to echo his racing heartbeat. The weight of the crystal in his satchel was a constant reminder of what they were risking.

They were walking into the lion's den, and there was no turning back now.