Chapter 22: Marked as a Rogue The Elthorn council chamber was quieter than normal, the weight of an imminent decision suppressing any informal chat. The elders sat in a semicircle, their faces darkened by the flickering light of the torches bordering the walls. At the head of the chamber stood Lady Morgana, her demeanor intimidating yet deceptively calm. She had spun her web of falsehoods meticulously, and now it was time to watch it catch her prey. Elder Gregor, his craggy face marked with doubt, broke the silence. “This is not a decision we should make lightly. To designate Raiden a rogue is to separate him from the clan permanently. Such a decree cannot be undone.” Morgana inclined her head, her speech measured and full of trained sincerity. “Elder Gregor, I understand your concerns. None of us wish to take such a severe step. But Raiden’s actions leave us no option. His powers are expanding unfettered, and his failure to answer the council’s call is an act of defiance

Chapter 24: Threads of Conspiracy The hidden chamber of the Forbidden Mountains had offered Raiden more than just answers—it had given him a terrifying realization. Morgana’s goals weren’t confined to her exploitation of the Elthorn Clan. The writings of the Magus showed something far worse: a network of friendships and betrayals that spanned across the clans, all planned to serve her sinister ambitions. Raiden sat by the pale glow of his campfire that night, the book of the Magus open on his lap. Draco Maximus reclined nearby, his massive figure disappearing into the stony shadows of the mountain. The dragon’s golden eyes flickered toward Raiden as he flipped through the ancient pages, his brow wrinkled in concentration. “You’ve been quiet,” Draco remarked, his voice low and rumbling. “More than usual.” Raiden glanced up briefly before returning his focus to the text. “The Magus knew more than he ever revealed to the clans. These texts aren’t just a record of his knowledge

Chapter 26: Shadows of Regret The Elthorn Clan home was quieter than usual, the midday sun spreading deep shadows across its wide courtyards. Raiden went through the servant’s passages, his merchant’s façade still intact. His hood covered his face from prying eyes, but every step seemed heavier now, knowing that the council had labeled him a rogue. It wasn’t dread that dragged him down—it was the mounting desperation to unravel Morgana’s plots before it was too late. He rounded a corner, his instincts acute, when a familiar voice stopped him cold. “Raiden?” His heart lurched at the sound. He turned slowly, encountering the wide, shocked eyes of Elara. She stood still, a basket of herbs gripped in her hands, her pale green clothing billowing in the breeze. The years had done little to lessen her beauty, but her face was clouded with weariness—and something else he hadn’t seen before. Guilt. “Elara,” Raiden murmured gently, his voice calm but guarded. She glanced around swi

Chapter 28: The Narrow Escape The moon hung low in the sky, casting pale light over the stronghold as Raiden retraced his route through its maze-like corridors. The air felt thicker now, loaded with the knowledge he had overheard in the covert encounter between Morgana and Giovanni. The artifact, the ceremony, the fading seal of the Shadow Sovereign—it was all connected together in a web of malevolent intent, and he was entangled in its threads. Raiden’s boots glided soundlessly on the stone floor, his cloak curled closely around him. He had managed to evade notice so far, but every step deeper into enemy territory carried the weight of risk. The guards patrolled in tighter formations now, no doubt bolstered by Morgana’s worry. “Do you have a plan for leaving?” Draco’s voice rang in Raiden’s head, keen with concern. The dragon waited in the distance, too enormous and visible to approach unnoticed. “Working on it,” Raiden responded solemnly, his tone strained. “First, I need

Chapter 30: Playing for Time Raiden stood atop a rocky crag overlooking the Elthorn estate. The first light of dawn stole over the horizon, illuminating the citadel below in tones of gold and crimson. From this vantage point, things appeared peaceful—an illusion that concealed the anguish developing within. He had seeded the seeds of doubt among the council, but it was a fragile victory. The elders were cautious by nature, and Morgana’s grasp on the clan remained tight. “You’re pushing your luck, human,” Draco’s voice rumbled in his head. The dragon was situated farther down the mountainside, his golden eyes shining in the dark light. “You stirred the waters, but that doesn’t mean the council will turn on her.” Raiden adjusted the straps of his knapsack, his attention riveted on the estate. “They don’t have to turn on her. Not yet. All I need is for them to delay long enough for me to make my next move.” Draco snarled softly, a sound that contained both irritation and app