Twilight Of The Echo Bearer

Lux looked at the woman with intense eyes. His gaze scanning her features and searching for any telltale sign that she might be a Supernatural. She didn’t seem like one, but he couldn’t be sure. Trust was a rare commodity in his world, and Lux had long since learned that appearances could be deceiving.

"Who are you?" Lux asked, his voice low and cold. "And what do you want with me if you don’t want to kill me?"

The woman stepped further into the dim light, revealing her striking features. She have dark hair cascading over her shoulders, anguler face that can be said as pretty, and a knowing glint in her sharp eyes. She seemed amused by his suspicion, her lips curving into a faint smile.

"My name Kaelith," she said smoothly. "And I want Arthuros dead just as much as you do."

Lux’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. He didn’t trust her, not fully. People didn’t just offer to help out of the goodness of their hearts. There was always an angle and always something more. He shifted slightly, positioning himself for a possible strike, even as his curiosity piqued.

"Why come to me, suddenly?" Lux asked, his voice cold and direct. "What about the Hunters in this city?"

Kaelith let out a scoff, her smile turning ironic, almost mocking.

"The Hunters? They can’t be relied on and you know that," she said with a bitter edge. "They’ve been skulking in the shadows for months, too afraid to take real action. They don’t have what it takes. And don’t even begin with the constable.”

Lux said nothing, though inwardly he agreed. He also knew now that Kaelith has been following him when he meet with the Hunters earlier. He’d already seen their cowardice, how they hid while Arthuros’s reign of terror spread unchecked. It was pathetic. But that didn’t mean he trusted her motives.

"I used to work alone," Lux said. "I don’t need anyone slowing me down."

Kaelith tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable.

"I’m not here to slow you down," she said. "I’m here because we share the same goal. Arthuros needs to die. And if we pool our power togehter we’ll have a better chance at making that happen. Isn’t that right?”

Lux didn’t respond immediately. She was right about one thing, taking down Arthuros wasn’t going to be easy. His defenses were too strong, his network of loyalists too vast. But teaming up with someone like Kaelith who seemed capable and determined, could tip the scales in his favor.

Still, his trust didn’t come easily. "And what’s in it for you?" he asked and not trying to hide his suspicoon.

Kaelith’s smile faded slightly, her eyes darkening with something that resembled pain or anger. "Arthuros killed someone important to me," she said quietly, Lux can feel the tension in her words. "I’ve been hunting him for a long time and finally found him here. I’m not here for gold or glory. I just want him dead."

Lux studied her closely, weighing her words. Her motivations mirrored something deep inside himself, a familiar ache he tried to bury every day.

"Seems like a good reasons," Lux said after a long pause. "But if you get in my way, I’ll treat you the same as anyone else."

Kaelith smirked, unbothered by his words. "Fair enough," she said. "The same goes for you.”

Kaelith’s eyes then flicked around the dark alley before she turned back to Lux and speak with her voice lowered. "We’d better move from here. There’s a place where we can talk more privately about how to kill that damned Vampire and shadow ruler of this city. A friend of mine owns it."

Lux arched a brow, his lips curling into a mocking grin.

"A friend? In this city? There’s no such thing as a friend around here," he scoffed. "Is this woman really that stupid, or is she just confident enough to think her friend won’t betray her?"

Kaelith didn’t flinch. Instead, she smiled. "A friend with the same motivation as me. He hates that Vampire to the bone which is why he’s helping me. Plus, he’s in need of money. That’s the real incentive."

Lux mulled over her words for a moment, his initial skepticism softening slightly. If the man harbored the same hatred for Arthuros then maybe it made sense. Hate had a way of forging alliances, even in a place like this. Money, too, was a motivator no one could ignore.

"Lead the way," Lux finally said.

Kaelith gave him a brief nod before turning and leading the way through the alleys. They moved swiftly and quietly, avoiding the main streets where prying eyes could spot them.

Lux kept close but maintained a watchful distance, always aware of his surroundings and always ready for an ambush.

After several minutes, they arrived at a run-down old house, indistinguishable from the many decaying buildings that littered the city. The walls were chipped and the windows were fogged with grime, blending perfectly with the overall atmosphere of the slums.

Kaelith pushed the door open without hesitation, motioning for Lux to follow. Inside, the air was thick with dust, and the dim light barely illuminated the room beyond. The place seemed deserted, but Lux could feel a presence.

"This is it," Kaelith said quietly as she stepped inside, her footsteps echoing off the creaky wooden floorboards.

Lux followed her in, his hand never far from his weapon. He scanned the room, his instincts still sharp, even though part of him began to believe she might be telling the truth. But until he met this supposed "friend," he wouldn’t lower his guard. He had learned a long time ago that trust could get you killed.

Lux heard the sound of cautious footsteps approaching from deeper inside the house. His eyes narrowed and his muscles tensing. His hand hovered near his gun – always – ready for a confrontation. But before he could react, Kaelith spoke up.

"Jarrik, it’s me," she called out. "Everything’s fine. No need to worry."

A moment later, the door to the back room creaked open and a man emerged. He was older, his face weathered and lined with years of hardship. His hair, once likely dark, was now streaked with grey and his thin frame was draped in a tattered coat.

He carried an old rifle, the wood worn and the metal rusted in places, yet his grip was firm. The most striking thing about him however were his eyes. Its sharp, cold, and full of a bitterness that seemed to have festered over many years.

The old man’s gaze locked onto Lux, scrutinizing him with a hard look that made it clear he didn’t trust easily.

"Who’s this?" he asked in a low, gravelly voice.

Kaelith stepped forward. "He also wants Arthuros dead," she explained smoothly. "I saw him earlier, creeping inside the mansion. He actually managed to get in and out unnoticed."

The old man raised an eyebrow, a brief flicker of surprise crossing his face, though he said nothing for a moment.

His gaze lingered on Lux a second longer, assessing him. Finally, with a grunt, he lowered the rifle slightly.

"Go to the basement," he muttered curtly. Without another word, he turned and disappeared back into the room from which he’d emerged.

Kaelith glanced at Lux. "Let’s go," she said.

Lux nodded. They moved toward a small, narrow door that led to the basement. They descended the creaking stairs, the air growing cooler with every step.

The air grew musty, thick with the scent of dust and dampness. The space was cramped with low ceilings and stone walls that seemed to sweat with moisture.

Cobwebs clung to the corners and the floor was littered with old crates and broken furniture, all coated in a thick layer of dust as if no one had stepped foot here in years. Maybe this place just only been opened when Kaelith come.

Kaelith pulled out a small oil lamp then struck a match, lighting the lamp’s wick. A dim warm glow flickered across the room.

The light cast long shadows on the stone walls, revealing more of the clutter and decay. In the center of the room, a large, battered table stood, its surface marred with scratches and age.

On top of it lay a map, it’s a new one. The ink lines marking streets and landmarks were visible.

Kaelith set the lamp down on the table, illuminating the map more clearly. She turned to Lux, her expression shifting from casual to focused.

"How long have you been here?" she asked.

"Three days," Lux replied with calm voice.

He didn’t mention the events at the inn, there was no need to bring up the inevitable chaos that would erupt in the city tomorrow when the bodies were discovered. It wasn’t relevant, and he preferred to keep that detail to himself for now.

Kaelith raised an eyebrow but didn’t press for more.

"So, you don’t know much, yet you still sneaking into the very lair of the strongest Vampire here. That’s fine," she said, giving him a small smirk. "I’ve got you covered."

Lux observed her carefully as she leaned over the map, ready to provide him with the information he needed.

He could tell she was well-prepared, likely having spent considerable time gathering intel on Arthuros and his grip over the city.

He remained quiet, realizing that having Kaelith’s knowledge could be invaluable. If she had useful information, he was willing to listen.

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