The urgent beat of the two weeks I had given Cassian echoed in my mind. Duke Theron's assassination was the pivotal point, the grim catalyst that ignited the full-scale war in the "Crown of Swords and Silk." If we could prevent it, we could unravel the entire plot.
I intensified my research in Cassian's archives. I focused on military strategies of the Northern dukedoms, their hunting traditions, their internal conflicts, and any known weaknesses of Duke Theron himself. Cassian's network was efficient; notes from Elara would appear, detailing troop movements, diplomatic missions, and even the King's current schedule. Every piece of information was meticulously cross-referenced with my memory of the novel's intricate narrative.
One afternoon, a week after my warning to Cassian, his distinctive knock echoed from the hidden door. Three taps, a pause, two more. I signaled him in. He entered, his expression grim, a rare sight for the usually composed Duke.
"Your information was precise, Seraphine," he stated, his voice tight. "My agents confirm Duke Theron is planning a hunting expedition to the Blackwood Forest within the next three days. A notorious location for accidents. A perfect setting for an 'assassination disguised as a hunting accident.'"
A cold knot formed in my stomach. The plot was already in motion. "Do you have details on who might be involved? The novel usually hints at a shadowy organization, or perhaps a rogue noble, but the real orchestrator is always the Crown."
Cassian walked to the large map on the wall, not the ley line map, but a detailed topographical one of the kingdom. He pointed to a specific section of the Blackwood Forest. "My intel points to a notorious mercenary group known as the Silent Blades. They operate out of the shadowy corners of the capital, often contracted for... discreet eliminations. Their specialty is poisons and long-range ambushes."
"Poisons," I repeated, a chill going through me. Lord Marwen's death, the others... "Like the Valtara family was accused of using."
Cassian's silver eyes flickered to mine. "A convenient parallel, wouldn't you agree? To further discredit House Valtara's influence and eliminate a troublesome northern Duke in one stroke." He paused, then continued, "But the Silent Blades are merely the instruments. Their contracts are invariably routed through a cut-out. And that cut-out often leads back to... a certain faction within the Royal Court."
"The Crown Prince's faction," I finished for him.
"Precisely," Cassian affirmed. "However, direct intervention is impossible. Any overt move by House Viremont would be seen as an act of aggression, sparking the very war we wish to avert. And it would reveal your continued existence, a secret we must preserve."
"So, what do we do?" I asked, frustration rising. "We can't just let Duke Theron die. If he falls, the war starts, and the Crown Prince's plan moves forward unimpeded."
Cassian walked over to a smaller table, upon which sat a collection of unusual objects: a delicate lock-picking set, various vials, and a small, intricate crossbow. He picked up a slender, almost invisible dart.
"We need a disruption," he stated, his gaze meeting mine. "Something to throw a wrench into their meticulously planned 'accident.' Something to ensure Duke Theron lives, but without revealing our hand." He held up the dart. "This is coated with a powerful sedative. Non-lethal, but capable of incapacitating a man for several hours. Just enough time for the 'accident' to be averted, and for Theron to question who truly wanted him out of the picture."
"You want me to intervene?" I asked, a thrill of fear and excitement running through me. "In the Blackwood Forest? That's dangerous. The Silent Blades are highly skilled."
"Indeed," he replied, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching his lips. "But you, Seraphine, are a ghost. And you have a certain... flair for the dramatic, as your escape from the crypts proved." He extended the small crossbow and the dart. "My agents will provide you with a safe passage to the edge of the Blackwood. They will ensure your entry is undetected. But once inside, you will be on your own."
He paused, his eyes assessing me. "Your task: incapacitate Duke Theron before the assassins can strike. Make it look like an animal attack, a sudden illness, anything to avert the assassination and sow doubt about the true intentions. Leave no trace of your involvement, or of mine."
I looked at the elegant weapon in his hand, then at his unwavering gaze. This wasn't just research anymore. This was active disruption. This was rewriting the story, not just reading it. And it was terrifying. And exhilarating.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
New Major Quest: "Prevent the Catalyst"
Objective: Prevent Duke Theron's assassination in the Blackwood Forest.
Risk: Very High (Direct confrontation with trained assassins, high chance of discovery).
Reward: Major Timeline Deviation, Relationship Gain (Cassian), Potential Skill Unlock.
Failure: War Begins, Duke Theron Dies, Alliance with Cassian Compromised.
"So," I said, taking the crossbow and dart from his hand, the cool metal feeling surprisingly natural in my grip. "The ghost goes hunting."