novelz
Chapter 92: A Week Lost in Shadows – Return to the Assassin’s Guild
Chapter 92: A Week Lost in Shadows – Return to the Assassin’s Guild
The dungeon’s air had been suffocating—thick with the scent of blood, rot, and magic. Now, as they finally stepped beyond its gates, a wave of fresh, crisp air filled their lungs.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the three of them were met with the warmth of sunlight.
Seraphis shielded her eyes as they adjusted to the golden rays, the sensation almost foreign after so long in the depths.
Elowen stretched, groaning as her joints cracked. “I don’t even remember what it’s like to walk on normal ground.”
Sylvaine kicked a loose rock, watching it tumble down the path. “Feels like we’ve been down there for months.”
Seraphis frowned. “How long do you think it’s actually been?”
Elowen shrugged. “A few days?”
Sylvaine smirked. “Long enough for me to want a hot bath and a real bed.”
They started their journey back toward the guild, unaware of the reality waiting for them.
The Road Back – A World That Moved Without Them
The walk through the forest was eerily quiet.
Birds chirped in the distance, the rustling leaves swayed under the afternoon breeze, and yet… something felt different.
Seraphis couldn’t shake the unease creeping up her spine.
Elowen, always the most aware of their surroundings, narrowed her eyes. “We’re being watched.”
Sylvaine sighed. “Again? What is it this time?”
Seraphis placed a hand on her dagger. “Let them come.”
Then—movement.
A figure leapt from the treetops, landing before them. Cloaked, armed, and masked, their presence carried an air of familiarity.
Then, the mask lifted.
“You’re alive.”
Seraphis froze.
It was Kael. One of the veteran assassins from the guild.
His eyes darted between them, shock evident on his face. “You were declared missing.”
Elowen scowled. “Missing? We were only in there for a few days.”
Kael’s expression darkened. “No… you were in that dungeon for a full week.”
Silence fell between them.
A week?
Seraphis clenched her fists. “That’s impossible.”
Kael shook his head. “It’s the truth. The guild thought you were dead. There were even discussions about your ranks being revoked.”
Sylvaine scoffed. “Like hell we’d let that happen.”
Elowen crossed her arms. “A week… it must’ve been the dungeon’s magic. Time moved differently in there.”
Kael exhaled sharply. “Whatever the case, you’d better come back. The guild’s a mess right now.”
Seraphis narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
Kael hesitated before speaking. “Let’s just say… while you were gone, things changed.”
Back at the Assassin’s Guild – A Different Atmosphere
The familiar towering structure of the Assassin’s Guild came into view.
But something was… off.
The once lively, buzzing courtyard was now tense, suffocating.
Eyes followed them as they walked inside. Some with shock. Others with suspicion.
Seraphis noticed how conversations halted as they passed.
Elowen muttered under her breath, “Feels like we stepped into enemy territory.”
Sylvaine smirked. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
As they entered the main hall, the air grew heavier.
Then, a voice cut through the silence.
“So, the dead have returned.”
At the top of the staircase, Darius, the Guild’s Second-in-Command, stood with his arms crossed.
His sharp, wolf-like eyes scanned them, unreadable.
Seraphis met his gaze head-on. “We were on a mission.”
Darius smirked. “For a week?”
Sylvaine rolled her eyes. “What, you think we were on vacation?”
Darius leaned against the railing. “A lot can happen in a week.”
Elowen frowned. “Like what?”
Darius’ expression darkened. “The guild was attacked.”
Seraphis stiffened. “What?”
Darius continued, his tone grim. “A rival faction—The Black Fangs. They struck three nights ago.”
Elowen’s eyes widened. “Casualties?”
Darius exhaled sharply. “Six dead. Four injured.”
Seraphis clenched her fists. “Why weren’t we informed?”
Darius’ gaze hardened. “Because you weren’t here.”
The words stung.
A part of Seraphis felt… responsible.
But she buried that thought. She had a mission. They had a mission.
Still, something about the way Darius looked at them sent an unease crawling up her spine.
Then, his smirk returned. “Since you’re back, why don’t you make yourselves useful?”
Sylvaine scoffed. “What, another mission already?”
Darius chuckled. “You just took down the Leech King, didn’t you? This should be nothing.”
Seraphis exhaled, already tired. “What’s the job?”
Darius’ smile widened.
“Find out who betrayed us.”
A Guild Divided – A New Mission Begins
The words hung in the air like a dagger poised to strike.
Seraphis felt her heartbeat quicken. Betrayal.
The Assassin’s Guild had always been a cutthroat place—loyalty was earned, not given. But for an inside betrayal to happen?
It meant something much worse was lurking beneath the surface.
Elowen crossed her arms. “You suspect someone from within?”
Darius nodded. “We have a rat in our midst. Someone fed The Black Fangs information.”
Sylvaine sighed. “Fantastic. Just what I wanted after a week in hell.”
Darius ignored her sarcasm. “Since you’ve been gone, you’re the only ones I can be certain aren’t involved.”
Seraphis met his gaze. “So we’re supposed to hunt the traitor.”
Darius smirked. “Exactly.”
Silence stretched between them.
Then, Seraphis exhaled.
“Fine.”
Elowen and Sylvaine exchanged glances before nodding.
Darius clapped his hands together. “Then welcome back, assassins.”
As he turned to leave, he paused.
“Oh, and one more thing.”
They waited.
Darius glanced back, his expression unreadable.
“Be careful who you trust.”
Then—he was gone.
A New Storm Brewing
Seraphis leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Well… this is a mess.”
Elowen ran a hand through her hair. “An inside traitor. This is worse than I thought.”
Sylvaine grinned. “At least it’s interesting.”
Seraphis smirked. “You would say that.”
Despite the fatigue, despite the weight of everything…
A fire burned in her chest.
She wasn’t just here to take orders.
She was going to unmask the traitor, expose the lies, and carve out the truth—no matter the cost.
Because in the Assassin’s Guild, you didn’t survive by playing fair.
You survived by being the most dangerous person in the room.
And Seraphis?
She was done playing games.