The assassin's words lingered in Kael's mind.
"You think you are the hunter… but you are still the prey."
Who were they? And why did they leave without finishing the job?
Mira paced, frustration evident in her stance. "That wasn't a fight. That was a message."
Orin crossed his arms. "And I don't like what it's implying."
Kael's expression hardened. They needed answers.
Following the Trail
Mira knew of an information broker—a man who dealt in Syndicate secrets.
His name was Ronan the Hollow.
A former Syndicate spy, Ronan now sold information to the highest bidder. If anyone knew about the Phantom, it would be him.
Kael, Mira, and Orin made their way to the slums, where Ronan operated out of a hidden den beneath an abandoned apothecary.
The moment they stepped inside, Kael could feel a dozen unseen eyes watching them.
Ronan sat behind a cluttered desk, smirking. "Ah. If it isn't the dead man walking."
A Name from the Past
Kael didn't waste time. "The Phantom assassin. Who are they?"
Ronan chuckled, shaking his head. "You're poking at something dangerous, Veyne."
Kael stepped forward, his voice cold. "I don't have time for riddles."
Ronan sighed, leaning back. "Fine. But this one's gonna cost you."
Mira tossed a small pouch onto the table. "That enough?"
Ronan weighed the bag, nodded, then exhaled. "The Phantom you fought? They're not just any assassin."
He leaned in, lowering his voice.
"Their name is Reven."
Kael's blood ran cold.
Orin stiffened. Mira stopped breathing.
Ronan smirked. "Oh, so you do know that name."
A Ghost From Kael's Past
Kael's hands curled into fists.
Reven.
Once, they had fought side by side.
Before the betrayal. Before the Syndicate tried to erase him.
Kael had believed them dead.
But now, they were back.
And they were hunting him.
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