Royal, The Forgotten Heir

Chapter 5: Into the Shadows

The sun had just dipped below the horizon when Thorne arrived at the designated meeting place, a secluded grove hidden within the palace gardens. His arrival was discreet, his movements shadowed and silent. Alexander and Seraphina were already there, waiting beneath the cover of ancient oak trees.

Thorne's face was grave as he approached them. "You asked to see me. What's happened?"

Alexander handed him the emblem they had found in Ashbourne. "There's been another attack. The Shadow Veil left this behind as a warning."

Thorne examined the emblem, his expression darkening. "They're growing bolder. The Raven is accelerating his plans."

"We need your help, Thorne," Seraphina said, her voice firm. "We need to infiltrate the Shadow Veil and find out what they're planning next. You said you had a lead on a meeting. Can you get us in?"

Thorne looked between them, his gaze piercing. "I can, but it won't be easy. The Raven's meetings are heavily guarded, and any sign of suspicion could be fatal. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"We don't have a choice," Alexander replied. "Our kingdom is at stake. We need to stop the Raven before he can do more damage."

Thorne nodded, his respect for the siblings clear in his eyes. "Very well. There's a meeting tomorrow night in an abandoned manor on the outskirts of the city. I can get you inside, but you'll need to blend in. Wear these."

He handed them two sets of dark, nondescript clothing. "These will help you blend in with the other members. Once we're inside, follow my lead and stay close. We'll need to find a way to gather information without drawing attention."

Seraphina took the clothing, her determination unwavering. "We'll be ready."

As they parted ways, Alexander and Seraphina prepared for the task ahead. They spent the next day honing their skills and going over their plan. The weight of the kingdom's future pressed heavily on their shoulders, but they were resolute.

Night fell, and the air was thick with tension as they donned their disguises and made their way to the meeting point. Thorne was waiting for them, his own attire blending seamlessly with the shadows.

"Remember," he whispered as they approached the manor, "keep your heads down and don't speak unless absolutely necessary. We're here to observe and gather information, nothing more."

They entered the manor through a side entrance, slipping past the guards with Thorne's guidance. The interior was dimly lit, the walls lined with tapestries that seemed to absorb the light, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. Hooded figures moved about the room, murmuring in low voices.

Thorne led them to a corner where they could observe without drawing attention. The room was filled with tension, the air crackling with anticipation. At the center, a figure stood, commanding the room's attention. It was the Raven.

Alexander's breath caught in his throat as he saw the figure who had become the embodiment of their fears. The Raven's presence was powerful, his voice resonating with a chilling authority.

"We have struck fear into the hearts of our enemies," the Raven began, his voice echoing through the room. "But our work is far from over. The monarchy still stands, and as long as it does, our people suffer. We must continue to fight, to dismantle their power piece by piece."

The room erupted in murmurs of agreement, the fervor of the crowd palpable. Alexander and Seraphina exchanged a tense glance, knowing the danger they were in.

"The next phase of our plan requires precision and stealth," the Raven continued. "We will target the royal family directly. Our spies have gathered crucial information on their movements, and we will use this to our advantage. The time to strike is near."