The Silent oath

Chapter 10: Shadows in the Night

The headquarters of The Family had become a familiar labyrinth of secrets and shadows. Each mission brought new challenges, honing my skills and testing my resolve. One evening, as I was preparing for my next assignment, Catrina approached me with crucial information. Her fox ears twitched with focus, and her expression was serious.

"Zai," she said quietly, glancing around to ensure we were alone. "I've got intel on your next target. It's a tavern keeper named Greth. He knows too much about The Family's operations and has been selling information to our enemies. He needs to be dealt with quickly."

I nodded, absorbing the details. "What else do you know about him?"

Catrina handed me a small dossier. "He's been running the tavern for years. It's a front for various illegal activities, and he's heavily guarded. But he has a routine. Every night, after the tavern closes, he stays behind to count the day's earnings and write in his ledger. That's when you'll have your best chance."

"Thank you, Catrina," I said, taking the dossier. "I'll take it from here."

With the information in hand, I spent the next few hours planning the assassination. Greth's tavern was located in a bustling part of the city, making it crucial to blend in and strike swiftly. I donned a simple, dark cloak and concealed the Dagger of Venom beneath it. The Sending Stone Necklace hung around my neck, ready for any necessary communication.

As night fell, I made my way to the tavern. The streets were alive with revellers, their laughter and conversations creating a perfect cover for my movements. I slipped into the shadows, watching the tavern from a distance. Patrons came and went, but I remained patient, waiting for the right moment.

Just before midnight, the last of the patrons stumbled out, leaving Greth alone in the dimly lit tavern. I moved silently, slipping through the back entrance and navigating the narrow corridors with practised ease. The scent of stale ale and smoke filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of cooking spices.

I found Greth in his office, hunched over his ledger, oblivious to my presence. His back was to me, providing the perfect opportunity. I approached quietly, my heartbeat steady and my mind focused. As I drew the Dagger of Venom, the weight of the mission settled over me.

With a swift, fluid motion, I brought the dagger to Greth's neck. The poison acted quickly, and he slumped forward, his life extinguished in an instant. I carefully placed a few incriminating documents on his desk, ensuring it would look like a rival gang had orchestrated the murder.

As I slipped back into the night, the city's sounds enveloped me, masking my escape. The mission had been executed flawlessly, but the weight of taking a life, even one as dangerous as Greth's, was a heavy burden.

Returning to The Family's headquarters, I headed to the library. The quiet and solitude of the vast room had always been a source of comfort, a place where I could reflect and regain my focus. I wandered among the shelves, the familiar scent of old books and parchment calming my nerves.

As I reached for a book on poisons, a voice behind me made me startle. "Zai?"

I turned to see Alicent, her changeling features soft and warm in the dim light. "Alicent," I replied, my heart racing for reasons beyond the adrenaline of the mission.

"I heard you had a tough assignment," she said, stepping closer. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I lied, the turmoil inside me threatening to surface.

Alicent's eyes searched mine, and she reached out to touch my arm. "Zai, you don't have to carry this alone."

Her touch was electric, and before I could stop myself, I leaned in and kissed her. The world seemed to stop, and for a brief moment, there was only the warmth of her lips against mine and the beating of our hearts.

But reality crashed back in, and I pulled away, conflicted and confused. "Alicent, we can't... people below the rank of Teacher can't have a relationship."

"Zai," she whispered, her eyes filled with emotion. "I care about you."

"I care about you too," I said, my voice trembling. "But this... this can't happen."

Tears welled in her eyes as she watched me turn and flee the library, my mind a storm of conflicting emotions. I ran through the corridors, the weight of duty and the pain of my feelings crashing down on me. The rules were clear, and the consequences of breaking them were severe.

Finding solace in my quarters, I sank onto my bed, my thoughts racing. The mission, the kiss, the weight of my responsibilities—it was all too much. I knew I had to find a way to navigate these emotions, to balance my duty to The Family with the growing affection I felt for Alicent.

But for now, all I could do was close my eyes and let the exhaustion of the day take over, the image of Alicent's face lingering in my mind as I drifted into an uneasy sleep.