Siren's Kiss

63: The Stench of Treachery Part One

Isadora Silvermoon fanned herself while surveying the ballroom. The festival cast an eerie glow over the capital, filling her with confusion about why her kind chose to celebrate the day the creator departed from this world.

Gemini, her ever-loyal Templar Guard, spotted Isadora standing in the throne room with the Grandmasters and Councilors, ostensibly there to enjoy a meal. His duty was to watch over the High Sentinel, Aurelius Stormwarden, at Isadora's request—a task that Aries, the High Sentinel's own Templar Guard, did not take kindly to.

Isadora's instincts were nagging at her; something felt off. She suspected that one of the Grandmasters, Lucius Shadowbane, was plotting to eliminate the High Sentinel and claim the position for himself. Yet, many days had passed since their initial investigation, and surprisingly, Lucius had made no moves. With the festival nearing its end, tension hung in the air.

The festival was a week-long tradition, with the first and last days marked by the grand Nerevarus Feast at the Sanctum Aeternum, the main residence of the Templar Grandmasters. This gathering within the palace was expected, yet the celebration had lost some of its luster recently. The siren kingdom of Thalassara had refused to cooperate after the loss of their omega prince. Rumor had it that the prince had eloped with the notorious pirate Drake, whose lineage was often traced back to Captain Garrick Stormare, the infamous "Pirate King" of the Seven Seas.

Noticing his mistress, Gemini approached her in silence, bending slightly to whisper in her ear. "Aries won't let me near his master," he informed Isadora, who paused to listen. "But I've kept an eye on Lucius and his cohorts. They don't seem bothered at all. They've been fully engaged in the celebrations, and I haven't seen Lucius step away since it began."

True enough, Lucius could be seen merrymaking with the other Grandmasters, Councilors, and high-ranking Templar Guards. They had recently lost Templar Commander Rowan Nicolaus, and reports of his whereabouts were still missing. Rumors suggested that Aurelius planned to announce his possible death but was hesitant to blame Captain Drake without solid evidence. Meanwhile, many templars believed the pirate was responsible for his demise—if he had truly perished, as much of the regalia was suggesting.

If anyone asked Isadora, she would firmly believe that Drake wouldn't dare touch Rowan Nicolaus. The pirate captain was notorious for many things, but assassination wasn't among them. She vividly recalled how Drake preferred fleeing and being labeled a coward over becoming entangled in political conspiracies within the Sanctum Aeternum. Despite his significant influence across the Seven Seas and a name that resonated even among pirates, Captain Drake never sought fame. He thrived in the shadows, chasing extraordinary treasures and battling the beasts of the Stormy Seas.

"Don't lose sight of him," Isadora ordered her guard firmly. "I don't trust Lucius."

"Forgive my boldness, my lady, but if Sir Lucius were truly planning to dethrone the High Sentinel, I don't think doing it during the festival would be his best choice."

"Don't be so sure, Gemini. That man has eyes and ears everywhere."

"That's quite the accusation, my lady."

Indeed, Lucius was far too cautious, making it difficult to track him without drawing attention. As Isadora's gaze landed on him, he met her eyes with a smirk, nodding in her direction while raising his wineglass in salute. Isadora bit her lower lip; he knew she had him followed.

"We can't afford to lower our guard," she insisted to Gemini. "Stay alert. I know Aries despises you being too close to his master, but do it for my sake. You mustn't forget to warn him to—"

The gathering was abruptly interrupted by a loud horn echoing through the main hall. Everyone covered their ears as guards sprang into action, ensuring the safety of the regalia. High Sentinel Aurelius Stormwarden rose from his chair, descending from the platform with his guardian Aries close behind. The other Grandmasters followed, watching from a distance.