Cloaked In Shadows

My enemy

From her hidden vantage point, Nymeria observed as Riven entered The Silver Siren, flanked by three imposing figures. Her heart sank as she recognized them: Ash, Garrick, and Lira—Korin's elite warriors. The sight of them together sent a chill down her spine. She knew well the reputation of these fighters; each was a deadly force in their own right, capable of turning the tide in any confrontation.

The thrill of the hunt faded, replaced by the cold reality of her situation. She had tracked Riven for weeks, hoping to gather intel and strike a blow against Korin's operations. But with these guards at his side, the odds had shifted dramatically. Engaging Riven now would mean facing all three of them, and she had no desire to become the target of Korin's wrath.

Nymeria weighed her options. She could attempt to follow them into the bar, but the likelihood of being detected was high, and the risk of encountering Korin himself was too great. He had a keen eye and an unforgiving temperament; he would not hesitate to punish anyone who dared challenge him or his inner circle.

Nymeria stood at the edge of the shadowy alley, her fists clenched at her sides as she watched the guards escort Riven through the city streets. The crime boss had been granted protection by the very guilds she had once trusted to uphold justice. It felt like a betrayal, a mockery of everything she fought against.

"How can they protect him?" she muttered under her breath, the words laced with anger. Riven, with his twisted morals and depraved ambitions, was a blight on the city. He thrived in darkness, using his influence to manipulate and control those around him. The thought of him walking free, shielded from the consequences of his actions, made her stomach churn.

Nymeria recalled the stories she had heard from those who had fallen victim to Riven's schemes, their lives ruined by his insatiable greed. The guilds had turned a blind eye, focusing instead on their own power struggles. She felt a surge of frustration, a familiar fire igniting within her.

"Someone has to stop him," she whispered, determination hardening her resolve.

As she watched Riven disappear into the distance, surrounded by his guards, she felt an overwhelming sense of urgency. She could not allow him to continue his reign of terror, not while innocent lives hung in the balance. It was time to gather information, to find allies willing to take a stand against the darkness that threatened to consume them all.

With a final glance at the retreating figure of the man she despised, Nymeria turned on her heel, ready to set her plan into motion. Riven's protection wouldn't last forever, and she would ensure that when the time came, he would pay for his sins.

Nymeria moved swiftly through the narrow, cobbled streets of the town, her dark armor blending into the shadows. The sun was setting, casting a dusky glow over the buildings, and the air was thick with the smell of damp earth and distant smoke from the kitchens. She knew her destination well: the only inn in town, a place where whispers traveled faster than the wind.

As she approached the weathered sign of The Gilded Lantern, a flickering light spilled out from the windows, illuminating the faces of patrons inside. The inn had seen better days, but it was a hub for travelers, traders, and those who knew how to keep their ears open.

Stepping inside, Nymeria was immediately enveloped by the familiar sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and the faint strumming of a lute in the corner. The warmth of the fire welcomed her, but her mind was too occupied to enjoy the atmosphere. She scanned the room, searching for familiar faces among the crowd.

"Nymeria!" called out a voice from a nearby table. It was Darian, a local informant she had worked with in the past. He waved her over, a knowing grin on his face.