Threads Of Fate

Secrets in the Shadows

The sun had barely risen, casting a soft glow over the city as Anthony and Zenith made their way to the Attenborough family hall. They drank their morning tea in silence waiting for Edward and Anya. The air was thick with tension, and both of them knew the gravity of the conversation they were about to have. Neither wanted to talk about the dealings that took place last night at the tavern, pushing it to the furthest depths of their minds to avoid any sort of spillage to Edward and Anya. After a few moments, the large wooden door leading to hall creaked.

"Good morning," Anya greeted, her voice laced with apprehension. She was followed by her brother Edward who was busy combing back his blond hair. "What's going on?"

Anthony exchanged a glance with Zenith before stepping forward. "We need to talk about Duke Alistair's murder. We have to find out who killed him before the inspector wakes from the haze of his greediness."

Zenith nodded, her expression serious. "I'm unsure how long I can keep the inspector at bay. If he decides to become righteous and be the face of law it could spell trouble for all of us."

As she spoke, she leaned closer to Anthony, lowering her voice. "Besides, being members of the Nightshade gang , the both of us shouldn't draw too much attention from the inspector, right?"

Anthony couldn't help but smirk, whispering back sarcastically, "You did an awful job of not getting noticed by the inspector, Zenith."

She shot him a glare, her eyes narrowing. "I'm doing my best here, Anthony."

Anya, sensing the tension, interjected. "Actually,I had received a letter from the Duke's advisor, Mr Reginald Smythe. He mentioned that since the Duke and I to be wed, I could plan the funeral if I wished to. It's being held in a week."

"A week is too long. We need to get in there today before the servants clean up and remove any evidence," Anthony said running a hand through this dark hair, touselling it even further. Zenith groaned," What I think she is saying, Anthony, is that we would have the liberty of accessing his palace if she agrees."

Edward looked exasperated. "Fine, we get in.... And then what? How are we supposed to know if something is out of the ordinary in the notorious Duke's house? It's not like we have a map of his secrets."

Zenith rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "Stop being a wuss, Edward. We'll figure it out as we go. We just need to be smart about it."

Before Edward could snap back, Zenith turned to Anya, her tone shifting to one of determination. "Anya, I want you to meet with the Duke's advisor at the palace. Ask about the funeral arrangements and see if you can gather any information that might help us."

Anya nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "And what about you two?"

"We'll sneak off into the palace while you're talking to the advisor," Anthony said, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "We'll search for clues and see if we can uncover anything that might lead us to the killer."

Edward crossed his arms, still skeptical. "And what if you get caught?"

Zenith smirked, her confidence returning. "Then we'll just have to be quick and clever. We're not going to let a little danger stop us from finding the truth."

"Or," Anthony said," Anya could tell him we came with her."

Anya smiled reassuringly. "Yes. I'll cover for you. Edward could come with me to talk to the advisor as he is more experienced than I am. Just make sure you two don't get yourselves into too much trouble."

With their plan set, the four of them exchanged determined glances, each of them aware of the risks ahead. As they prepared to split up, Anthony held Anya back by the elbow. He stared into her large blue eyes as he cupped her face in his hands.