Chapter Title: Shadows in Silk and Smoke
Edward's POV
The air inside the Crimson Orchid brothel was heavy with the scent of perfume, wine, and something darker—lust, desperation, power.
I leaned back on the cushioned seat, the girl on my lap grinding her hips in a slow rhythm, her laughter like sugar melting in cheap whiskey. Another girl danced in front of me, her movements fluid, hips swaying to a soft melody played by the house musicians. A third girl poured wine into my goblet, her long nails brushing lightly against my hand.
I didn't even glance at her.
My eyes were unfocused, staring past the flickering oil lamp above us. My thoughts had drifted miles away—from the velvet-lined walls and scented bodies—to the one woman who had stirred the hornet's nest without knowing it.
Rosa Blaire.
The door creaked open, and I didn't need to turn to know who it was.
"Out," I commanded lazily.
The girls hesitated until I raised my hand. The one on my lap pouted but stood, brushing down her skirts. The others followed quickly, whispering amongst themselves as they left the room, closing the door with a soft click.
My personal guard stepped in, removing his hood, his face taut with something serious. That alone made me sit up.
"Well?" I asked, voice low.
He nodded. "As you requested, we had someone tail her. She left her chambers in disguise two nights ago. Went to the cliffs near the old archives. She met with someone."
"Who?"
"An old historian. Elian of the North Archives. Formerly stationed at the Northern Court."
I let the silence hang.
So, Rosa was finally digging. Her curiosity had finally pulled her toward the truth.
"Did she conceal her identity?"
The guard shook his head. "No, Your Highness. She used her name. Told the man to keep it quiet, but made no effort to hide who she was."
Foolish... but brave.
"And what was the subject?" I asked, standing and moving to the decanter of wine across the room.
"Red Blossom Pack."
I paused mid-pour. A slow smile crept over my lips.
"Perfect," I muttered.
The guard shifted. "Sir, she's trying to connect the dots. She suspects something, even if she doesn't know exactly what."
I downed the wine in one smooth gulp. It burned all the way down but did nothing to cool the fire igniting inside me.
I turned to him. "This is what we've been waiting for."
He said nothing, and I didn't need him to. He knew as well as I did—timing was everything.
I crossed the room to the wooden table and pulled open a drawer. Inside lay a small, silver whistle carved with a wolf insignia.
I brought it to my lips and blew.
Moments later, the three women returned, giggling and blushing, pretending not to notice the tension in the room. I waved one back onto my lap, signaled for the music to resume, and let the dance continue.
"Let's celebrate," I said, the grin on my face growing wider. "The storm is brewing, and for once… we're the ones controlling the thunder."
The girls laughed as if I'd told a joke, but my guard knew better.
Bryant had power. But power came with weakness. And I knew exactly where his weakness lay.
My eyes darkened as the wine settled in my veins. Rosa was his beginning… and she would be his end.
---
Outside the brothel, rain started to fall.
Cold, slow droplets that whispered of blood and betrayal.
Inside, I raised my glass one last time.
"To tell the truth… and how easily it can be twisted."
---
End of Chapter