Bound By Beasts: The Tamer Who Defied Fate

The quiet streets of Eryndral grew colder as Kaelron and his companions moved cautiously through the city's outskirts. Their path twisted through narrow alleys, illuminated only by the occasional flicker of a lantern. The group remained silent, their breaths visible in the chilled air.

Zerin led the way, his movements sure and deliberate. He turned a corner and motioned for them to follow. "We're close," he murmured, his voice low.

Nyx glanced around, her sharp gaze scanning for threats. "Are you sure they'll talk to us?"

Zerin smirked. "They'll talk to me. Whether they'll like what I have to say is another matter."

Kaelron frowned, his grip tightening on his staff. "You never mentioned having contacts here."

"Not contacts," Zerin corrected. "Friends of a sort. The kind who operate where the law doesn't reach. They're not exactly trustworthy, but if anyone knows what the cult is planning, it's them."

Eryk's frost wolf, Frostbane, let out a low growl, its ears flicking as it scanned the shadows. "Let's hope your 'friends' don't sell us out. We can't afford another ambush."

Zerin led them to a nondescript building on the edge of the merchant district. Its crumbling facade and boarded windows gave it the appearance of abandonment, but as they approached, Kaelron noticed faint signs of life—a barely visible light from within and the murmur of voices.

Zerin knocked twice, paused, then knocked three more times. A small slit in the door slid open, revealing a pair of suspicious eyes.

"Who's asking?" a gruff voice demanded.

"An old friend looking for answers," Zerin replied smoothly.

The eyes narrowed. "We don't deal with strangers."

Zerin leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Tell Rydan it's Zerin. He owes me."

The slit closed with a snap, and for a tense moment, nothing happened. Then, the door creaked open just enough for them to slip inside.

---

The air inside was damp and filled with the faint scent of mold and smoke. A winding staircase led them down into a dimly lit chamber bustling with activity. Rough-looking individuals moved between makeshift stalls, exchanging goods and information.

Zerin gestured for the group to wait while he approached a man sitting at a table near the center of the room. The man, Rydan, was stocky with a scar running across his jaw. His eyes lit up with recognition when he saw Zerin.

"Well, well," Rydan said, leaning back in his chair. "If it isn't the rogue himself. What brings you crawling back here?"

Zerin smiled, pulling up a chair. "I need information, Rydan. And I think you're the man who can give it to me."

Rydan chuckled, though his expression remained guarded. "Information doesn't come cheap, especially for a favor that's long overdue."

Zerin glanced over his shoulder at Kaelron and the others. "You see that group over there? They're my business. And if you help us, I'll consider that debt of yours repaid."

Rydan's gaze shifted to Kaelron, narrowing slightly before he looked back at Zerin. "What do you want to know?"

Zerin motioned for the group to join him, and Kaelron stepped forward, his voice steady. "We're looking for information about the Veilborn Order. Specifically, their plans here in Eryndral."

Rydan's expression darkened. "The cult? You've got guts poking around in their affairs. They've got half the city under their thumb, and the other half too scared to fight back."

Nyx crossed her arms. "Then you must know something about their gathering. Where is it happening?"

Rydan hesitated, his fingers drumming on the table. "I've heard rumors. They've been moving resources through the noble district—quietly, but enough to raise suspicion. Word is, there's a meeting of their top allies soon. But you didn't hear that from me."

Eryk frowned. "Where exactly in the noble district?"

Rydan smirked. "Ah, see, that's the tricky part. I've got a name: House Valdris. They've been hosting all sorts of unusual guests lately. If the meeting's anywhere, it'll be there."

Kaelron exchanged a glance with Nyx. "What's the catch?"

Rydan leaned forward, his tone low. "The catch is, you're going to owe me more than Zerin's word if you want this lead to go anywhere. House Valdris is crawling with guards and cult sympathizers. You'll need an invitation—or a very good disguise—to get inside."

Nyx stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. "We don't have time for games, Rydan. If you know more, you'd better tell us now."

Rydan raised his hands defensively. "Easy, lady. I'm just saying, if you're planning to waltz into the lion's den, you'd better have a plan. The Valdris family doesn't take kindly to uninvited guests."

Kaelron sighed, rubbing his temples. "We'll figure it out. Is there anything else you can tell us?"

Rydan hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. Watch your backs. The cult's got spies everywhere, and if they catch wind of what you're doing, they won't hesitate to silence you."

As the group prepared to leave, Rydan gestured for Zerin to stay behind. The two spoke in hushed tones before Zerin rejoined the group.

"What did he want?" Nyx asked, her tone suspicious.

Zerin shrugged. "Just some old business. Let's move."

The group exited the underground hideout and stepped back into the chilly night air. Frostbane growled softly, its ears swiveling as it scanned the shadows.

Kaelron glanced around, his voice low. "Do you think they'll come after us?"

"They always do," Nyx replied, gripping her daggers.

---

Back at their temporary safehouse, the group gathered to discuss their next steps.

"So, House Valdris," Zerin said, leaning back in his chair. "Not exactly the easiest place to infiltrate."

Nyx frowned. "We'll need more information before we make a move. If this meeting is as important as Rydan says, security will be tight."

Eryk nodded. "We could use disguises or fake invitations, but that'll take time."

Kaelron looked at the partially decoded ledger on the table. "We don't have much time, but this is our best lead. If the cult's allies are gathering at House Valdris, we need to be there."

Umbra growled softly, her glowing eyes fixed on the map spread across the table. Frostbane let out a low rumble, as if agreeing.

"We'll scout the area tomorrow," Nyx said firmly. "If there's a way in, we'll find it. Until then, we keep a low profile."

Kaelron nodded, his resolve hardening. "The Veilborn Order won't stop, but neither will we. We'll find a way to stop them—no matter the cost."