The Iron Fang outpost was carved into the side of a cliff. Black stone walls loomed over the narrow path, reinforced with iron spikes and heavy wooden beams. Torches burned in iron sconces, casting flickering shadows across the jagged rock. A heavy gate, barred with steel, blocked the entrance.

  Kain studied the structure from a short distance, arms crossed over his chest. “Alright,” he said. “New plan—we turn around, forget about this, and live to die another day.”

  Selene gave him a sidelong glance. “Coward.”

  “Pragmatist,” Kain corrected.

  “You’re stalling.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Selene stepped toward the gate. “Stop wasting time.”

  Kain sighed and followed. “Just for the record, this is how people die in stories.”

  Selene reached the gate and knocked once. The sound echoed through the canyon. After a moment, a narrow slit opened in the iron. Pale yellow eyes glinted through the gap.

  A harsh voice growled, “State your business.”

  Selene’s gaze sharpened. “We seek an audience with Captain Draven.”

  The guard’s eyes narrowed. “Do you have an appointment?”

  Selene’s mouth tightened. “No.”

  The slit slammed shut.

  Kain raised his hands. “Well, that went great. Should we try next week?”

  Selene turned toward him. “Stop talking.”

  “I’m just saying, there’s a difference between confidence and suicidal overconfidence.”

  Selene’s eyes narrowed. “Are you suggesting I lack subtlety?”

  “I’m suggesting you lead with a little charm.”

  Selene’s lip twitched. “Then charm them.”

  Kain’s brow lifted. “What, seriously?”

  Selene stepped aside. “Be my guest.”

  Kain sighed. “Fine.” He stepped toward the gate and rapped on it twice.

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  The slit opened.

  “What?” the guard growled.

  Kain smiled brightly. “Hi there! Love the whole intimidating fortress vibe you’ve got going on. Big fan.”

  The guard’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”

  “Just a quick chat with Captain Draven.” Kain’s smile widened. “I swear, we’re the friendly type.”

  The guard stared at him for a long moment. Then the slit slammed shut.

  Kain’s smile thinned. “Charming enough for you?”

  Selene’s mouth curled. “Try harder.”

  Kain’s eyes darkened. “Oh, you want charm?” He stepped toward the gate and raised his hand.

  > [Skill Activated: Suggestion – Tier 1]

  The air pulsed.

  “I think you want to open the gate,” Kain said. His voice dropped half an octave, smooth and low.

  For a moment, nothing happened. Then there was a scraping sound. The gate creaked open an inch.

  Selene’s brow lifted. “Interesting.”

  Kain smirked. “See? Charm.”

  Selene stepped past him, her gaze sharp. “Not subtle.”

  Kain followed her through the gate. “Worked, didn’t it?”

  Inside, the outpost was a grim, functional place. Black stone towers loomed above a narrow courtyard. Soldiers in dark leather armor patrolled the walls, their weapons polished to a lethal shine.

  Kain’s gaze sharpened as they passed a training ground. Iron Fang warriors sparred with wooden swords and knives. Their movements were fast, brutal, and efficient.

  “Yeah,” Kain muttered. “Definitely feeling welcome.”

  A pair of guards approached. One was tall and lean, with dark hair and a scar along his jaw. The other was broad and square-jawed, his heavy arms crossed over his chest.

  The taller one stopped in front of them. His eyes glinted beneath his hood. “State your business.”

  Selene’s gaze didn’t waver. “We need to see Draven.”

  “Captain Draven is not available,” the man said. “And you are not welcome.”

  Kain smiled. “See, that’s where we disagree.”

  The tall guard’s eyes narrowed. “Is that so?”

  Kain’s smile sharpened. “Afraid so.”

  The shorter guard’s hand drifted toward his sword.

  Kain’s eyes flashed. His hand shot out, catching the shorter guard’s wrist before the sword cleared its sheath. He twisted sharply. The guard grunted as he dropped to one knee.

  Kain’s smile didn’t falter. “Let’s not get violent.”

  The taller guard’s hand dropped to his dagger.

  Selene’s daggers flashed into her hands. “Don’t.”

  The taller guard’s gaze flicked toward her.

  Selene’s eyes gleamed. “He’s faster than you think.”

  The taller guard hesitated. Then he sighed and stepped back. “Fine.” His gaze shifted toward Kain. “But you won’t like what you find.”

  Kain released the shorter guard’s wrist and stepped back. “I usually don’t.”

  The guard’s mouth curled. “This way.”

  They followed the guard through the courtyard toward a squat iron tower at the center of the outpost. Heavy wooden doors loomed beneath an iron archway. The guard pushed one open and stepped aside.

  Selene glanced toward Kain. “You ready?”

  Kain smirked. “Not even a little.”

  “Good,” Selene said.

  They stepped into the tower.

  The chamber inside was dark and cold. Iron sconces flickered along the walls. At the far side of the room, a figure sat behind a wide table. He was broad-shouldered and scarred, his dark hair pulled into a tight knot. His eyes gleamed beneath the torchlight.

  Captain Draven’s gaze settled on them as the doors slammed shut.

  “I’m going to assume,” Draven said slowly, “that you have a good reason for disturbing me.”

  Kain’s smile thinned. “We’re looking for information.”

  Draven’s gaze sharpened. “About?”

  Selene’s voice was steady. “The system.”

  Draven’s eyes narrowed. His hand tightened around the hilt of the knife resting on the table.

  “You’d better start explaining,” Draven growled.

  Kain’s smile sharpened. “That’s the plan.”