Member-only story
The Thorn in the Veil
In the heart of the Empire of Vaereth, where loyalty was law and secrets were stitched into every noble’s cloak, Spymaster Elira moved like a shadow. Revered and feared, her name was spoken in whispers. But even shadows have hearts, and Elira's beat strongest for one man: Kalen.
Years ago, she had dragged him from a prison pit, broken and bleeding, accused of treason without trial. She vouched for him. Raised him up. He became her closest ally—and, though unspoken, the keeper of her soul.
But on the eve of the Summit of Houses, a whisper found its way into Elira’s hands—a fragment of a message: “The Thorn will strike. The veil will fall.” A rebel force, long thought extinguished, was stirring again.
She followed the threads. Dead informants. Disguised couriers. Hidden messages encrypted with symbols only one other living soul besides her could read: Kalen.
She confronted him in the moonlit halls of the old library. His expression was calm, not surprised.
“You knew,” Elira whispered, her voice tight.
“I hoped you wouldn’t find out,” he said, looking away. “Not until it was over.”
“The Thorn? You lead them?”
“No. I am them.”
Elira staggered back. “Why? After all we’ve built? After I saved you—”
