The walls of the Brotherhood's old hall felt tighter that night. Meetings were rare — and when they happened, it meant something was on the verge of collapse.
Claire, seated at the stone table, watched every face carefully. Twelve members were present. Twelve oaths of silence. But one of them carried a lie.
The Mistmaster began the rite. Circle closed, candles lit, hands placed over the central relic — the Veil Rose, an artifact that revealed impure intentions.
— "One of us has broken the Oath of Shadows," he said. "And tonight… the Rose will speak."
Solène exchanged a glance with Claire. It wasn't fear. It was certainty.
The Rose's light glowed briefly. Then faded. When it pulsed again, it was a deep, vibrant red — like freshly spilled blood.
One of the members stepped back. Jean-Luc.
— "This is a mistake," he whispered. "I would never—"
— "Liar," Solène cut in, her voice sharp. "You sold information to the Light Guard. You're trying to destabilize the Veil from within."
Claire didn't move. The Light Guard was the rival force — fanatics disguised as saviors.
Jean-Luc tried to run, but the hall was already sealed. Three members stood.
— "Wait!" Claire shouted. "What if he's not the only one?"
Silence. A chill swept through the chamber.
— "Then we must find them all," said the Mistmaster. "Because betrayal… never walks alone."