.•:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:•.Chapter 28: Strategy and Counterattack.•:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:•.

The night had settled over Eveline’s mansion like a heavy blanket, filled with a silence that felt too tense to be natural. Outside, the moon lit the path back as Marlene and the guys moved stealthily. They had sworn not to stand by after the last confrontation. They knew Eveline was dangerous, and giving her enough time to plan meant granting her an advantage.

Marlene, holding her breath, adjusted her cape over her shoulders as they delved into the dark gardens. Dante and Max stayed close, alert to any movement in the shadows, while Adrian and Lucien moved slightly ahead, guiding the incursion.

“Are you sure it’s wise to go in now?” Adrian whispered, with that deep, calculating voice that seemed to measure every word.

“We don’t have another choice,” Marlene replied firmly. “We need information, and Eveline won’t give it to us willingly. If we wait, she will make a move first.”

Lucien turned his head, showing an enigmatic smile as he carefully moved a branch blocking their path. “Marlene is right. Eveline trusts her control over this mansion, but the element of surprise is on our side. If we get in without being seen, we’ll get what we need.”

Kira blinked on the magical interface in front of Marlene, emitting a soft meow accompanied by a glowing message:

[Kira: Infiltration in progress. Mission progress +3 Cunning. Risk level: Medium-high.]

The group slipped through a side entrance almost hidden among ivy and worn-out walls. Dante was the first to enter, his sword ready, followed by Max who watched every shadow. Marlene, though her heart was racing, felt a surge of determination run through her body.

Once inside, the hallways were shrouded in gloom, barely lit by the flickering flames of forgotten candelabras. The silence was almost sepulchral, and every step seemed to echo too loudly.

Suddenly, distant voices began to filter from the main wing of the mansion. Lucien raised his hand, signaling for absolute silence, and everyone approached cautiously. The words, at first barely a murmur, began to take shape as they advanced.

Marlene stopped when she recognized one of the voices: Eveline’s. Her tone, full of arrogance and a strange excitement, was accompanied by a light laugh. But what surprised the group was discovering the second voice: male, deep, with a strong foreign accent.

“So it’s true,” Adrian murmured, frowning. “She’s not alone.”

From a crack in the half-open door, Marlene could see the scene. Eveline was sitting in an ornate armchair, her crimson dress glowing under the dim candlelight. Across from her was a young man with silver hair, a black suit with golden embroidery, and an expression of absolute self-assurance. His movements were calculated, as if every gesture had a hidden purpose.

“Lord Kael of Veymar…” Lucien whispered, recognizing him instantly.

“Do you know him?” Marlene asked in a low voice.

“All too well.” Lucien narrowed his eyes. “He’s a nobleman from another kingdom, influential in politics and a master of manipulation. If Eveline managed to attract him to her cause, this complicates everything.”

Inside the room, Eveline smiled with satisfaction. “With your support, Kael, nothing can stop me. Marlene and her companions think they can challenge me, but they will soon discover that my connections transcend this kingdom.”

Kael nodded, with an unsettling calm. “I have seen your determination, Eveline. The passion that consumes you can be dangerous, but it is also a powerful weapon. If we play our cards with precision, you will not only control these lands… you will bring your rivals to their knees.”

Marlene felt a shiver run down her spine. The pieces were starting to fit: Eveline wasn’t acting solely out of jealousy or impulse; she had found in Kael an ally capable of offering her resources, influence, and strategy. She was more dangerous than they had imagined.

[Kira: New threat detected. Risk level updated: High. Mission progress +5 Strategy.]

Max clenched his fists, his gaze fixed on Eveline. “Damn it, now we have to face not only her, but a foreign nobleman with real power. This is getting too complicated.”

Dante placed a hand on his shoulder, containing his impulse. “We can’t rush in. If we act now, we’ll fall into their game. It’s best to observe, gather information, and wait for the right moment to strike.”

Adrian nodded, though his eyes remained cold and calculating. “Eveline seeks to create emotional chaos, but Kael… he’s a strategist. Together, they are a formidable enemy. We must think like them, not as warriors, but as players on a chessboard.”

Marlene took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. “Then that’s what we’ll do. Eveline thinks she has the advantage, but her alliance with Kael also reveals her weakness: she needs external support because she’s not enough on her own. If we discover what motivates him to be here, we can break that bond.”

Lucien smiled with a certain admiration toward her. “Your analytical ability is impressive. Eveline isn’t underestimating your strength, but your mind. That will be her mistake.”

[Objective status:

❤❤❤❤Dante Inovov: (4/5)

❤❤❤❤Max Smirnov: (4/5)

❤❤Adrian Blackthorn (2/5)

❤❤❤Lucien Devereaux (3/5)]

[Kira: New mission unlocked: Investigate Kael and his true motivation. Reward: +2 Cunning, unlock diplomatic option.]

[Current mission progress: 7%]

The group remained silent for a few more seconds, listening to the conversation that continued in the room. Eveline and Kael discussed plans for future moves, mentioning undecided nobles and possible alliances in the court. Every word was a warning of the power that was beginning to brew in the darkness.

Finally, Marlene signaled to retreat. They couldn’t risk being discovered. They left with the same stealth they had entered with, though their minds were agitated. Outside, the cold air of the early morning wrapped around them as they regrouped in the nearby forest.

“Now we know,” Marlene said, her voice firm but full of determination. “Eveline isn’t alone, and Kael is a bigger threat than we thought. But we won’t let them break us. We’ll devise a bigger, more precise plan, and defeat them on their own turf.”

The guys nodded, each one’s gaze reflecting the same resolve. It was the start of a new phase: not just a confrontation against Eveline, but against a web of power that sought to dominate everything.

Kira meowed softly, displaying a new message:

[Kira: Team reinforced. Mission progress secured. New stage: neutralize Eveline-Kael alliance. Rewards: +3 Courage, +2 Group Strategy.]

Marlene closed her eyes for an instant, letting the night breeze calm the whirlwind of emotions inside her. Eveline had made a risky move by allying with Kael. But that very move would be the one that, sooner or later, would lead them to discover the truth and find a way to defeat her.

The war of wills was just beginning.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥to be continued˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥