Rebirth: Necromancer's Ascenscion-Chapter 54: To The Den Of Snakes

Rat shot to his feet. " Is that true? How the hell do you know that?!"

"I just do," Ian said flatly. "Trust me."

Rat’s face darkened. "This is... problematic."

---

Back within the high stone walls of House Elarin, the fire in the hearth crackled softly, it made long shadows across the study’s darkwood furnishings.

Eli stood by the map-strewn table, arms folded tightly across his chest, the flamelight etching sharp lines across his face.

"The Redwater Gang’s preparing to make a move on Blackrat," he said, voice clipped, irritation threaded through every word. "They caught wind of the winnings. And they’re not the kind to ignore millions in coin."

Velrosa stood before her high-backed chair, framed by shelves of ancient tomes and alchemical glass. Her silver hair cascaded like a river of moonlight down her back, the strands catching the flickering firelight.

She wore a deep violet robe threaded with golden embroidery.

"I have no interest," she said coolly, "in gang wars or the squabbles of Esgard’s gutters. I will not involve myself in the city’s underground."

Eli’s jaw twitched. "If Blackrat dies, we lose more than a contact. We lose our access to the betting system. Our eyes in the underground. Our entire second income stream collapses."

Velrosa didn’t so much as flinch. "And?" she asked, arching a single brow.

"We are nobles, Eli. Not slumlords. I am rebuilding House Elarin to stand tall in the light of the Council, not slither through the mud of criminal networks."

Eli stepped closer, the fire casting his silhouette long and dark against the polished stone floor.

"We don’t need to slither. We just need to remove one obstacle. Quietly."

"No." Velrosa’s tone cut the air like Ian’s dagger. "Not before the banquet. I won’t risk whispers reaching the wrong ears. The gathering is tonight. All eyes will be on us. I intend to dazzle—not appear desperate."

From the shadow of a marble pillar nearby, Ian’s voice finally entered the room. Calm. Steady.

"Banquet?"

Velrosa turned toward him, her gaze cool and piercing, those luminous blue eyes seeming to see right through him.

"Yes. The Grand Banquet. A gathering of the noble houses, the great families, and members of the Council. It is where masks are worn, daggers are passed beneath the table, and alliances are forged—or shattered."

She stepped away from her chair, gliding across the stone like something from a dream, equal parts queen and predator.

"And you, Ian, will escort me."

Eli blinked. "Wait, him? Not me?"

"I believe a change of pace is in order," Velrosa said, allowing the ghost of a smile to touch her lips. "plus, I need someone at my side who can also charm... and kill, if necessary."

Eli raised his hands in grateful thanks. "Thank the gods. I hate those things anyway. The food’s always cold, the wine’s always warm, and the nobles can’t stop droning on about their inbred bloodlines."

He clapped Ian on the shoulder with a smirk.

"Keep her safe."

Ian shrugged with a scoff, adjusting the cloak draped over his shoulder. "It’s not like anyone would dare touch her while you’re still around."

Eli grinned, already turning away. "You’re right."

Ian turned back to Velrosa, his expression curious beneath the sharp angles of his face.

"When’s the banquet?"

She glanced out the tall, arched window to the eastern horizon, where the morning sun spilled gold across the city.

"Sundown. Be ready," she said. "And you’ll need to look... acceptable. Maybe no blood this time."

Ian gave a small, respectful nod. "Understood."

He bowed slightly, the motion sharp and brief, then turned on his heel and left the room, footsteps echoing in the corridor behind him.

---

By the time the sun began to bleed across the skies in gold and crimson, Esgard was aglow with the first fires of evening. Torches along the estate walls flickered to life, casting dancing shadows across stone and iron.

Ian stood by the carriage parked at the grand steps of House Elarin, flexing his gloved fingers absently. He watched the manor’s inner hall, the long corridor between him and whatever passed for noble society in this city.

He wore tailored formal wear—black with silver trim, the lines clean but understated. A single onyx clasp, shaped like a raven with spread wings, rested at his collar. A long cloak hung from his shoulders, sleek and practical.

Noble enough to pass. Deadly enough to matter.

And then he saw her.

Velrosa emerged from the manor like a goddess descending from the stars. Her dress was midnight silk, so dark it shimmered with hints of violet and shadow. It hugged her form without constraint, flowing behind her in curves and layered folds that whispered secrets to the wind.

Silver embroidery curled across the hem and bodice like constellations, faintly glowing under torchlight. Her hair had been braided into an intricate crown, pinned with fine jewels, and a starlight circlet rested on her brow.

She walked like a queen who feared nothing and commanded everything.

And for a moment, Ian forgot to breathe.

When she reached him, he exhaled before he could stop himself.

"Holy shit," he muttered.

Velrosa blinked.

Ian coughed and hastily corrected, "I mean... you look wonderful, Your Highness."

A soft smile played at her lips. "Thank you, Ian. You’re too kind."

He quickly stepped forward, opening the carriage door with a practiced motion. She stepped inside without hesitation, a whisper of silk trailing behind her. Ian followed, settling across from her as the carriage door shut.

A quiet signal. The wheels turned.

Outside, the night came to life with the flicker of lanterns and the hum of power just beneath the surface of the city.

Velrosa adjusted a fold in her gown, then looked up at him, expression unreadable. frёewebnoѵēl.com

"Well," she said softly, "on to the den of snakes."

Ian turned to the window. The noble district of Esgard rose in the distance, golden Pillars gleaming beneath the last rays of day, their beauty veiling the rot beneath.

"Sounds delightful," he murmured.