The Lost Dagger, The Reclaimed Name

The ruins of the Blanchard estate stood as a solemn remnant of sorrow. Only a short while ago, Selena had briefly reunited with her former fiancé, Camilo, within its depths, only for fate to tear them apart once more. That night, amidst an unexpected attack, he had vanished for reasons still unclear, leaving behind nothing but the countless unanswered questions that plagued her mind. The vows that had once bound them, the emotions she had once believed in—all had long since been uprooted. Yet reality had only become more ambiguous.

The only thing left was an unspoken hint—Dig deeper. Camilo had mentioned some organization in passing, and he had implied that she needed to find her father's final document. These thoughts consumed Selena's mind, and after much internal struggle, she came to an undeniable conclusion. Unless she confirmed what was hidden beneath the mansion—sealed away in its underground study—she would never uncover the truth behind her father's death or the fall of their family.

A few days later, Selena once again found herself standing before the ruins of the Blanchard estate. The collapsed walls and scorched pillars stood like skeletal remains, a stark reminder of everything lost. The once-grand courtyard was now overrun with weeds, leaving no trace of its former splendor. The interior was even worse. The halls had caved in, blocking paths, and where the grand parlor had once stood, only blackened debris remained. Seeing with her own eyes how the once-renowned estate had been reduced to mere wreckage sent a chill down her spine.

"You came back, after all."

A voice broke the silence, and she turned to find Leon Blackwood leaning against a distant pillar. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword, surveying their surroundings. In the past, he would have been idly swirling a glass of wine, exuding his usual nonchalance. But now, that air of leisure was gone. Even he could sense that this place was far from ordinary.

Selena spoke first, cutting off any teasing remarks before they could start. "Don't bring up my ex-fiancé."

Her voice was firm.

"His sudden appearance and departure the other night made everything clear. Whatever he's planning, it's not my concern right now."

Though her tone was resolute, deep down, a lingering ache remained from their ill-fated reunion. But she had no time to dwell on it. If anything, the encounter had only reinforced one fact—there was no more time to waste. She had to pursue the truth behind her father's death now. Camilo's cryptic hints had all pointed in the same direction—the sealed documents hidden beneath the estate.

Leon silently stepped closer.

"So, whatever your fiancé was hiding, you plan to uncover it yourself now. That makes sense." He smirked. "In that regard, our goals align. I simply want to see what's buried beneath the noble society's surface."

Selena narrowed her eyes. "These kinds of secrets are dangerous for noble heirs like you. Yet you keep playing this twisted little game. I know you're helping me for your own amusement."

Leon merely shrugged. "Amusement, purpose—call it what you will."

"You're chasing vengeance and truth, aren't you? Our reasons may differ, but for now, we have plenty of reasons to keep moving together."

Despite her initial doubts, they had survived multiple battles side by side. She still didn't fully trust Leon, but she admitted—there was no better ally at the moment.

"Let's go," she said. "The entrance to the underground study is sealed. My father locked it using a mechanism tied to Blood Requiem."

They made their way across the overgrown garden. Pushing aside tall weeds, they uncovered an ancient stone staircase leading underground. The air was damp and heavy, and Selena steadied herself before drawing the dagger from her waist. The very same weapon that had pierced her father's heart—Blood Requiem. And today, its cold steel would serve as a key.

"This must be the mark," Leon noted, pointing at the stone gate.

Carved into its surface was the Blanchard family crest intertwined with intricate symbols. As Selena pressed Blood Requiem against it, the engravings began to glow faintly before the stone doors rumbled open. The musty scent of dust and mold flooded out, making her momentarily recoil, but she had no time for hesitation.

"This is it," she murmured. "My father's records should be inside."

Raising her lantern, she stepped into the corridor. The space was larger than expected. It had once been a library and research chamber, but now it resembled nothing more than a decayed vault. Mold-covered books were stacked haphazardly, and papers lay scattered across the floor.

As they carefully sifted through the documents, they found several locked chests—many rusted shut or warped from years of dampness. Selena pried one open with effort, only to find the lid stained with something dark.

Blood?

She forced the grim thought away.

"Hmm, looks like someone's already been here," Leon observed.

"This place should have been sealed tight, yet the documents are scattered. Either they weren't left behind, or someone stole them first."

Selena dug through a pile of old papers and her breath caught as she recognized a name.

"Michel de la Longe—Traitor?"

"The Faction Embedded Within the Nobility…"

"Leon Blackwood…"

"Your name is here," she said, tightening her grip.

"My father marked you as 'Leon Blackwood—High Alert.' And next to Michel's name, he explicitly wrote 'Traitor.'"

Leon tilted his head, intrigued. "An honor, really. I wonder—did your father investigate my family? Or me specifically?"

"I don't know," she admitted, jaw clenching.

"But what if you were involved in the plot to destroy my family? I still don't know why you're really helping me, or what you truly want."

A tense silence fell between them. Though they had fought alongside each other, the undercurrent of suspicion remained. Selena's growing thirst for vengeance clashed with Leon's hidden motives, and the friction between them was undeniable.

"If you really suspect me," Leon said, his voice laced with amusement, "you could kill me here and now. But that wouldn't be a smart move. Not when you still need my information—and my strength."

Selena scowled. "Say what you want. One day, we might have to cross swords."

Her grip on Blood Requiem tightened.

Then, something else caught her eye beneath a pile of books—a small metallic insignia, glinting faintly in the dim light.

"This is… the Shadow Council?"

She lifted the insignia carefully. It bore an unfamiliar crest, its surface blackened like polished onyx.

"There were rumors about a secret faction operating within the noble society, but I never imagined my father had connections to them… or that they were targeting our family."

Leon studied the emblem and muttered, "If Michel was framed, then someone orchestrated your family's downfall. And it wasn't just an individual—it was an entire organization."

The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to come together. Selena felt lightheaded, but she knew she had no choice but to press forward. If the Blanchard family had been destroyed by design, then those responsible were still out there. And if someone had already stolen part of the records, then they were still watching her.

"We need to leave," she said. "This much is enough for now."

But before they could retreat, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor.

A voice called out, sharp and commanding.

"Selena Blanchard! So, you really did come this far. If that's the case, we'll take you by force."

The clinking of metal signaled approaching enemies. A tall figure emerged from the shadows, accompanied by several others who blocked the exit. Selena's legs tensed, but she exchanged a glance with Leon.

"The same old script," he muttered, unsheathing his sword.

"You really are popular," he added with a smirk. "Try not to get caught."

"No time for jokes," she hissed.

The assailants were few, but they were trying to trap her in the confined space. Selena and Leon had faced similar tactics before. But this time, their coordination had improved.

Blades clashed in the dim chamber, ringing sharply through the underground vault. Selena fought without hesitation, the flames of vengeance driving her. Leon moved fluidly, cutting off their opponents' paths as if reading her movements.

A pained cry rang out as one attacker fell, clutching their wounded arm. The others, sensing their disadvantage, slowly withdrew. Their priority had been capture, not killing—and they had failed.

Breathing heavily, Selena and Leon emerged from the ruins, escaping into the cold night air. Leaning against a collapsed wall, Selena clenched Blood Requiem tightly.

"As long as I hold this, they'll keep coming for me," she murmured.

Leon, still catching his breath, smirked. "At least you're alive. And we make a good team."

"Don't get cocky," she shot back.

"But we're getting closer," he said. "And the fractures in the noble society are just beginning to show."

As they disappeared into the shadows, Selena knew—this battle was far from over.