TREVOR KING AND SYSTEM MISADVENTURES

Chapter 8: The Thief’s Gambit

Trevor had learned quickly that nothing in this world was as it seemed. The sky above him was the kind of blue that could have been lifted from a dream, while the air felt unnervingly light, as though every breath could be the last.

After securing the second Fragment of Ascension in the temple, the three of them had made their way down the mountainside and into a town called Willowbrook.

It was nestled in a valley, surrounded by misty forests and sparkling streams, giving it an almost surreal beauty.

Yet, as they walked through the town's cobbled streets, Trevor couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

The people who bustled around them seemed to have an air of secrecy about them, eyes darting behind closed doors, whispering when they thought no one was listening.

“This place feels off,” Trevor murmured, glancing around.

Lyra shot him a look, though it was hard to tell if it was one of agreement or annoyance. "It’s not the people, Trevor. It’s you."

"You can’t blame me for feeling paranoid," Trevor retorted, adjusting his backpack. "I mean, come on, we've got one fragment and a whole bunch of potential enemies after us. Call me crazy, but I think we’re a little obvious, don’t you?"

Kael, who had been unusually quiet, let out a soft chuckle. "You’re getting the hang of things. The more you act like you’re being hunted, the less likely they’ll catch on."

Trevor frowned at Kael’s cryptic words. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

Kael didn’t answer immediately, instead moving to adjust the hood of his cloak, making himself look even more enigmatic. "Just...stay on your toes," he said. "This town is known for its... shady dealings. Not all of them are friendly."

As they neared the center of Willowbrook, the sound of lively chatter and clinking mugs filled the air. Lyra led the way toward a large inn called "The Silver Mug," where they’d planned to rest for the night. However, just as they were about to enter, a young woman in a dark cloak suddenly stepped in front of them, blocking the door.

She was tall and lithe, with piercing blue eyes that didn’t seem to blink as she studied them. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back in wild waves, contrasting sharply against her dark attire.

"You’re looking for trouble," the woman said in a voice as smooth as velvet.

Trevor raised an eyebrow. "And who are you?"

The woman smiled, though it was more of a sharp grin than anything warm. "Someone who can help. Or, perhaps, someone who can make things... difficult."

Lyra stepped forward, her stance defensive. "We don’t need help."

The woman shrugged casually. "Suit yourself. But you’d be wise to listen. There are eyes on you. Eyes you can’t see."

"And you’re one of them, I suppose?" Trevor couldn’t help but ask, suspicion lacing his words.

The woman’s lips twitched into a smile. "No, not one of them. But I know who is."

She stepped aside, pulling a small piece of parchment from her cloak. The edges were frayed, and the ink was slightly smudged, but the symbol drawn on it was unmistakable.

Trevor’s heart skipped a beat. It was the same symbol he’d seen carved into the Fragment of Ascension.

"Where did you get this?" Lyra demanded, her voice low and tense.

"Let’s just say I have my ways," the woman said with a sly grin. "If you want answers, meet me at the old mill by the riverbank after midnight. Come alone, or don’t come at all."

Before they could respond, the woman melted into the shadows, disappearing into the crowd as if she’d never been there.

"Who the hell was that?" Trevor whispered, still staring at the spot where she had vanished.

Lyra’s jaw was clenched tight, her eyes narrowed. "That was... someone I used to know."

Kael didn’t seem surprised. "If she’s involved, we’re in for more than we bargained for."

True to her word, the woman had left them no other choice. As the town fell silent and the moon climbed high in the sky, the trio found themselves standing in front of the old mill by the riverbank. The mill had long since fallen into disrepair, its wooden walls rotting and the waterwheel silent.

Lyra was the first to break the silence. "This place gives me the creeps."

Trevor agreed. "I feel like I’m about to step into some twisted horror story."

Kael chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "If it’s a horror story, at least it’s our horror story."

The sound of footsteps echoed in the distance, and they quickly drew their weapons, expecting the woman. But it wasn’t her who emerged from the shadows.

Instead, a man stepped into the moonlight, his eyes glowing a faint shade of amber. His features were sharp, almost too perfect, and his smile was far too wide to be comforting.

"I see you’ve come," the man said, his voice smooth and dangerous. "Lyra, I didn’t expect you to bring guests."

Lyra’s grip on her daggers tightened. "I didn’t come here for a reunion, Zane."

The man, Zane, took a step closer, his eyes now trained on Trevor. "Ah, but you’re not the only one with new toys, are you?" He looked at the Fragment of Ascension in Trevor’s hand. "I’ve been watching you, Trevor King. I must admit, I’m impressed."

Trevor narrowed his eyes. "Who the hell are you?"

Zane’s smile never wavered. "I’m someone who has what you want. And I think it’s time we made a deal."

Zane motioned for them to follow him inside the mill. The interior was dimly lit by flickering lanterns, casting eerie shadows against the decaying walls. Trevor felt an unsettling chill in the air, as though the place was haunted by something far darker than time could account for.

Sitting at a long, cracked wooden table, Zane leaned forward, his amber eyes never leaving Trevor’s.

"I know what you’re after," he began. "The Fragments of Ascension."

Trevor clenched his fists, resisting the urge to throw a snarky retort. "What do you want in exchange?"

Zane’s smile widened. "Oh, not much. Just a small favor, one that involves you finding me something very rare."

Lyra stepped forward, her voice cold. "And what is it that you want?"

"A particular artifact," Zane said, tapping his fingers on the table. "The Heart of the Ancients."

Trevor frowned. "And what does that have to do with us?"

Zane’s grin faltered for a moment, his gaze flickering with something darker. "Everything. You see, the Heart of the Ancients has the power to control the fragments. And if I control the fragments... I control everything."

The weight of his words hung in the air. Trevor felt the first stirrings of doubt creep into his mind. Could they really trust this guy? Or was this another dangerous gambit?

"Let me get this straight," Trevor said, his voice steady. "You want us to find the Heart of the Ancients in exchange for the rest of the fragments?"

Zane nodded. "That’s the deal."

Trevor exchanged glances with Lyra and Kael. Despite the dangerous tension in the air, they knew they didn’t have many options. The fragments were too valuable, and they needed them to escape this world.

"We’ll take your deal," Lyra said firmly.

Zane’s smile returned. "Wise choice."