The merchant trade house in the heart of the Shadow Kingdom had been purpose-built during the early days of expansion—modern in design, yet steeped in that familiar blend of dark stone and obsidian elegance. Discreet, secure, and far from the palace, it served as a neutral ground for visiting traders and high-ranking negotiations.
Tonight, it served a far greater purpose.
Riven entered through the rear corridor, the hood of his travel cloak low over his brow, his shadow magic subtly distorting the details of his face. Not enough to look unnatural—but just enough to be forgettable. The same guise he'd used in Eldrin's Crossing, the one that had let him move freely as a "merchant" of the Shadow Kingdom.
Two guards stationed at the private suite bowed wordlessly and opened the door.
