The celebration continued in its usual fashion—drinks, food, and networking. Yet, while the nobles indulged in gossip and power plays, Nioh found himself alone on the porch, far removed from the extravaganza.
The energy inside was suffocating. Too much noise. Too many fake smiles.
His mind had been spinning since the meeting earlier that night.
"You've hidden a lot, huh?"
A voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Nioh turned to see Akron stepping onto the porch, holding an extra cup of wine.
Without hesitation, Nioh took the cup. "You just never asked. I didn't hide anything."
Akron snorted. "Good to see you're back to your old scheming self."
He leaned against the porch railing, mirroring Nioh's stance.
"Where's Althea?" Nioh asked.
Akron chuckled. "She's inside extorting those poor nobles. Turns out she's really good at making friends."
They both laughed.
But the amusement didn't last long.
Akron's expression darkened.
