.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.Chapter 8 – Hidden Clues and Dangerous Alliances.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.

The early morning had fallen over the palace, tinting the halls with long shadows and whispers that seemed to float from every corner. Marlene walked with caution, the parchment she had found in her hands, while Max followed her closely, his sure footsteps echoing on the cold marble. Every shadow could hide secrets, and the uneasiness in her chest did not disappear.

“Miss Volkov,” Max said in a low voice. “We have checked the most recent archives, but this clue from the intruder is different. It doesn’t seem to be just a visitor log or a symbol. There’s something personal about it.”

Marlene nodded, feeling the adrenaline keeping her alert.

“I agree. This isn’t a simple threat message. Someone inside the palace knows who I am… and is playing a game that I don’t fully understand yet.”

[Kira: Side quest progress: 30%. Affinity with Max.]

As they advanced toward the private library, Dante appeared again, emerging from the shadows of a side corridor. His demeanor was elegant, his gaze intense, and although he did not intervene immediately, Marlene felt the weight of his presence.

“I see you are working in secret with Sir Smirnov,” Dante commented in a serious voice, measuring every word. “I hope your actions do not compromise your position at court, Miss Volkov.”

Marlene smiled delicately, maintaining her composure:

“Your Highness, I am only trying to protect the kingdom’s interests. Nothing more.”

Max narrowed his eyes, aware of the growing tension:

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. My only priority is to keep you safe while we uncover the truth.”

[Kira: Affinity with Max strengthened. Affinity with Dante stalled. Keep your identity intact.]

Upon reaching the library, Marlene examined the ancient parchments, looking for symbols that matched the intruder’s. Each page seemed to speak to her in secret whispers, and her mind filled with theories, combining intuition and logic.

“Look at this,” Max said, pointing to a barely visible symbol on a dusty parchment. “It’s identical to the one the intruder was carrying on his cloak. This confirms that someone close to the palace instructed him.”

Marlene frowned.

“Then he’s not just any intruder. There is a conspirator within these walls. Someone who knows my steps and my secrets.”

Dante remained silent, watching Marlene’s every reaction. The intensity of his eyes seemed to measure every thought she had.

“Are you sure you can handle this information?” Dante asked in a soft voice, almost a murmur. “Not everyone at court could use it to their advantage.”

Marlene took a deep breath.

“Your Highness… I trust Max for this investigation. His strength will allow us to move forward without errors. But every finding will be carefully shared with you… when necessary.”

[Kira: Side quest progress: 50%. Affinity with Max +1. Affinity with Dante +0. Maintain the balance between them.]

While reviewing the parchments, Marlene found a small folded piece of paper among the ancient books. Upon opening it, she read: “The eye that watches is not a friend, and the truth it seeks may cost you more than you imagine. Do not trust all who smile.”

“This… is from the intruder,” Marlene whispered, feeling a shiver run down her spine. “We must discover who sent him.”

Max looked at her seriously:

“We don’t just need strength; we need strategy. This message implies that someone is watching you inside the palace.”

Dante took a step forward, his voice serious and measured:

“Then we must proceed with caution. Not all apparent allies are what they seem. Every move will be observed… even mine.”

Marlene understood the truth of his words: loyalty could hide secrets, and every step they took had to be carefully calculated.

[Kira: New mission unlocked: Investigate the conspirator within the palace. Quest progress: 65%.]

As they advanced in the investigation, Marlene began to notice small details: guards who seemed to stare too much, servants who whispered as they passed, and parchments that mysteriously disappeared. The tension grew, but so did her relationship with Max. His every gesture, every word, gave her a sense of security. Dante, on the other hand, watched from a distance, and although his demeanor was impeccable, Marlene felt the silent pressure of his constant attention.

“Miss Volkov,” Max said in a low voice. “If we manage to discover who is behind all this, we can protect your identity… and perhaps get ahead of any plan against you.”

Marlene nodded, her mind working at a thousand miles per hour.

“I’m ready. We cannot allow anyone to use my secrets against us.”

The system blinked softly:

[Kira: Main quest progress: 70%. Affinity with Max +1. Intruder’s clue secured. Keep your identity intact. New strategic option unlocked: “Investigate alone” or “Share information with Dante.”]

Marlene understood that the next decision would be crucial: to continue alone or to involve Dante in the investigation, risking trust but perhaps gaining more information. Every move now would determine not only her safety but also the course of the affections she was cultivating.

The night was far from over, and as the palace slept under the moonlight, Marlene knew that every secret discovered, every calculated step, brought her closer to dominating the novel that was now her life.

                                                                                                                      ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥to be continued˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥