.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.Chapter 9 — Alliances and Revelations.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.

The silence of the early morning stretched through the palace corridors, broken only by the echo of their footsteps. Marlene walked beside Max, the intruder’s parchment carefully stowed away, and felt how the weight of the decision she had made was beginning to influence every movement.

“Miss Volkov,” Max said, his voice firm but warm. “Are you sure about sharing this with Dante? We don’t know how he might react…”

Marlene inhaled deeply, her mind calculating every possible scenario.

“It’s necessary, Max. His influence within the palace can help us discover the intruder more quickly. But we must be cautious, and only give him what’s essential.”

[Kira: Side quest progress: 70%. Affinity with Max +1.]

Upon reaching a private hall, Marlene waited for Dante to appear. He soon emerged from the shadows, elegant and silent, with a look that combined curiosity and caution. His presence filled the room, and Marlene once again felt that mix of respect and tension that always left her breathless.

“Your Highness,” she began, keeping her voice serene. “I have found something that might interest you… and that requires your direct attention.”

Dante arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but maintaining his impeccable composure:

“Continue, Miss Volkov. Every detail is important in matters of security.”

Marlene unfolded the parchment, pointing out the symbols and notes that matched the intruder’s.

“Someone inside the palace is supporting him,” she whispered. “We don’t know who, but these symbols are identical to the ones the intruder was carrying. Every clue indicates that this person knows my identity and my movements.”

Dante approached, his deep eyes following every line Marlene pointed to.

“This confirms what I feared,” he said in a low voice. “The threat is internal, and we cannot underestimate it. Thank you for trusting me. Your decision could save more than your reputation.”

[Kira: Side quest progress: 80%. Affinity with Dante +2.]

Max stood to the side, observing every exchange. His clear eyes shone with determination.

“Then we have to act fast,” he said. “If we identify the conspirator before they make a move, we can protect you and at the same time prevent the court from suspecting you.”

Marlene nodded, feeling how the tension mixed with a strange relief. The choice to share the information had reinforced Dante’s influence and kept Max close as her support of strength.

“I propose a plan,” Dante said, his voice low and calculating. “Marlene, you and Max will have to act discreetly. I can mobilize certain guards and restrict movements within the palace without arousing suspicion. Every decision must be measured.”

Marlene listened attentively, noticing that Dante trusted her in a different way. It wasn’t just her appearance, but her judgment and strategy that he seemed to appreciate.

[Kira: New strategic option unlocked: “Continue with covert surveillance” or “Divide tasks with Max.” Quest progress: 85%.]

As they planned, Marlene remembered the intruder’s message: “The eye that watches is not a friend, and the truth it seeks may cost you more than you imagine.”

“Your Highness,” Marlene said. “This confirms that the intruder is watching our every step. Any careless move could expose us all.”

Dante nodded, his face showing a mixture of seriousness and respect:

“Then we must divide. Marlene, you will continue to investigate the ancient archives and minor clues. Max will protect you and ensure no one interferes. I will take charge of controlling palace security and observing any anomalies.”

Max looked at Marlene, his lips curved in a barely perceptible smile:

“This way we will work as a team. Your safety is my priority.”

[Kira: Main quest progress: 85%. Affinity with Dante +1. Affinity with Max +1.]

The tension was palpable. Every word, every decision, could change the course of their mission and her own survival in the novel. Marlene felt the weight of responsibility, but also a growing sense of control. The intruder’s shadow no longer seemed insurmountable; with Dante and Max by her side, she had powerful allies who could help her discover the truth.

“Good,” Marlene said, taking a deep breath. “Let’s begin. The truth must come to light, and no one, not even the intruder, will stop us.”

The system blinked softly, meowing with a tone of approval:

[Kira: Excellent, human. Quest progress: 90%. Affinity with Dante +1. Affinity with Max +1. Intruder’s clue secured and shared. New options unlocked for future moves.]

And as the palace slept under the moonlight, Marlene understood that every secret revealed and every ally chosen brought her closer to dominating this novel that was now her life, while the intruder watched from somewhere, waiting for her to make the slightest mistake. Every shadow seemed to whisper warnings to her, every empty corridor seemed like a stage for a possible attack. Her heart pounded, reminding her that cunning and patience would be her best weapons. The night, silent and cold, seemed to conspire with her, but also challenged her: every decision made could strengthen her position or expose her to enemies she did not yet know. The feeling of imminent danger kept her alert, while the weight of responsibility and political intrigue completely enveloped her. And in the depths of her mind, one question persisted: would she be able to keep her identity intact, protect those who trusted her, and, at the same time, navigate the dark secrets that threatened to destroy her?

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