Darius did not want to involve Cassian.
Even as the unease settled deeper in his chest, even as every instinct told him that something had already gone wrong, he still hesitated. Dragging a civilian into a matter like this went against everything he stood for.
But Cassian was not easily dismissed.
"I'll handle it," Darius said at first, his tone firm but not harsh. "There's no need for you ,a civilian,to get involved."
Cassian raised a brow, then let out a short laugh.
"A civilian?" he repeated, clearly upset. "You really think that's what I am?"
He stepped closer, folding his arms with a certain pride that he did not bother to hide.
"I'm a guild master," he said. "I have people under me, information flowing through my hands every day, and more reach than most nobles care to admit. If something has happened to Sion, then I have every right to know."
Darius stayed silent.
Cassian's expression softened just a little, though the sharpness never quite left.
"And besides," he added, quieter this time, "I'm concerned too."
That was what made Darius give in.
They moved to the guild hall, choosing a private room where no one would overhear. Cassian wasted no time.
"So," he said, resting his hands on the table, "you suspect Eiran is a murderer."
Arch frowned l. "That's hard to picture," he said, shaking his head. "That man? He looks like he'd apologize for stepping on twig. Timid, quiet… it's no wonder Sion trusts him. Honestly,no wonder Sion didn't take it well."
Darius's jaw tightened slightly. "And now… both of them are gone."
The room fell quiet.
That single sentence carried more weight than anything else he had said.
Arch straightened a little. Cassian's expression lost its earlier smugness.
Darius continued, more serious now. "The dagger found at the crime scene belongs to him. I've seen him carry it many times. And now Sion is missing, along with him."
He paused, then added, "It may still be a coincidence. But I cannot ignore it."
He pushed his chair back and stood, already preparing to leave.
Cassian watched him. "You plan to go after them yourself."
"Yes."
Cassian tapped the table, thinking. "You could at least use the resources available to you," he said. "Stay here. Let the guild handle the information gathering. We can search for witnesses, track movements, ask around. It will be faster."
Darius shook his head without hesitation.
"I can't sit here and wait," he said. "Not when I don't even know what's happening to him."
Cassian studied him for a moment, then sighed in defeat.
"…Fine," he said. "How about this,we split up. That way we cover more ground."
Darius nodded.
"I'll have my people look for any trace of them," Cassian added. "Anyone who might have seen them leave town, or where they might have gone."
"And I'll follow another lead," Darius replied.
Without wasting another second, they parted ways.
Darius rode straight for the royal palace.
The night had already begun to settle, the sky darkening into deep blue, lanterns flickering to life along the streets. But he did not slow down.
Every attendant who served the royal household was documented. Names, origins, family background ,everything was written somewhere in the archives.
It was his best lead.
He went directly to King Alaric first.
"I have a suspect," Darius said.
Alaric looked at him carefully. "You're certain?"
"No," Darius admitted. "But I have reason enough to investigate further."
That was enough for the king.
"Go," Alaric said. "Find what you need."
The archives were vast and quiet, rows upon rows of records stretching further than most people would have patience for. The only sound was the faint rustle of parchment as Darius searched.
Time passed without him noticing.
At last, he found it.
Eiran's file.
His eyes scanned the page quickly, taking in every detail.
Former aristocrats.A baron's household.
Darius noted the address carefully. There was no guarantee the family still lived there, but it was worth the attempt.
It had to be.
By the time he arrived, it was already midnight.
The house stood in a quiet area, modest but well-kept. It was not grand, but it carried the dignity of a family that had once held status. The structure was sturdy, the windows intact, the small yard neat.
A baron's residence, just as recorded.
Darius dismounted and approached the door. He knocked, firm but not overly forceful.
For a moment, there was no response.
Then a voice came from inside, slightly irritated, carrying a faint accent.
"Who's making such noise in the middle of the night?"
The door opened.
A tall woman stood before him, her wavy hair loose, her expression clearly displeased at being disturbed. Even in the dim light, there was something refined about her.
Darius inclined his head politely.
"My apologies for the disturbance," he said. "I am looking for the family of Baron Eldridge. Is this the residence?"
The woman narrowed her eyes slightly. "It is. But what business do you have here at this hour?"
"I am looking for Eiran," Darius said. "Is he here?"
She shook her head without hesitation. "No."
Darius felt a small drop in his chest.
"I see," he said. "Then do you know where—"
Before he could finish, another voice came from behind her. Sleepy, annoyed.
"Honestly… who is it…?"
Footsteps followed.
A man stepped into view, rubbing his eyes.
Darius's breath caught.
"…Eiran?"
The man blinked, then froze as recognition hit him.
"Sir Darius?"
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Inside, the atmosphere was tense.
Eiran had quickly invited him in, closing the door behind them. The woman had returned to the children, leaving the two men alone.
Eiran moved toward the small table, preparing coffee. His movements were slightly off, not as steady as one might expect. There was a nervousness in him that had not been there before.
The cup was placed in front of him.
Eiran sat across from him, but his posture was stiff.
"What brings you here, Sir Darius?" he asked, though his voice lacked its usual calm.
Darius did not circle around the matter.
"Where is Sion?Where did you hide him?"
Eiran blinked, clearly caught off guard.
"…What?"
"Where is he?" Darius repeated.
Confusion spread across Eiran's face.
"Why are you asking me that?" he said. "Shouldn't Rain be with him?"
Darius frowned.
"…Rain?"
Eiran went still and quickly covered his mouth.
"Ah..."