Five Days Later - The Black Market District
The alchemist's shop was burning.
Draven stood across the street. Watching flames consume the building. Watching guards try to contain the blaze. Too late. The structure was already collapsing.
"Arson," the guard captain said. "Someone doused it in oil. Lit it from three sides. Professional job."
"Anyone inside?" Draven asked.
"No body found yet. But the old man who ran the place—haven't seen him since yesterday."
Draven's jaw tightened. Marcus. Had to be.
[ Witness #4 status: Unknown. Presumed dead or in hiding.]
[Marcus is trying to erase the evidence chain.]
"Keep searching," Draven told the captain. "If you find the proprietor alive, bring him to Duke Valerius's estate immediately. Full protection."
"Yes, my lord."
Draven left. Mind racing. Marcus was panicking. Making desperate moves. Trying to eliminate witnesses before the tribunal.
