The body hadn't even grown cold before the hall snapped back to life — hushed at first, like the fortress itself was afraid to breathe wrong. The attendants dragged the corpse away, leaving behind only a dark smear on the stone.
Selina didn't flinch.
"Come," she said, gesturing with two fingers, sharp and precise. "You've seen enough of the entrance hall."
Midarion and Reikika followed without protest. Midarion clutched Keel tightly, the hatchling curled against him, sensing the tension. Reikika kept her eyes off the bloodstain.
Wherever Selina walked, people moved aside. Not in fear — but in a practiced, instinctive respect. A kind trained into bone.
"Does everyone do that when you walk by?" Reikika whispered.
Selina didn't look back. "Only if they intend to stay alive."
They moved through the deeper corridors of the Black Post. The chatter faded. Boots softened. Air thickened. Stone turned darker, the walls marked with the faint sigil of the blue raven.
Finally, they reached a tall door of dark steel, engraved with wings folded inward.
Selina didn't open it.
She turned, folding her hands behind her back.
"Before we enter," she said calmly, "you need to understand where you are — and who is here."
Midarion straightened.
"You asked if there were people stronger than me in the Black Post."
Reikika nodded. "You said you were only half as strong as… someone."
Selina raised her hand. Five fingers.
"We call them the Five Fingers. Five individuals who stand above everyone else in strength, authority, and skill. The highest enforcers of the Black Post."
Her tone lowered.
"Their presence alone changes how this place breathes."
Reikika blinked. "Fingers… like on a hand?"
"Exactly." Selina smiled faintly. "Because together, they form a Hand. The Hand governs the Black Post. Every mission, every alliance, every threat, every death warrant — all of it flows through him."
Midarion swallowed. "So… the Hand is the leader? one real living individual?"
Selina nodded once.
"The most wanted phantom in all kingdoms. The Ravenlord. The Spymaster. A myth to outsiders. A warning to insiders."
Her glasses glimmered sharply.
"People fear the Fingers. But they are nothing compared to him."
Reikika trembled. "We're… living among criminals?"
Selina laughed softly.
"Dear girl, Arechi itself was built on criminals. But worry not."
She winked.
"They don't kill children. Usually."
Midarion stiffened protectively around Reikika.
Selina continued, unbothered.
"The Fingers rarely gather all in one location. They lead separate branches — infiltration, assassination, diplomacy, war, intelligence."
She tapped the raven engraving on the door.
"And all bear the Black Post's mark: the open-winged blue raven of liberation"
Reikika whispered, "Then… have you seen the Hand?"
Selina's expression changed — fear, respect, something close to reverence.
"A few times," she said quietly.
Midarion asked, "What is he like?"
Selina exhaled.
"His presence alone makes seasoned killers kneel."
She cleared her throat, returning to composure.
"But don't be afraid. Tonight, you meet only two Fingers."
Reikika jumped. "Two?!"
Selina turned the handle.
"You've already met one."
The door opened.
Warmth spilled out, golden and soft.
Inside stood two silhouettes.
The first leaned casually against the wall — tall, lean, muscled. Long black hair tied in a high messy bun, scarlet eyes sharp as knives. Black tattoos wrapped around his arms like coiling serpents. A red katana rested at his back, runes glowing faintly on the sheath.
Ren Tameemon.
The man who had fought them in the Trial of Resolve.
Selina gestured elegantly.
"This is Ren Tameemon — the Index Finger. Chief Negotiator. Field Strategist. Voice and blade of the Black Post."
Ren smirked.
"Didn't think I'd see you kids again so soon."
Selina nodded toward Reikika.
"He will be your instructor. Your mentor."
Ren shrugged. "Try not to die. Makes training awkward."
Reikika straightened in fear and determination."I–I won't."
A grin tugged at his lips — approval hidden behind mockery.
Then Selina turned to the second figure.
He stepped from the shadows with the quiet weight of a predator.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Bronze skin glowing softly in the lanternlight. Long white dreads tied with blue beads that clicked softly. Tribal markings ran across his arms like ancient runes. A massive wolf-pelt cloak draped his shoulders.
Amber eyes glowed.
"This is Theomar Sado," Selina said. "The Middle Finger. Shadow hunter, Tracker, and Field Scout of the Black Post"
She lowered her voice.
"Also known as theGodwolf."
Theomar looked directly at Midarion — too directly.
"I watched your fight," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Your senses are sharp. Sharper than most grown hunters."
He stepped close, beads clicking.
"You've got the eyes of a young wolf."
Selina gestured to Midarion.
"He will be your mentor."
Theomar lifted a hand.
"Not yet."
He crouched to Midarion's height. Those amber eyes saw too much.
"I don't train someone who doesn't know why he fights."
He leaned down.
"So tell me, young wolf…Why do you want to be strong?
Midarion lowered his gaze. "I… don't know."
He stopped.
No. He did know.
He raised his eyes, voice steady.
"I want to uncover the truth — about my past, about Reikika's. I want a world where children don't wake up alone. Where no one lives in chains. If I have to bleed… I will."
Silence fell like a stone.
Ren's smirk faded. Selina inhaled. Theomar stilled.
Then—
The Godwolf laughed, a deep primal sound.
"With everything you survived at just twelve, I'm not surprised."
He placed a heavy hand on Midarion's shoulder.
"If even one child believes peace is worth fighting for…"
His grip tightened.
"…then the dream isn't dead."
He straightened.
"I will believe in you, young wolf. Welcome to the Black Post"
His grin returned, fierce and bright.
Selina cleared her throat.
"One last decree," she said. "From the Hand himself."
Both Fingers straightened immediately.
"When you passed the Trial, he decided your stay here lasts exactly three years."
Reikika gasped. "Three… years?"
Selina nodded.
"And after those three years… you will leave the Black Post."
Midarion blinked. "Go where?"
Selina's eyes gleamed.
"To the Kingdom Beneath the Stars."
Reikika whispered, breathless:
"…Astraelis."
Selina nodded.
"You will undergo their soldier trials. If fate permits… you may become one of them."Her voice softened.
"The Hand believes it's the best way for you to uncover who you truly are — and the truth behind your pasts."
Selina stepped toward the door with Ren and Theomar.
"That is where your true path begins."
The door closed behind them with a deep, final thunk.