An Unlikely Alliance

The sting of Jean-Luc’s defeat still lingered, not just for him, but for the entire Académie. Ethan found himself the subject of wary glances, a mixture of respect and resentment swirling around him like the Parisian fog. He knew he couldn't afford to revel in the victory. It had been a necessary display of skill, a declaration that he was not to be underestimated, but it also painted a target on his back, one conveniently labeled "troublemaker" by the Académie's old guard.

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He was in the academy’s library, supposedly studying ancient fencing treatises, but his mind was miles away, replaying the events that had led him here. Victor Sinclair's insidious reach, the stolen company, the deaths of his parents… he gripped the worn leather of the book, trying to contain the inferno of rage that threatened to consume him. He needed a plan, a way to strike back at Sinclair, to expose his crimes. Raw skill with a blade, while impressive, wouldn't be enough to topple a man like that. He needed information, and he needed allies.

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A shadow fell across the table. Ethan looked up, his hand instinctively moving toward the concealed dagger he now carried at all times. Standing before him was Sophie Dubois.

He hadn’t spoken to her directly since the duel. She had simply observed from the sidelines, her expression unreadable. Now, however, there was a determined glint in her usually cool blue eyes.

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