"There is one area we haven't fully explored yet."
"What?" Claire asked quickly.
"The old alliances," Marcus replied, tapping a specific section of the map that marked territories belonging to other families and groups. "Back then, Adrian was not yet the undisputed leader he is now. He was building his power, forming partnerships, working with other families that were considered allies. Families that claimed to be on our side. If someone wanted to hurt Adrian but couldn't attack him directly... they wouldn't send someone from inside his own group. They would use a trusted ally. Someone he would never suspect."
Sophia’s eyes widened as the realization hit her. "Someone who was close enough to know everything... but far enough away to betray him without leaving a trace."
"Exactly," Marcu
