Eren paced his quarters, his mind racing with plans and contingencies. His every instinct told him the council's pressure wouldn't let up until they'd crushed everyone in Niall's network. But today, he wouldn't wait for them to close in—he'd make the first move.

A knock sounded at his door. He opened it to find Niall, his face shadowed by the dim light of the corridor.

"We need to talk," Niall said, voice low. "Now."

Eren stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. Niall shut the door behind him and faced Eren with an expression that left no room for doubt. "The council has compromised our lines. They're in the process of identifying everyone connected to us. They'll start eliminating them if we don't act."

Eren's mind snapped into sharp focus. "Then let's cut off their reach. We hit them where it hurts."

Niall nodded approvingly. "That's the plan. I have a few key council members in mind—individuals whose removal would leave them weakened, scrambling to fill the void. But it won't be easy."

Eren's lips curved into a slight smile. "When is it ever?"

Niall's gaze darkened. "This won't be like before, Eren. It's one thing to fend off mercenaries, another to take on the council. If you're caught, there's no coming back."

"I've already crossed that line," Eren replied, his voice steady. "Tell me what I need to do."

Niall watched him for a long moment before he spoke. "You're in this as deep as I am, then. Good." He took a step closer, holding out his hand. "We seal this with blood."

Eren understood the significance—the oath was an ancient pact, binding them in mutual trust and vengeance. He took Niall's hand, feeling the weight of their combined fates settle over him.

They each drew a small blade, pressing the edges against their palms. Blood welled from the cuts, and they clasped hands, sealing the pact in silence. The air around them grew heavy, as if the shadows themselves acknowledged the bond they'd just forged.

Niall's voice broke the silence. "From this moment, we move as one. Every action, every decision—it's bound to this oath. Betray it, and it will be your undoing."

Eren nodded, feeling the gravity of the words settle deep within him. There was no room for hesitation, no chance to turn back. He was committed, body and soul, to a path that would either lead to their victory—or their destruction.

As they released their hands, Eren felt a new resolve take hold, an iron will hardened by the promise of blood and vengeance. He glanced at Niall, a question in his eyes. "Who do we go after first?"

Niall's gaze sharpened, and he gave Eren a thin smile. "Councilor Taryn. She's the strategist behind most of their operations. Remove her, and their plans fall apart."

"Then that's where we start," Eren said, his voice as cold as the steel blade in his hand.

---

Later that night, Eren prepared himself for the task ahead. He donned his cloak, fastening it tightly, and concealed his weapons along his belt. He moved with a sense of purpose, his every action sharpened by the oath he'd made with Niall. There was no hesitation now—only the knowledge that his actions would either secure their freedom or seal their fate.

As he made his way to the councilor's chambers, he moved through the shadows like a wraith, silent and unseen. His heartbeat was steady, his senses keenly attuned to every sound, every movement around him.

When he reached Taryn's quarters, he paused, scanning the area for guards. He counted four, each positioned strategically. But he was prepared. With precise movements, he dispatched each guard, his actions swift and merciless.

Finally, he slipped into the councilor's chambers, finding her seated at her desk, oblivious to the danger lurking behind her. Eren stepped forward, his blade poised, ready to strike.

But as he moved, something in him faltered—a brief, almost imperceptible hesitation. The words from the night before echoed in his mind: "In trying to destroy your enemies, you become just like them."

For a fleeting moment, he saw a vision of the person he'd once been, a gentle soul lost in the darkness. But the memory faded as quickly as it had come. He steeled himself, pushing aside the doubts that threatened to unravel him.

With a single, swift motion, he brought the blade down.

---

As he left Taryn's chambers, Eren felt a strange emptiness settle over him. The act had been swift, clinical. He'd done what was necessary, yet the weight of his choices pressed down on him, a reminder of the person he'd left behind.

He returned to the safehouse, where Niall was waiting, his eyes filled with a quiet satisfaction. "It's done?" Niall asked, though he already knew the answer.

Eren nodded. "She's gone."

"Good," Niall replied, his voice cold and approving. "One less threat to worry about."

But as he met Niall's gaze, Eren felt the faint stirrings of doubt. He'd taken a life in the name of survival, but the emptiness inside him remained, a hollow reminder of the cost of his choices.

In silence, he turned and left, his footsteps echoing in the darkness. The path he'd chosen was set, and there was no going back. But as he walked, a small part of him wondered just how much of himself he'd have left by the end.