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He needed to meet Lady Amara and call in the first of the five favors they had agreed upon.

Arriving at a secluded, upscale café known for its discretion, Ezra entered and was immediately directed to a private room at the back.

Lady Amara, the Lone Lady, was already there, seated gracefully with a glass of dark red wine. She looked up as he entered, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Ezra Matten." She greeted, her voice smooth and tinged with amusement. "I must say, I didn\'t expect to be called upon so soon. What brings you to collect a favor already?"

Ezra took a seat opposite her, his demeanor calm but serious. "Lady Amara, circumstances have accelerated our need. I have a task that requires your particular skills and... discretion."

Amara arched an eyebrow, taking a sip of her wine. "I\'m intrigued. What is it that you need?"

"I need you to arrange a discreet meeting between myself and Veran, the leader of the Blackthorne coven." Ezra stated plainly.

Amara\'s amusement deepened, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Veran? That is quite the request. Why so urgent?"

"I have something they need and they have something I need." Ezra explained. "Doesn\'t that warrant a meeting? Remember, it\'s critical that this meeting stays off his radar."

"Judging by the fact that you need me, you and Veran must not be on the best of terms." Amara considered his words, her fingers tapping lightly on the glass.

"Veran is cautious and not easily swayed. What assurance can you give that this meeting will be in his best interest?"

Ezra leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Let him set the time and the place for the meeting. If he feels safe enough, he\'ll accept the meeting."

"If he feels safe enough." Amara repeated softly, her expression thoughtful. "That\'s a hard sell."

"Very well, Ezra Matten. I will arrange the meeting. But remember, this favor clears twenty percent of my debt. You have only four favors left now."

Ezra nodded once. "Thank you, Lady Amara. Your assistance is invaluable."

Amara\'s smile was amused as she took another sip of her wine. "I do hope whatever plans you have in mind succeed, Ezra Matten. First City sure is becoming quite interesting."

With their agreement sealed, Ezra rose to leave. "I\'ll await your confirmation of the meeting details. Time is of the essence."

Amara nodded, her gaze following him as he departed. "You\'ll have your meeting soon, Ezra. Count on it."

Ezra left the café, his mind already shifting to the next steps. Lady Amara\'s involvement was a gamble, but one he hoped would pay off.

He needed to secure the meeting with Veran and gain the information about the Ascension Well before Griffin could act.

*********

Lady Amara drove through the winding streets of First City, her hovercar a sleek, black vehicle that blended with the night.

The journey to the Blackthorne mansion was familiar, yet always fraught with tension given the heavy security presence around it.

As she approached the gates, she slowed down and lowered her window, presenting her identification card to the guards.

The security personnel, all humans but well-trained and heavily armed, scrutinized her credentials before waving her through the first checkpoint.

Amara drove on, the mansion looming larger as she passed through several more layers of security.

Each checkpoint required a new level of clearance, but she navigated them with ease, her reputation as reclusive and neutral granting her passage.

She sighed at all the processes. She wouldn\'t even be entertaining Ezra Matten\'s requests if not for what the Arbiter had told her. It would all be worth it.

Finally, she reached the main entrance, where a butler awaited her arrival. "Lady Amara." He greeted with a polite bow. "Master Veran is expecting you. Please, follow me."

Amara nodded, stepping out of the car and following the butler through the grand entrance.

The interior of the Blackthorne mansion was as luxurious as ever, showing off the coven\'s wealth and power. It was a shame that not many vampires or humans would ever see it.

She was led down a series of corridors until they reached a large, elegantly furnished study where Veran awaited her.

"Lady Amara." Veran said, rising from his seat to greet her. He was a tall, imposing figure with the handsome sharp features of a vampire and an air of authority.

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"It\'s a pleasure to see you. What brings you here tonight?"

Amara inclined her head in greeting, a serene smile on her lips. "Veran, always a pleasure. I come with an urgent request."

Veran raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her to sit. "Please, have a seat. What is this urgent matter?"

Amara took a seat, her expression serious. "It\'s Ezra Matten, leader of the Matten Coven. He wishes to meet with you to discuss a matter of great importance."

Veran\'s eyes narrowed slightly. "Ezra? The CEO of Ascendant Capital? What could he possibly want with me?"

"He said that you have something he need and he has something you need." Amara replied carefully. "He believes that an even exchange would be in your best interests."

Veran scoffed as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze scrutinizing. "I have something he needs? Who said it isn\'t some kind of trap? I know he\'s after me."

"Ezra Matten has stumbled upon new information and he believes that they are aligned with your interests." Amara said, her tone persuasive. "He\'s willing to extend an olive branch with this meeting."

Veran shook his head, a skeptical look in his eyes. "No. Whatever new information he thinks he has, I\'m not interested in becoming a pawn in his game."

"All meeting with him will do is expose us to more danger."

Amara leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering. "Veran, I understand your hesitation. But consider this. What if he actually wants the same thing you want?"

Let that sink in. The idea that Ezra was as dissatisfied with Griffin as Veran himself was with Solomon.

"What if Ezra Matten is an ally, not an enemy?" She pressed.

Veran remained silent for a moment, his gaze distant as he weighed her words.

Finally, he spoke, his voice firm. "If I were to agree to this meeting, I would choose the time and place. I won\'t be dictated to."

Amara\'s smile returned, a hint of relief in her eyes. "Of course. The choice is entirely yours. Ezra Matten respects your need for discretion and will accommodate your preferences."

Veran nodded, his decision made. "Very well. Tell him to be at the Pulse nightclub tomorrow at midnight. We will speak then."

Amara stood, grateful that she had managed to persuade him. "Thank you, Veran. I will relay your terms to Ezra."

As she was escorted out of the mansion, passing through the layers of security once more, Amara felt a sense of accomplishment. She remembered her meeting with the Arbiter and a smile crossed her lips.

She had set the stage for the crucial meeting, one that could shift the balance of power in their favor.

Driving back through the streets of First City, she sent a quick message to Ezra.

"It is done."

She couldn\'t help but feel a surge of anticipation. Everything was moving into place, and soon, the game would reach its next critical juncture.