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Ezra startled, his eyes widening. Shit. She's at least fifth ring.

The deep crimson liquid glistened as she poured, handing Ezra one of the glasses. Ezra waited for her to ask what he heard or even just kill him but it never came. If it ever came to that, he knew he won't just take it. He'd go out swinging. His hands tightened around the glass.

She took a sip from her glass, her gaze steady on him. "What did you think of my judgment in your case, Ezra? That was your first time, wasn't it?"

Ezra hesitated, the memory of the trial flashing through his mind. The Breach of Secrecy had been a grave accusation, and her ruling had spared him from the punishment of death. Why's she asking me about it? He weighed his words carefully, wary of any hidden traps in her question.

"I thought your ruling was just and fair," he finally replied, his voice measured. He'd give the safe answer. The answer that was least likely to trigger a hostile response.

To his surprise, the Arbiter laughed, a clear, melodic sound that echoed in the quiet night. Ezra's eyes widened, her reaction not what he had expected.

"Just and fair?" she repeated, amusement dancing in her eyes. "I knew you broke the law, Ezra. Your exoneration was not because of your innocence, but because your death could not be allowed. You were needed to unite the Southside swiftly. Which you did. That was impressive, by the way.

Well done."

Ezra's mind raced, trying to process her words. He couldn't contain his shock. How? Why? She had known? Wait a minute!

The Arbiter needed me to unite the Southside?

He automatically lifted the glass in his hand and took a sip of the blood wine, the rich taste grounding him as he considered her revelation.

Silence filled the area. Even the distant sound of the city around them seem muted.

"Do you understand how valuable the Southside is?" she asked as she broke the silence, her tone now serious.

Ezra nodded slowly. "I think I do. The Southside is a key territory, both strategically and economically. It holds the most firepower when it comes to the human forces of the gang and it also holds a lot of money with the illegal arms trade."

"The Southside is much more than that. Don't worry. You'll soon realize it." The Arbiter leaned back, her gaze never leaving his. "And are you aware of the dangers you face? The other vampires who might be coming after you?"

Ezra's grip tightened on his glass. "You know about that?"

She nodded. "Others will seek to take the Southside from you. You've already done the hard work of uniting the territory. Now, they want to claim it for themselves. The counts won't act against you directly, but they won't protect you either. You are on your own."

Ezra's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The knowledge that his enemies were already circling, waiting for a moment of weakness, was a heavy burden. He had felt the pressure, the constant vigilance, but now it seemed even more critical.

"Hold out," the Arbiter continued. "It won't be long. The new count is already in the city."

Ezra stared at her in shock. He hadn't even established his own power separate from South side. He looked at her, searching for any hint of deception or ulterior motives. But her expression was calm, her eyes clear. She had no reason to lie to him, at least not about this.

"And what about you?" he asked. "Why are you telling me this?"

The Arbiter smiled, a faint, mysterious curve of her lips. "Consider it a professional courtesy. You have potential, Ezra. It would be a shame to see it wasted."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of her words settling over him.

Ezra took another sip of the blood wine, the liquid a reminder of the life he had chosen and the dangers that came with it. He now understood a bit about why the Silent Hand were after him.

They weren't truly after him or Ascendant Capital. They were after Southside. The Southside was a prize, a powerful territory that others would kill to control. He had united it, brought it under his influence, but now he had to defend it against those who would see him fall.

The Arbiter's presence was a strange comfort, a reminder that he was not completely isolated. Yet, her warning was clear. He was on his own in this fight.

The counts would not help him. They would watch, waiting to see if he could hold what he had taken. He'd have to find allies among his fellow vampires. His thoughts turned to the vampire debts Ascendant Capital was holding. Should he leverage it for protection?

Ezra took a deep breath, the night air filling his lungs. "I understand," he said quietly to the Arbiter. "Thank you for the warning."

She nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Be careful, Ezra Matten. The Southside is a valuable prize, but it is also a deadly trap. Use your wits and your strength. Survive. And you'll be well rewarded."

With that, she rose, the empty glass in her hand disappearing along with the bottle. Ezra stood as well, watching as she began to walk away. The night seemed darker, the shadows deeper, as her figure receded into the distance.

Ezra sat back down on the bench, the weight of his situation pressing down on him. The Arbiter had given him a lot to think about. He was left holding an empty glass, wondering what to do with it.