Bonus chapter (Magic castle reward)

As Shadow and Whisper led them deeper into the bowels of The Rusty Nail, Zafron couldn't shake the feeling that they were being backed into a corner. The twins' earlier friendliness had given way to a sharp-edged practicality that set his teeth on edge.

'They're playing us,' he thought, exchanging a quick glance with Matilda. 'But for what?'

Shadow leaned against a makeshift table, her glowing eyes fixed on Zafron. "Let's cut the crap, shall we? You want to survive down here? You need to understand one thing: nothing comes for free."

Whisper nodded, a predatory grin spreading across her face. "Everything in the Undercity is either taken or earned. And right now, you two don't have the rep to take anything without losing your heads."

Matilda bristled, her noble upbringing shining through despite their predicament. "Are you threatening us? After you promised safe passage?"